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Rig Rundown: Red Hot Chili Peppers [2017]

See how the extensive live setups used by Flea and Josh Klinghoffer have morphed since their 2012 I'm with You tour.

In the nearly five years since our previous Rig Rundown with Flea, the 4-string Renaissance man’s stomp station has hardly changed: Back then it had just four pedals, and today it’s got five—three of which are the same models as before. In addition to the MXR Micro Amp, Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron, and Malekko B:Assmaster mainstays (the latter of which now has a box preventing accidental knob changes), Flea’s current board has a Boss GEB-7 equalizer and a Wilson Effects Freaker wah. A Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus provides volts and amps, and a Radial Engineering SGI-44 gets the signal from Flea’s wireless receiver (not shown) to his pedalboard.

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Here’s a physical mashup for new sounds—something that never existed before now: a humbucking Charlie Christian pickup.


Have texture, color, context, and groove replaced shred chops and bluesy bends in the modern guitar era? Seems like it!

There was a time when the electric guitar reigned like a monarch. Plugged in, turned up, and cracking the sky with saturated authority, it swaggered through stadiums, screamed through garage doors, and printed sparkling textures onto tape reels in studios. Electric guitars weren’t just instruments, they were an accomplice in rebellion—a declaration of intent with six strings and a headstock like a crown.

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This wonky Zim-Gar was one of many guitars sold by importer Gar-Zim Musical Instruments, operated by Larry Zimmerman and his wife.

The 1960s were strange days indeed for import guitars, like this cleaver-friendly Zim-Gar electric.

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Dive into the ART Tube MP/C with PG contributor Tom Butwin. Experience how this classic tube-driven preamp and compressor can add warmth and clarity to your sound. From studio recordings to re-amping and live stage applications, this time-tested design packs a ton of features for an affordable price.

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In line with the MOOER’s recent expansion on the MSC range, the company is excited to announce the new MSC50 Pro, an Alder-bodied electric guitar with gloss finish, available in the new Magic Crystal color.

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