California metal giants Deftones returned this year with Private Music, their first album in five years. In support of it, they ripped across North America on a string of headline shows and support slots with System of a Down.
We linked with Deftones guitarist Stef Carpenter for a Rig Rundown back in 2013, but a lot has changed since then (and as Carpenter reveals in this new interview, he basically disowns that 2013 rig). Back in August, PG’s Chris Kies caught up with Carpenter again ahead of the band’s gig in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the guitarist gave us an all-access walkthrough of his current road rig.
This headless, color-shifting Kiesel Vader 8 was the first Kiesel that Carpenter got his hands on.
Kiesel Kavalcade
Carpenter requested Vader models in all-black, all-white, and goldtop finishes, then Jeff Kiesel himself surprised Carpenter with the remainder, including the camo and green sparkle models shown here. Carpenter will choose which guitar to use based on how he’s feeling each evening. To record Private Music, he switched between his trusty ESPs and these new favorites.
Stef’s Selections
One of Carpenter’s two guitar vaults is full of his current favorite ESPs. Of those, this glow-in-the-dark version, along with the pink-finish model, is his top pick. Curious about his pickup configuration? It’s got nothing to do with sound; it’s purely based on how guitarists like Vivian Campbell and Adrian Vandenberg set up their guitars. Carpenter loved the look, so he copied it.
Back to Bogners
Carpenter says he’s had “too many fails” relying on a completely digital rig, so these days he rolls with a hybrid setup designed by his tech, Greg Dubinovskiy, and Dave Friedman, the latter of whom built the rig.
It’s based around these KT88-loaded Bogner Uberschall Uber-Ultra heads, which are wired to two Bogner 2x12 UberKabs (with one Celestion V-30 and one G12T-75 each) and two Bogner 4x12 UberKabs (with two V-30s and two G12T-75s in an X pattern). A Shure Nexus 57 and Shure KSM32 are used to capture the amp sound.
Rack Rundown
Beside the Bogner’s, another rack houses a Shure AD4Q, Radial JX 44, and a Fractal Axe-Fx II. (Carpenter has no desire to upgrade to the latest model.) Lower down, there’s a pair of Rivera Mini RockRecs.
Most of Carpenter’s pedals are shelved below these units, including an Eventide H9, Boss FZ-1, ZVEX Fuzz Factory, custom ZVEX Machine, , Pigtronix Gatekeeper, Xotic SP Compressor, Strymon Mobius, Strymon BigSky, Strymon Timeline, and TC Electronic TC 2290. A Voodoo Lab Hex powers the pedal party.
Stef Carpenter’s Pedalboard
Carpenter’s Line 6 Helix unit is the brain of his setup, and handles all switching. Also on hand are a DigiTech Whammy Ricochet, a Dunlop Volume (X) Mini pedal, and a TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Noir.
Source Audio, a leader in next-generation guitar and bass effects pedals, proudly introduces the Encounter Ambient Delay+Reverb, a fully loaded, dual-engine effects pedal designed to unlock immersive, atmospheric soundscapes. Building upon the legacy of Source Audio’s award-winning Collider Delay+Reverb, the Encounter features dual signal processing, allowing users to combine any two of the pedal’s six delay and six reverb effects. Where the Collider focused on classic delay and reverb effects, Encounter ventures into uncharted tonal territory, delivering new, otherworldly effects for guitar, bass, synth, and adventurous sound designers of all kinds.
“You asked, so we delivered!” says Roger Smith, President of Source Audio. “Ever since the release of the Collider Delay+Reverb, players have asked us to push further — into more adventurous, exploratory delay and reverb textures. Encounter answers that call. It opens up an expansive new universe of sonic possibility, combining reimagined classics with brand-new algorithms that explore both the familiar and the beautifully unknown.”
At the heart of the Encounter are six delay and six reverb engines that can be used individually or combined in pairs — this includes dual delay and dual reverb setups. Users can route dual effect combinations in series, parallel, or split stereo, with independent footswitch control for each engine, effectively offering the power of two pedals in one easy-to-navigate enclosure. Stereo ins and outs, full MIDI implementation, 8 onboard preset slots (128 presets with MIDI), external expression control, and seamless integration with Source Audio’s free Neuro 3 editing software for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows further elevate the pedal’s flexibility and creative potential.
