Mario calls San Diego-based teacher, Seth Hollander, his guitar guru because he taught him and Erick their tapping techniques, got them into the Ibanez family, picked out the DiMarzio pickups in Mario’s Ibanez, and even painted Mario’s RG series axe seen above.
While getting ready to record their just-released album, Homey, the guys tried out several combos and one of them was a Matchless Lightning 15. The studio’s combo sounded so good that Mario went out and bought his own 1x15 combo that uses EL84s.
While keeping things minimal with just one guitar and one amp, Mario gets wild with this impressive board that is home to nearly a dozen stomps from EarthQuaker Devices including the Warden, Dunes, Arrows, The Depths, Grand Orbiter, Night Wire, Spatial Delivery, Organizer, Hummingbird, Avalanche Run, and Afterneath. Other pedals in his setup are a TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Noir, MXR Booster Mini, Ibanez Chorus Mini, MXR Reverb, and MXR Echoplex Delay.
While this looks just like another RG series Ibanez, this is actually a (tentatively named) AZ series prototype that Erick recently scored from the company’s L.A. Custom Shop. What Hansel does tell us in the interview is that this proto has smaller frets than a typical RG and has special-designed humbuckers from Seymour Duncan.
Equally blown away by the clarity and tone of the Matchless combo while recording Homey, Hansel wanted to keep a similar vibe but he opted for a different Matchless flavor by going with a Spitfire 15.
Again, like his guitar counterpart, Hansel keeps things streamlined with just a guitar and amp, and saves the “overkill” for the stomp station. Another big fan of EQD, he’ll kick on their Warden, Dunes, Arrows, Levitation, Arpanoid, The Depths, Sea Machine, Transmisser, Night Wire, and Avalanche Run. Other tone treats include TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Noir, Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer Pro, MXR Echoplex Delay, MXR Phase 95, and a MXR Reverb.
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Steve Lukather is one of the most documented guitarists in the hit-making biz. He grew up as an L.A. teen with a crew of fellow musicians who would go on to make their livings at the top of the session scene. By the time Lukather and his pals formed Toto, they were already experienced chart-toppers. The band went on to success with hits including the rockin’ “Hold the Line,” breezy, bouncing “Rosanna,” and the timeless “Africa.”
As a session player, Lukather’s reign in the ’70s and ‘80s extended from Olivia Newton-John to Herbie Hancock to Michael Jackson. And alongside Michael McDonald—whose “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” included Lukather’s distinctive rhythm riffage—Daryl Hall and John Oates, Kenny Loggins, Peter Cetera, and Christopher Cross (among many others) he may have earned the title of yacht rock’s number one guitar player.
On this episode of the 100 Guitarists podcast, we’re talking about our favorite Lukather tracks, from his best rhythm parts to his most rippin’ solos. And even though he spends most of his playing time with the biggest names, we’ve managed to call up a few deep cuts.
This episode is sponsored by EMG Pickups.
Use code EMG100 for 15% off at checkout!
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Aguilar is introducing the amPlug3 Tone Hammer, a portable headphone amplifier inspired by the iconic Tone Hammer sound. Ideal for practicing anywhere, this compact device packs dual channel Clean and Drive modes for ultimate versatility. To help keep practice sessions inspiring, the unit includes reverb, chorus, and compression as built-in, onboard effects and a built-in rhythm feature to keep any players favorite basslines in time. Lastly, the amPlug3 features AUX connectivity to allow players to play along with tracks, or via a TRRS cable, record straight to a phone or laptop with ease. Whether at home, in the studio, or on the road, the amPlug3 Tone Hammer offers a convenient practice solution without compromising tone.
In addition to the amPlug 3 Tone Hammer, Aguilar has revamped their iconic Tone Hammer Preamp pedal. Built upon the original design that has become an essential tool for bass players seeking tone and flexibility. Incorporating customer feedback and refining key features, the new Tone Hammer Preamp offers enhanced drive functionality featuring an expanded gain range with a separate "drive" control for greater tonal precision, allowing users to refine their overdriven and clean tones independently. New Practice-friendly features include the addition of a headphone output and auxiliary input, allowing the pedal to double as the perfect practice companion at home or on the road. The updated, compact enclosure has a modern aesthetic, complementing the Tone Hammer series of amplifiers.
“We are thrilled to expand the Tone Hammer family with these new products,” said Jordan Cortese of Aguilar Amplification. “The reimagined Preamp/DI pedal and the all-new amPlug3 Tone Hammer provide bassists with even more options to achieve their perfect sound, whether they’re on stage or practicing on the move.”
Street Prices:
- Tone Hammer Preamp Pedal $299.99
- amPlug3 Tone hammer $59.99
Aguilar amPlug 3 Tone Hammer Bass Guitar Headphone Amplifier
