When PG caught up with Van Halen before their April 27, 2012, performance at Nashvilleās Bridgestone Arena, the only thing more thrilling than getting a guided tour of Eddieās and Wolfgangās rigs from their techs, Craig DeFalco and Jim Survis, was getting to sit through soundcheck and hear Ed, Wolf, and Alex pound out flawless versions of classics such as āUnchainedā and āRunninā with the Devil.ā Sadly, we canāt share the unreal listening experience with youābut we can share our great shots of their gear. Enjoy!
If youāve been on the path of this springās Rhett Schull/Zach Person tour, youāve been treated to one of the coolest rock ānā roll double bills criss-crossing North America this year. Person, who is based in Austin, put out his second full-length record, Letās Get Loud, in March 2024, and it was packed with alt-, blues-, and psychedelic-rock anthems built around his take-no-prisoners playing.
This year, Person is road-dogginā it around the United States as a two-piece unit with just a drummer, and PGās Chris Kies caught up with him before he and Shull played the Eastside Bowl in Madison, Tennessee, to see what goods Person is bringing for this springās shows.
Brought to you by DāAddario
Customized Custom
This Gibson Jimi Hendrix 1967 Custom SG came from Gibsonās custom shop, and for Person, an SG with humbuckers is a hard combination to beat. He removed the Maestro trem system and had a tailpiece installed for tuning stability on the road, and he subjected the neck humbucker to a āJimmy Page mod,ā which entails removing the pole pieces to get closer to single-coil tones. This SG stays in standard tuning, with Ernie Ball or DāAddario strings (usually .010ā.046s). Person digs Dunlop Flow Grip .88 mm picks.
Brown Sound
Person brought this 1967 Gibson SG Special back to life with a list of modifications and upgrades, including new pickups and a refinish, but its wood, neck shape, and original frets all made it worth it to him. The neck shape is narrow but chunky in Personās hands, landing somewhere near the feel of Tyler Bryantās 1962 Stratocaster. The pickups now are OX4 P-90s, and like the Custom, this oneās had its Maestro system amputated.
Jeannie Comes Alive
One Thanksgiving at his in-lawsā home in Dallas, Person mentioned how badly he wanted a Gibson LG-2 acoustic. As it happened, his father-in-law suspected his mother had one, which had been relegated to storage in a shed. Person and his wifeās father ventured through rain to dig it out, and sure enough, a very beat up LG-1 was withering away in its case. No local techs in Austin thought it was worth saving, except for Elaine Filion, who was used to taking on bigger restoration projects. Filion succeeded, taking the top off and installing an X-bracing system to turn the LG-1 into an LG-2-style guitar. Now, itās got an L.R. Baggs pickup and bears the nameplate āJeannieā on its headstock to commemorate his wifeās grandma, the original owner. Jeannie usually stays home, but Person brought her out specially for the Rundown.
Marshall Muscle
This Marshall JTM45 MkII is Personās usual go-to. It runs just at breakup volume and gets pushed with some variation of a Pro Co RAT, his favorite dirt box.
Supro Signature
This Super Black Magick Reverb, Tyler Bryantās signature, is along for the ride as a backup to the Marshall.
Zach Personās Pedalboard
Person has done tours with just an overdrive pedal and nothing else, so by comparison, this two-tiered Vertex board is luxurious. Still, itās compact and carries all he needs at the moment. The JHS Pack Rat is the core sound, set fairly heavy and dirty. The rest includes a Boss TU-3, EarthQuaker Devices Double Hoof, Vox Clyde McCoy wah, Boss BF-2, DigiTech Drop, Strymon El Capistan, and an Interstellar Audio Machines Marsling Octafuzzdrive. A TC Helicon Mic Mechanic rides along as a vocal effect so Person can keep control over his voice from night to night.
This is perhaps the most rare Iwase guitar: one volume, one tone, and a quality adjustable bridge, plus a raised pickguard and some beautiful shading on the burst.
