Chicago’s three-day, punk-rock carnival was host to Slayer, Jawbreaker, Raconteurs, Patti Smith, Rise Against, Bob Mould, Rancid, Bikini Kill, Lucero, the Struts, and more. Here are our favorite guitar-related moments from the 15th annual gathering.
Ween’s Dean Ween
One half of the offbeat alt-rock group Ween, Dean (aka Mickey Melchiondo) pays constant tribute to his Hendrix influences by primarily rocking a Strat onstage. His Frankenstein Strat’s cavity has a ’57 route with a dowel cut in half-lengthwise and glued to the outside wall to receive the extra screw hole for a ’62 or later pickguard. It was refinished Dakota red in the early ’90s, and its neck plate dates to 1962. The guitar has a Seymour Duncan Hot Rails pickup in the bridge and Fender Lace Sensors in the middle and neck positions. The band played The Mollusk in its entirety.
Doug Gillard, Mark Shue, and Bobby Bare Jr. reveal how a few quirky vintage axes, some classic amps, and a few utilitarian pedals get the job done night after night.
PG’s John Bohlinger met with Doug Gillard, Mark Shue, and Bobby Bare Jr. (above left) of Guided by Voices before their Basement East gig in Nashville where the indie stalwarts dished out deets on their gear.
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The alt-rock group packs a punch with Les Pauls, cranked amps, and just a few essential stomps.
Premier Guitar’s Perry Bean yacks with Nada Surf founder Matthew Caws and Doug Gillard (above)—also of Guided by Voices—before their Nashville show at the Mercy Lounge.