The Encounter’s effects collection features brand-new engines such as Hypersphere, a gravity-defying ambient reverb inspired by infinite spatial reflections, Kaleidoscope, a cascading, harp-like delay effect, and Shimmers, a rich, dual-pitched shimmer reverb designed for lush harmonic layering.
Modernized favorites from Source Audio’s acclaimed Ventris Dual Reverb and Nemesis Delay ADT also make a return — Reverse, Lo-Fi, Trem Verb, and Swell reverbs, along with Helix, Drum Echo, Noise Tape (based on the Roland Space Echo) and Resonant delays — all reimagined with expanded parameter control.
In addition, musicians can preview and explore the sounds and editing capabilities of the Encounter before purchasing the pedal, using the Neuro 3’s new SoundCheck™ feature. Neuro 3 is Source Audio's entirely free effects editing, preset sharing, and organizing software. SoundCheck features prerecorded, unaffected guitar, bass, keyboard, and drum loops that can be played through bit-perfect replications of Source Audio One Series pedals. Users can audition presets or use the effect editor and hear changes in real-time, using only a smartphone or computer.
Adding to the company’s lineup of premium US-made pickups, Brickhouse Toneworks has introduced the Mason Deluxe P.A.F. pickup. Available individually or in matched sets, the Mason Deluxe delivers the classic, exquisitely balanced tone of a vintage 1960s P.A.F. humbucker with added bite. They are a direct drop-in replacement for standard sized humbuckers.
Sporting AlNiCo 4 magnets for enhanced attack and articulation, the Mason Deluxe P.A.F. has the clarity of a lower wind with the power of a fuller wind. Pickup master David Shepherd designed the pickup with two slightly different wire thicknesses on each coil, along with carefully calibrated asymmetrical coils, to bring out the maximum frequencies and dynamic range possible.
Expanding on the legacy of Brickhouse Toneworks’ highly regarded 1960 P.A.F. and Semi 60 P.A.F. humbuckers, the Mason Deluxe P.A.F.'s deliver a unique tonal profile characterized by a chimey, bell-like clarity and exceptional articulation. The sound is both smooth and responsive, with a dynamic range that allows for a sweet, rolled-off tone as well as a powerful, aggressive distortion. A defining feature is the rich, harmonic overtones that bloom and sustain, providing a heightened sense of depth and dimensionality. The pickups also exhibit a slight microphonic effect, which enhances pick attack definition. This results in a complex, yet clear sound—fat and woody in the neck position, and sparkling with pronounced punch and tonal definition in the bridge.
The result: an extraordinarily responsive P.A.F. humbucker with a transparent and open sound, allowing the guitar and player's natural tone to be the star of the show.
Key Features of the Mason Deluxe:
AlNiCo 4 Roughcast Long Bar Magnets, Unpotted Coils
Vintage Correct Long Leg Frames and Butyrate Plastic Bobbins
Vintage Correct Alloys, Coil Wire and Braided Single Conductor Leads
Vintage Correct Hand Ground, Hand Buffed P.A.F. Covers
DC Resistance - Bridge: 8.1k (Average)
DC Resistance - Neck: 7k (Average)
Made in the USA with premium quality materials
The Brickhouse Toneworks Mason Deluxe P.A.F. street price starts at $195 each and starts at $390 per set. Visit www.brickhousetone.com or contact info@brickhousetone.com for more information and order yours directly.
EBS is proud to unveil the newly enhanced NeoLine 112 Mk2 bass cabinet, now shipping with key upgrades that bring even more power, low-end, and reliability to the stage.
The first significant change: the cabinet is now 4 inches deeper, offering a noticeable improvement in low-end response, projection, and overall tonal richness. This enhancement ensures that today's bassists get the punch and presence they need from a compact cabinet, whether they're in the studio, on tour, or pushing the limits live.
Second, EBS has swapped out the previous flip handles in favor of a single heavy-duty deep-dish handle. This small but significant upgrade helps eliminate the risk of rattling noise, making the cab perform securely even at high volumes, while also improving durability and ease of transport.
Third, the high-performance tweeter is now isolated and sealed from the rest of the cabinet, which also helps to reduce the risk of noise due to the sound pressure within the cabinet.Despite the deeper cabinet, and due to the Neodymium speakers and choice of wood, it remains a lightweight cabinet, weighing in at 14.35 kg (31.6 lb).