And then my mind wandered to my college days, when I was an English major. I got to read and write every day, and I thought I was getting good at it until a professor raked me over the proverbial coals for using the word āuniqueā incorrectly when describing a local bandās sound. He really tore me up, because if I describe something as unique, it should be like none otherālike a snowflake.
So, what about guitars? Is a custom-shop model unique if it has the same pickups and same scale as many others? Even if the body is shaped differently? Seriously, that professor would hand you your butt because, in his mind, you didnāt just choose words unless you understood their real meaning. Consider the super-rare Teisco T-60 ā¦ the model that Glen Campbell loved and played for much of his early career. I know of only four in existence. There are some Japanese collectors who own hundreds of guitars but donāt have a T-60. Does that make the T-60 unique, or simply rare? I mean, they were all hand-made and featured that original hole-in-the-body āmonkey gripā ā¦ but unique? Talk amongst yourselves for a hot minute.
āIn my waning days of collecting, I just want to have Voice stuff, because I met Iwase and connected with him immediately.ā
I recently wrote about the passing of the great Japanese luthier Yukichi Iwase, whose small company (basically just him) produced some of the finest guitars and amps and carried the āVoiceā label. A friend in Japan, along with his daughters, were in the process of clearing out his old workshop, and Iāve been trying to acquire everything from it that I can. I used to collect just Teisco stuff, and then I had a passion for the old Intermark/Pleasant guitars. Then I wanted to get all the old Yamaha stuff I could find. But now, in my waning days of collecting, I just want to have Voice stuff, because I met Iwase and connected with him immediately. He was a peach, and, yes, he was unique. Aside from being one of the earliest employees of Tesico, he was a brilliant fellow who could make just about anything from scratch, including guitars and amps. Left in his workshop were a few unfinished T-60s, some pedal steels, some amps, a really cool bass, an unfinished double-neck guitar, and a tiny guitar that is also truly worthy of the term āunique.ā
āI know these pickups well enough to understand they are loud, crisp, and offer a full range of sounds,ā our columnist says.
The latter is a small powerhouse of a guitar. It has one of his amazing pickups that looks like a big block engine stuffed into an AMC Gremlin. He somehow squeezed out a 23" scale, but the rest of the guitar is like a childās 6-string or a travel guitar. I believe he only made one of these. The body design has an ocean-wave type of flow, and the guitar is very balanced and not hard on the eyes, even with the exaggerated features. One volume, one tone, and a quality adjustable bridge plus a raised pickguardāthe only time Iāve seen this design on his guitars. His finish work was really nice, too, and he was able to get some beautiful shading on the burst. The headstock has a figured overlay and the neck profile is so sweetācurved perfectly with some fine wood.
To me, it seems to have been built around 1966, based on the tuners he used. I donāt have the heart yet to plug this into an amp, but I know these pickups well enough to understand they are loud, crisp, and offer a full range of sounds. So, what do you think? Rare? Truly unique?
Built to Be Reimagined
Since inception, Fender guitars and basses have been crafted with an inherent adaptabilityādesigned to shape and be shaped by the artists who redefine music with them. Throughout the decades, musicians from every genre have transformed Fender instruments to suit their unique sound, making them a true canvas for creativity. The ethos of Fender is, in many ways, a history of modificationāwhere each artist's personal touch, whether through altering pickups, adjusting necks, or reworking finishes, has shaped not just the instruments but the songs they are written with.
Performance-Driven Upgrades Straight From the Factory
"From the early days of players hot-rodding their StratĀ® and TeleĀ® guitars to todayās musicians pushing sonic boundaries, Fender has always embraced the art of reinvention," said Justin Norvell, EVP of Product, Fender. "Leo Fender intentionally designed our instruments with modularity in mindāallowing them to evolve alongside the player and enabling more personalization than any other brand. Player II Modified carries that spirit forward, offering modern upgrades like our new Player II Modified noiseless pickups and locking tuners for rock-solid stability. Itās about delivering the most in-demand mods straight from the factory while continuing to push the envelope of innovation and support artists in shaping the future of music."
Player II Modified takes the best of the best from Player II Series and builds on it with new and improved performance-driven modifications, offering a refined playing experience straight out of the box.
