Punk-rock riffin’, patriarchy-smashin’, struttin’ shredder LG introduces us to her custom axes—a "Fancy" SG & skateboard Tele—and fave signal agitators.
Facing a mandatory shelter-in-place ordinance to limit the spread of COVID-19, PG enacted a hybrid approach to filming and producing Rig Rundowns. This is the 33rd video in that format.
Founding guitarist/frontwoman Lauren “LG” Gilbert took some time in between recording episodes for her podcast (Queen of Shit Mountain) and virtually welcomed PG’s Chris Kies into her undisclosed tone bunker. In this Rig Rundown, she opens up about commissioning two custom builds (one that was eventually used for onstage self-defense), explains why she’s a “Peavey princess,” and implores gearheads (providing proof) to get off the internet and hunt for their missing tone link in pawn shops and guitar stores.
“This was my first nice guitar,” remarks LG. Nashville luthier Dave Johnson (Scale Model Guitars) built this custom ride from a photograph LG provided of an early ’60s, natural-finish SG Special that was owned by her uncle. It has a single Burstbucker 1 humbucker and the Bigsby was acquired for “party time” and was gifted to her by Fly Golden Eagle. She requested that Johnson keep the gun-oil finish to a minimum, so it didn’t stay “new” for too long. The “Fancy” fretboard inlay is an ode to her favorite “white trash” song penned by Bobbie Gentry and popularized by Reba McEntire.
Gilbert uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Classic Rock N Roll strings (.010–.046) and plays in standard tuning.
A chance meeting at a NAMM booth and love for reusing old materials directed her on a quest for a guitar that incorporated a skateboard deck. Again, relying on Scale Model Guitar’s Dave Johnson to bring it fruition, he used old skate decks LG found for the body and pickguard. The “T.R.K.” fretboard inlays on this one is a nod to LG’s grandfather (“because he’s the reason I play guitar”) who built and sold guitars during her youth. And even though this guitar is a pain in the neck (literally, it’s over 10 pounds), she loves how it sounds onstage thanks to the Bare Knuckle Yardbird pickups.
“A true Peavey should be able to be thrown off the Empire State Building and then play a fucking arena,” laughs LG. She loves this ’80s Peavey Classic VTX Series 65-watt 2x12 combo. She took the 12" speakers out and now routes it through a Fender 4x10 cab with Celestions that has added clarity and focus to her tone.
“I wouldn’t even play this thing at home,” says LG. However, she did use the Gorilla GG-20 to record the bulk of her 2019 record, Fuck, Marry, Kill.
Her longtime stage steward was this Ibanez UE300 multi-effects unit that houses a compressor/limiter, Tube Screamer, and a stereo chorus. It became too finicky and encroaching beers gave her too much anxiety, so she has retired it from the road.
Covering the void (and adding some new mayhem) left by the UE300 is her shapeshifting board that currently has a trio of pedals from her former employer EarthQuaker Devices (Dispatch Master, Night Wire, and Plumes). Other stomps include an Ibanez PH7, Boss DS-1 Distortion, and a Rude Tech Chorus. A Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner keeps her guitars in check.
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Kick off the holiday season by shopping for the guitar player in your life at Guitar Center! Now through December 24th 2022, save on exclusive instruments, accessories, apparel, and more with hundreds of items at their lowest prices of the year.
We’ve compiled this year’s best deals in the 2022 Holiday Gift Guide presented by Guitar Center.
Les Paul Desert Burst Satin
Spark MINI
GAMMA 50w
Fender Classic Series 5 Guitar Case Stand Tweed
Fender Holiday Guitar Cable Keychain
Fender Limited Edition Holiday Sweater
Harbinger MLS1000 Personal Line Array Speaker System
Sterling Audio P10 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Sterling Audio Harmony H224 USB Audio Interface
Apogee BOOM 2x2 Audio Interface
Sporting custom artwork etched onto the covers, the Railhammer Billy Corgan Z-One Humcutters are designed to offer a fat midrange and a smooth top end.
Billy Corgan was looking for something for heavier Smashing Pumpkins songs, so Joe Naylor designed the Railhammer Billy Corgan Z-One pickup. Sporting custom artwork etched onto the covers, the Railhammer Billy Corgan Z-One Humcutters have a fat midrange and a smooth top end. This pickup combines the drive and sustain of a humbucker with the percussive attack and string clarity of a P90. Get beefy P90 tone plus amp-pummeling output with the Railhammer Billy Corgan Z-One.
Patented Railhammer Pickups take passive guitar pickups to a new level with rails under the wound strings lead to tighter lows, and poles under the plain strings offer fatter heights. With increased clarity, the passive pickup’s tone is never sterile.
Railhammer Billy Corgan Signature Z-One Pickup Demo
For more information, please visit railhammer.com.
Designed for utmost comfort and performance, the Vertigo Ultra Bass is Mono’s answer to those who seek the ultimate gigging experience.
Complete with a range of game-changing design features, such as the patent-pending attachable FREERIDE Wheel System, premium water-resistant and reflective materials, shockproof shell structure and improved ergonomic features, the Vertigo Ultra Bass takes gear protection to the next level.
The Vertigo Ultra Bass features:
- Patent-pending FREERIDE Wheel System that allows for wheels to be attached on the case in no time, giving you the option to travel with it seamlessly
- Upgraded materials, including a water-resistant 1680D Ballistic Nylon outer shell, plush inner lining and new reflective trim for maximum backstage and night visibility
- Enhanced protection with a shockproof shell structure and heavy-duty water-resistant YKK zippers for protection from the elements
- Improved ergonomics and functionality including added back support and load-lifting detachable shoulder straps with side release buckles
- Flexible storage options with added space for touring essentials
MONO Vertigo Ultra Electric Bass Gig Bag - Black
For more information, please visit monocreators.com.
Mojotone will manufacture and market over 60 of their speaker cabinets and amp kits as “Licensed by Fender.”
This partnership marks Fender's recognition of Mojotone’s dedication to its craft, quality of products, and dependability of knowledge. Beginning November 29th and ranging from $327 - $1,016.
Amplifiers were among the first products to wear the official Fender seal. A qualified electronics technician by trade, Leo Fender developed his iconic amplifiers during the mid-1940s putting innovation at the forefront. To this day, Leo’s influence and innovative spirit can still be heard in today’s amps, as that same iconic, clean Fender tone continues to color new music around the world. As a result, the process for completing the exclusive licensing deal required Fender to carefully audit Mojotone’s amplifier kits, wiring diagrams, electronics, hardware, construction methods, and more to ensure this innovation carried on through the partnership. Mojotone’s many years of intense research, quality production, and favorable reputation solidified the deal.
Mojotone has always been determined to provide its customer base with the most sought-after parts with their insider industry-knowledge. They have spent the last 25 years helping musicians recreate what they deem to be the most famous and easily-recognized tones and aesthetics in the music industry. When purchasing Mojotone products, like Fender products, customers can be assured of unmatched quality and craftsmanship.
For more information, please visit mojotone.com.