Already a favorite for its lightweight construction and road-ready build, the updated NeoLine 112 (Mk2) now delivers even greater performance with no compromises. It's a compact speaker for serious players. Despite the improvements, the price remains intact.
Today, Fender is expanding its acclaimed Vintera® II series with a Limited Edition Road Worn® lineup, era-correct classics from the ‘50s and ‘60s pair vintage-inspired designs and modern upgrades with the lived-in look of a well-loved instrument. Each model features a new subtle aging process—light checking, gentle wear patterns, and a semi-gloss finish—delivering unmistakable vintage feel and unmatched sound of a classic Fender®.
Limited Edition Vintera® II Road Worn® ‘60s Stratocaster®
Featuring a variety of vintage colors finished in Road Worn® aged nitrocellulose lacquer, the Vintera® II Road Worn® ‘60s Stratocaster® recreates the look and feel of a well-played classic. The limited Road Worn models are enhanced with a new subtle aging process combining light checking, gentle wear patterns and a semi-gloss finish, while maintaining the authentic broken-in feel players love about vintage Fenders. The ‘60s “C”-shape maple neck with 7.25” radius rosewood fingerboard and vintage-tall frets provides supreme comfort and outstanding feel. Under the hood, you’ll find a trio of vintage-style ‘60s pickups that deliver all the warm, sparkling tones that made Fender® famous. Other features include a synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles for expressive vibrato and vintage-style tuning machines for enhanced tuning stability. Options include Rosewood Fingerboard in Sonic Blue and Maple Fingerboard in Black.
Featuring a variety of vintage colors finished in Road Worn® aged nitrocellulose lacquer, the Vintera® II Road Worn® ‘60s Telecaster® recreates the look and feel of a well-played classic. The limited Road Worn models are enhanced with a new subtle aging process combining light checking, gentle wear patterns and a semi-gloss finish, while maintaining the authentic broken-in feel players love about vintage Fenders. The ‘60s “C”-shape maple neck with 7.25” radius rosewood fingerboard and vintage-tall frets provides supreme comfort and outstanding feel. Under the hood, you’ll find a pair of vintage-style ‘60s pickups that deliver all the crystal-clear chime and raw, steely twang that made Fender® famous. Other features include a vintage-style 3-saddle bridge with slotted steel saddles and vintage-style tuning machines for enhanced tuning stability. Options include Rosewood Fingerboard in Burgundy Mist Metallic and Maple Fingerboard in Blonde.
Featuring a variety of vintage colors finished in Road Worn® aged nitrocellulose lacquer, the Vintera® II Road Worn® ‘50s Jazzmaster® recreates the look and feel of a well-played classic. The limited Road Worn models are enhanced with a new subtle aging process combining light checking, gentle wear patterns and a semi-gloss finish, while maintaining the authentic broken-in feel players love about vintage Fenders. The ‘50s “C”-shape maple neck with 7.25” radius rosewood fingerboard and vintage-tall frets provides supreme comfort and outstanding feel. Under the hood, you’ll find a pair of vintage-style ‘50s single-coil pickups that deliver all the sweet and sparkling, warm and woody tone that made Fender® famous. Other features include a vintage-style floating tremolo for expressive vibrato and vintage-style tuning machines for enhanced tuning stability. Options include Rosewood Fingerboard in 3-Color Sunburst and Rosewood Fingerboard in Fiesta Red.
Limited Edition Vintera® II Road Worn® ‘60s Precision Bass®
Featuring a variety of vintage colors finished in Road Worn® aged nitrocellulose lacquer, the Vintera® II Road Worn® ‘60s Precision Bass® recreates the look and feel of a well-played classic. The limited Road Worn models are enhanced with a new subtle aging process combining light checking, gentle wear patterns and a semi-gloss finish, while maintaining the authentic broken-in feel players love about vintage Fenders. The ‘60s “C”-shape maple neck with 7.25” radius rosewood fingerboard and vintage-tall frets provides supreme comfort and outstanding feel. Under the hood, you’ll find a vintage-style ‘60s split-coil Precision pickup that delivers all the warm, dynamic and powerful tone that made Fender® famous. The vintage-style 4-saddle bridge and vintage-style tuning machines provide classic looks with enhanced intonation and tuning stability to complete the package. Options include Rosewood Fingerboard in Fiesta Red and Charcoal Frost Metallic.