Key features include:
āNew Player II Modified pickups: Genuine Fender tone from the Player II Modified Humbucker and Player II Noiselessā¢ pickups.
āUpgraded hardware and electronics: From treble bleeds to brass block saddles, the most popular modifications for each model come standard.
āRock-solid tuning stability: Locking tuners and tapered shaft tuners offer next-level reliability.
This spirit of reinvention is deeply embedded in Fenderās legacy, championed by trailblazing artists like Jimi Hendrix, who flipped his StratocasterĀ® upside down to redefine rock guitar, Kurt Cobain, who customized his JaguarĀ® for raw, grunge-driven power, and Thurston Moore, whose JazzmasterĀ® modifications fueled Sonic Youthās experimental edge. Today, musicians continue this traditionāChris Shiflett of Foo Fighters with his Signature TelecasterĀ® Deluxe outfitted with noiseless P-90-style pickups, Julien Baker with her custom-modded American Vintage Thinline, and Brent Mason with his highly versatile ā67 TelecasterĀ®. Even bassists like Flea have reshaped their sound through modifications, such as the active circuitry in his Jazz BassĀ®.
In the Hands of IDLES
As part of the Player II Modified launch campaign, Fender has teamed up withIDLES, ā a British band known for their explosive live performances and boundary-pushing take on rockāwho are featured prominently in the campaign video. Their involvement in the campaign underscores how the Player II Modified series empowers modern players' need for flexibility, tonal range and sonic exploration, whether on stage or in the studio. Watch IDLES perform āGift Horseā and see what they have to say about these souped up guitars and basses. āEvery guitar that Iāve ever had, Iāve modified almost immediately,ā said Mark Bowen, IDLES guitarist. āModifications can definitely make a guitar more approachable,ā added Lee Kiernan, IDLES guitarist. āBecause everything is to your taste, and what it is you want it to do.ā
Fender Mod Shop: A Global Tune-Up Experience
Like the world of automotive design, where customization and performance upgrades are part of the culture, Fender instruments have long been embraced as a canvas for creative expression. From paint colors inspired by classic cars to modding hardware and swapping pickups, musicians across decades and genres have made each instrument their own. Modification isnāt just part of the Fender storyāitās at the heart of it, fueling a legacy of innovation, individuality, and sonic evolution. Starting this April, Fender will bring the Mod Shop experience to players in key markets across London and Melbourne. In each city, Fender will transform a local auto shop into an immersive guitar garage āinviting musicians to get their instruments ātuned upā by a team of Fender mechanics. By night, the space will shift gears into a live venue, where English Teacher (UK) and Hot Machine (AUS) will take the stage with the new Player II Modified series, showcasing the upgraded guitars in action.
āIDLES is the kind of band that pushes boundaries every time they plug in," said Evan Jones, CMO Fender. "Their energy, on-stage presence, experimentation, and refusal to stay in one lane resonates with all of us here at Fender. The Player II Modified series is built for artists like themāmusicians who want to evolve their sound, are looking to push boundaries, and make something uniquely their own. We're also excited to bring that spirit of modification & innovation of the Player II Modified Series to life with our upcoming Fender Mod Shop events in London and Melbourne in the coming months. With the Player II Modified series at its core, we're not just showcasing new gear; we're building on our commitment to continually give players & musicians at all levels the ability to find, adjust and perfect their sound.ā
Player II Modified Stratocaster
The Player II Modified StratocasterĀ® is a classic guitar with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the Modern āCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 9.5ā-radius slab rosewood or 1-piece maple fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and 22 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Noiselessā¢ pickups deliver classic StratĀ® chime and sparkle while eliminating unwanted noise and the push/pull switch on the 2nd tone control provides even more tonal flexibility by adding the neck pickup into switch positions 1 and 2. The 2-point tremolo, short post locking tuners, TUSQĀ® nut, and modern string tree all combine to keep tuning incredibly stable, while the wider travel of the chamfered tremolo block allows players to coax even more expressive, musical vibrato from their instrument. Maple Fingerboard offered in 3 Tone Sunburst, Sunshine Yellow and Harvest Green Metallic. Rosewood Fingerboard offered in Dusk, Electric Blue, and Olympic Pearl.
