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VOX - Joe Satriani Ice 9 Overdrive Demo

PG's Shawn Hammond is On Location in Frankfurt, Germany, where he visits the VOX Amplification booth. In this segment, we get to check out the newest effects pedal from VOX - the Joe Satriani Signature Ice 9 Overdrive. The Ice 9 overdrive pedal is fourth in a series of effect pedals created in collaboration between world-renowned guitarist Joe Satriani and VOX. With two distinct overdrive modes, versatile tone-shaping, and the ever-popular 'More' switch, the Ice 9 delivers a wide range of inspiring tones, yet remains remarkably easy to use. The Ice 9's controls are Gain, Tone, Bass Volume and it features the aforementioned More switch. In addition, it has another switch that goes between Vintage and Modern voicings. The Vintage mode employs a special op amp and premium diodes to offer overdrive effects that are sweetly warm and classic, with just the right amount of sparkle and sustain. In contrast, the Modern voice utilizes a Germanium diode to kick up a cutting-edge overdrive that is altogether new and aggressive.



PG's Shawn Hammond is On Location in Frankfurt, Germany, where he visits the VOX Amplification booth. In this segment, we get to check out the newest effects pedal from VOX - the Joe Satriani Signature Ice 9 Overdrive. The Ice 9 overdrive pedal is fourth in a series of effect pedals created in collaboration between world-renowned guitarist Joe Satriani and VOX.

With two distinct overdrive modes, versatile tone-shaping, and the ever-popular 'More' switch, the Ice 9 delivers a wide range of inspiring tones, yet remains remarkably easy to use. The Ice 9's controls are Gain, Tone, Bass Volume and it features the aforementioned More switch. In addition, it has another switch that goes between Vintage and Modern voicings. The Vintage mode employs a special op amp and premium diodes to offer overdrive effects that are sweetly warm and classic, with just the right amount of sparkle and sustain. In contrast, the Modern voice utilizes a Germanium diode to kick up a cutting-edge overdrive that is altogether new and aggressive.

Elliott Easton’s Countryfied Solo on ā€œMy Best Friend’s Girlā€

The Cars’ self-titled 1978 debut record changed the world of power pop forever. Guitarist and co-vocalist Ric Ocasek penned all the tunes, but lead guitarist Elliott Easton transformed them with his tasteful 6-string stylings. This time on Shred With Shifty, Easton sits down with Chris Shiflett to show him how to play the solo from ā€œMy Best Friend’s Girl.ā€


Darkside's Dave Harrington Rig Rundown

youtu.be

Alongside Nicolas Jaar’s electronics, Harrington creates epic sagas of sound with a team of fine-tuned pedalboards.


Tipping Your Cap: Simple Mods for More Capacitance in Your Signal Chain

www.premierguitar.com

This follow-up to May 2025’s column shows you a few basic techniques to inject some capacitance into your rig.

Hello, and welcome back to Mod Garage. This month, we will dive into the details of how to add additional guitar-cable capacitance—the right way. Time to get started!

Custom-Ordering Guitars—the Belltone, Gibson, Kiesel, and Fender Way

Custom designing an instrument and its appointments from a menu of options makes ordering a new axe easy. Four manufacturers share their process.

It’s never been easier for any player to get a guitar made to their liking, and without being an expert, or even an educated amateur in wood, wiring, and other aspects of lutherie. Sure, you can find a builder who will spec out a guitar for you from tree to neck radius to electronics, but for most of us, we’re looking for something easier, less costly, and, often, more familiar.


Boss Waza Tube Amp Expander Core Review

Boss streamlines the size, features, and price of the already excellent Waza Tube Expander with little sacrifice in functionality.

Many of our younger selves would struggle to understand the urge—indeed, the need—to play quieter. My first real confrontation with this ever-more-present reality arrived when Covid came to town. For many months, I could only sneak into my studio space late at night to jam or review anything loud. Ultimately, the thing that made it possible to create and do my job in my little apartment was a reactive load box (in this case, a Universal Audio OX). I set up a Bassman head next to my desk and, with the help of the OX, did the work of a gear editor as well as recorded several very cathartic heavy jams, with the Bassman up to 10, that left my neighbors none the wiser.


Vox’s Valvenergy Tone Sculptor

Two new pedals from the Valvenergy series use a Nutube valve to generate unique dynamics and tone ranges that can be used to radical ends.

When tracking in a studio or DAW, you’re likely to use compression and EQ on most things. Many enduringly amazing and powerful records were made using little else. And though many musicians regard both effects as a bit unglamorous and utilitarian, EQs and comps are as capable of radical sounds as more overtly ā€œweirdā€ effects—particularly when they are used in tandem.

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Significantly smaller and lighter than original TAE. Easy to configure and operate. Great value. Streamlined control set.

Air Feel Level control takes the place of more surgical and realistic resonance controls. Seventy watts less power in onboard power amp. No Bluetooth connectivity with desktop app.

$699

Boss Waza Tube Amp Expander Core

boss.info

5
4.5
4.5
4.5

Boss streamlines the size, features, and price of the already excellent Waza Tube Expander with little sacrifice in functionality.

Many of our younger selves would struggle to understand the urge—indeed, the need—to play quieter. My first real confrontation with this ever-more-present reality arrived when Covid came to town. For many months, I could only sneak into my studio space late at night to jam or review anything loud. Ultimately, the thing that made it possible to create and do my job in my little apartment was a reactive load box (in this case, a Universal Audio OX). I set up a Bassman head next to my desk and, with the help of the OX, did the work of a gear editor as well as recorded several very cathartic heavy jams, with the Bassman up to 10, that left my neighbors none the wiser.

Read MoreShow less
- YouTube

Alongside Nicolas Jaar’s electronics, Harrington creates epic sagas of sound with a team of fine-tuned pedalboards.

Read MoreShow less