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Rig Rundown: Kurt Vile & The Violators

The Philly-based group explains how they use vintage Fender gear, classic tube amps, and a few homemade pedals to produce their brand of psychedelic folk-rock.

The band’s recent b’lieve I’m going down…. was recorded in seven different studios and while the band was in L.A., Laasko bought this Fender Bass VI. He thinks this particular one was part of the company’s early run or even a prototype because the headstock has “Bass VI” on it, which isn’t on any of the current production models, plus it doesn’t have a whammy bar. He used to only take out Fender Bass VI models on previous tour dates with the Violators because it could handle bass and guitar while filling a unique sonic space onstage. He choose this oddball because he feels it has more of a piano-like sustain. He pulls this one out on “Goldtone.” This beast is equipped with custom La Bella Bass VI flatwound strings.

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Brent Mason is, of course, on of the most recorded guitarists in history, who helped define the sound of most ’90s country superstars. So, whether you know it or not, you’ve likely heard Mason’s playing.

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For the first time ever, two guitar greats, John 5 and Richie Kotzen will be heading out on the road this year. The tour will launch October 16 and run through November, hitting markets across the U.S.

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AEROSMITH guitarist and songwriter JOE PERRY is set to return to the road for a series of August performances with THE JOE PERRY PROJECT. The 8-date run kicks off August 13 in Tampa, FL and wraps August 23 in Port Chester, New York, with an August 19 performance in PERRY’s Boston hometown (see the itinerary below). For the North American trek—which marks the first solo shows for PERRY this year—the legendary guitarist will be joined by his Aerosmith bandmates Brad Whitford (guitar) and Buck Johnson (keys), along with The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson (vocals), and Stone Temple Pilots’ Robert DeLeo (bass), and Eric Kretz (drums).

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A sample page from the author’s analog log.

Seasonal changes are tough on your acoustic. Here’s how you can take better care of your prized instrument.

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