Player II Modified StratocasterĀ® HSS Floyd RoseĀ®
The Player II Modified StratocasterĀ® HSS Floyd RoseĀ® is a classic guitar with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the ModernāCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 12ā-radius slab rosewood fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and 22 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Modified humbucker is articulate with plenty of output and the Noiselessā¢ pickups deliver classic StratĀ® chime and sparkle while eliminating unwanted noise. For additional tonal flexibility, the push/pull switch on the 2nd tone control splits the bridge humbucker for classic StratĀ® single-coil tones. The Floyd RoseĀ® Special tremolo enables subtle-to-wild tremolo action while keeping the guitar perfectly in tune and ready for more. Offered in 3 Tone Sunburst, Dusk and Olympic Pearl.
Player II Modified TelecasterĀ®
The Player II Modified TelecasterĀ® is a classic guitar with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the Modern āCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 9.5ā-radius slab rosewood or 1-piece maple fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and 22 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Noiselessā¢ pickups deliver classic TeleĀ® twang and bite while eliminating unwanted noise and the push/pull switch on the tone control provides even more tonal flexibility by changing the pickup wiring from parallel to series for fatter tones. The 6-saddle bridge, short post locking tuners, TUSQĀ® nut, and modern string tree all combine to keep tuning incredibly stable for even the most demanding bends or roaring rock leads. Maple Fingerboard offered in Olympic Pearl, Electric Blue and Sunshine Yellow. Rosewood Fingerboard offered in 3 Tone Sunburst, Dusk and Harvest Green Metallic.
Player II Modified Active Precision BassĀ®
The Player II Modified Active Precision BassĀ® is a classic bass with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the Modern āCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 9.5ā-radius slab rosewood or 1-piece maple fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and 20 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Noiselessā¢ PJ pickups deliver classic Fender thump and growl while eliminating unwanted noise and the all-new active preamp with passive tone control and improved EQ section gives players the perfect tool to dial in their favorite tones. The 4-saddle HiMassā¢ bridge, tapered-shaft tuners, and TUSQĀ® nut all combine to keep tuning incredibly stable for even the most demanding performances. Maple Fingerboard offered in 3 Tone Sunburst, Dusk and Sunshine Yellow. Rosewood Fingerboard offered in Olympic Pearl and Harvest Green Metallic.
Player II Modified Active Jazz BassĀ®Ā
The Player II Modified Active Jazz BassĀ® is a classic bass with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the Modern āCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 9.5ā-radius slab rosewood or 1-piece maple fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and20 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Noiselessā¢ pickups deliver classic Jazz BassĀ® growl while eliminating unwanted noise while the all-new active preamp with passive tone control and EQ section gives players the perfect tool to dial in their favorite tones. The 4-saddle HiMassā¢ bridge, tapered-shaft tuners, and TUSQĀ® nut all combine to keep tuning incredibly stable for even the most demanding performances. Maple Fingerboard offered in 3 Tone Sunburst, Olympic Pearl and Electric Blue. Rosewood Fingerboard offered in Dusk, and Harvest Green Metallic.
Player II Modified Active Jazz BassĀ® V
The Player II Modified Active Jazz BassĀ® V is a classic bass with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the Modern āCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 9.5ā-radius slab rosewood or 1-piece maple fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and20 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Noiselessā¢ pickups deliver classic Jazz BassĀ® growl while eliminating unwanted noise while the all-new active preamp with passive tone control and EQ section gives players the perfect tool to dial in their favorite tones. The 5-saddle HiMassā¢ bridge, tapered-shaft tuners, and TUSQĀ® nut all combine to keep tuning incredibly stable for even the most demanding performances. Maple Fingerboard offered in Dusk and Olympic Pearl. Rosewood Fingerboard offered in 3 Tone Sunburst and Electric Blue.
