PG contributor Tom Butwin sits down with Dylana Nova Scott, president and amp designer at Third Power Amplification, to explore the all-new Highline series -- a flexible set of vertical combo configurations for 3rd Power's wide-ranging amplifier offerings. Dylana breaks down the design philosophy of the Highline Series, plus the innovative features and tonal possibilities of her hand-wired amps built for players who demand both classic voice and modern flexibility.
3rd Power Amplification
Highline Series
When the amp stands taller, the sound meets you halfway. The HIGHLINE Series is a reimagining of how a guitar amplifier occupies space - visually, physically, and sonically. Inspired by the tall "player-facing" combos of the early 1970s, this vertically oriented enclosure lifts the sound field off the floor and places it where it belongs: directly in front of the player, with the controls at natural standing height. The result is a commanding, immersive wall of sound that feels bigger, clearer, and more immediate - and much easier to use. With flexible speaker configurations including dual 12", triple 10, or a 15"/10" pairing, the HIGHLINESERIES delivers classic authority with modern versatility, wrapped in timeless design. This is not a new amplifier - it's a new way to experience one.
Dr. Z and EQD meld minds and come up with a most flexible tube preamp that can add life to the output from your amp or at the input of a DAW.
EarthQuaker Devices
ZEQD-Pre Preamp Pedal
A game-changing joint effort between EarthQuaker Devices and Dr. Z Amplification, the ZEQD-Pre injects your guitar rig with a healthy dose of tube-flavored character. Place this all-analog preamp pedal at the end of your signal chain, and you’ll revel in the harmonic-rich warmth and dynamic response you’d expect from a cylinder of glowing-hot glass. The ZEQD-Pre’s robust, passive 3-band EQ is just what the doctor ordered for fine-tuned tone shaping, pushing its preamp into ear-grabbing grit, or breathing new life into your favorite modeling patch. Moreover, this stellar stompbox features a switchable analog cabinet simulation for seamless DI recording and backline-free live performances. You also get a Boost footswitch with a dedicated Level control, delivering a wide-open volume bump that lets your solos soar high above the mix without sacrificing clarity or character. Finally, the ZEQD-Pre includes numerous thoughtful features, including a Ground Lift, Headphone output, and a balanced XLR DI output. Driven by an EF86 pentode — the same tube that fuels Dr. Z’s pristine, hi-fi amplifiers — the EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre offers a complete, all-analog amplifier system that fits right on your pedalboard.
“Captain” Kirk Douglas joins the Axe Lords for a wide-ranging conversation about how guitars shape a life—musically, culturally, and sometimes, literally. The longtime guitarist for The Roots (who also serve as the house band on the Tonight Show) traces his path from growing up with reggae, church music, metal, and soul to finding a musical voice that incorporates them all.
Along the way, he reflects on the profound effect that Ozzy Osbourne had on his young psyche, how the music that we consume in our youth has an impact that never really fades, real amps versus modeling rigs, and the many wonders of Gibson SG. As an excruciating bonus, the episode also includes the unbelievable story of the vintage Epiphone Crestwood Prince borrowed from him for a live performance on the Tonight Show—and then proceeded to destroy right in front of Douglas’ eyes in an astonishing display of music royalty privilege run amok. Beam us up!
Axe Lords is presented in partnership with Premier Guitar. Hosted by Dave Hill, Cindy Hulej and Tom Beaujour. Produced by Studio Kairos. Executive Producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Edited by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Engineered by Patrick Samaha. Recorded at Kensaltown East. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Theme music by Valley Lodge. Follow @axelordspod for updates, news, and cool stuff.
John 5, the Tele-slinging guitarist, known for his solo work as well as time spent with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, put out his latest record, Ghost, last year. On tour behind it, he stopped at Memphis’ Minglewood Hall, where PG’s John Bohlinger caught up with him for this new Rig Rundown. Check out the highlights below, and watch the whole Rundown for much more, including a custom mandolin!
John 5’s obsession with Telecasters dates back to his days watching Hee Haw, seeing Buck Owens and Don Rich playing the classic Fender 6-strings. Influenced by aesthetics from Buckethead and Supreme, 5 created his signature John 5 Ghost Telecaster, with DiMarzio D Activator and Super Distortion pickups in the neck and bridge, respectively.
Meyers’ Monsters
Ken Meyers created these oddball instruments for John 5 after running into the guitarist at NAMM and offering to build a guitar for him. 5 requested a light-up guitar, and Meyers delivered, then outdid himself with the queasy-green “Lava” T-style. After a below-zero mishap with a previous model, this one’s been filled with antifreeze.
5’s 5150
Eddie Van Halen himself gifted John 5 one of the first 5150s. He still has it to this day, but on the road he plays this EVH 5150 III S EL34 with a matching cab.
John 5’s Pedalboard
John 5 likes to run with gear that he can replace at a moment’s notice from any local music store, so on his all-Boss board, he runs a pair of SD-1s, an NS-2, RV-6, CE-5, and a DM-2w.
![Rig Rundown: John 5 [2026]](https://www.premierguitar.com/media-library/youtube.jpg?id=62681883&width=1245&height=700&quality=70&coordinates=0%2C45%2C0%2C45)
