Big tones for big rooms takes big gear. The Grammy-winning guitar-and-bass team of Jake and Sam Kiszka gives us a tour of their on- and offstage rigs.
Few rock bands have made a bigger splash over the past five years than Greta Van Fleet. Since their first full-length, From the Fires, won a Grammy for Best Rock Album, Jake and Sam Kiszka have constantly dug deeper to expand their band's sonic scope. GVF's latest, The Battle at Garden's Gate, is packed with deep, nuanced sounds that all need to be created live by a classic rock-trio lineup with an amazing singer.
The guitar-and-bass-playing team of brothers showed PG the gear they use to make it happen, at a recent tour stop at the FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin, Tennessee. And special thanks to Greta Van Fleet's tech Bryan Manley for helping with the details.
[Brought to you by D'Addario XPND Pedalboard: https://www.daddario.com/XPNDRR]
Jake Kiszka’s No. 1
Jake's top dog hasn't changed from the band's first Rig Rundown in 2018. What is different about this guitar is that the crack around the control cavity he showed us then has been repaired, so duct tape is no longer this 1961 Gibson Les Paul's sole mod. (By the way, the SG name was adopted for this model in 1963.) Note the old-school sideways Vibrola whammy bar.
The Understudy
As a backup, Jake purchased a second all-stock 1961 Gibson Les Paul that has negligible signs of road wear or abuse.
Triple-Gainer
The updated whammy is the giveaway that the new, third Les Paul/SG you're looking at is a 1962 reissue. Jake uses Cleartone .010–.046 strings on all his electrics, plus Dunlop .60 mm picks and brass slides.
The Workhorse
Jake's main acoustic is a Gibson J-45 from the Bozeman, Montana, custom shop—a limited edition tobacco burst. This classic model has been a favorite for working musicians since back when Dylan hadn't plugged in yet.
High Flyer
His backup acoustic is a recent-year Gibson Hummingbird. This model was Gibson's first square-shouldered dreadnought, and debuted in 1960.
You Can See Us...
Onstage, Jake has a Marshall JCM800 and two matching 4x12 cabs, plus a vintage Selmer Zodiac Twin 30 amp that was once owned by Guns N' Roses' Richard Fortus. Looks good, sounds good!
...But Not Us
Onstage, Jake has a Marshall JCM800 and two matching 4x12 cabs, plus a vintage Selmer Zodiac Twin 30 amp that was once owned by Guns N' Roses' Richard Fortus. Looks good, sounds good!
The Keys to the Kingdom, Pt. 1
Here's where Jake keeps his Marshall Astorias set.
And zoom in to see how his Bletchley amps are dialed.
The Big Bad ’Board
First stop is a Dunlop Cry Baby wah wired to pan a wide sweep in stereo, in the PA and monitors. After that, an RJM Music Technology Mastermind GT controls the routing for all effects.
The Drawer-bridge
The bulk of the effects Jake needs to recreate his catalog of sounds live in three drawers. In the fullest, there are two TC Electronic Flashbacks, a Danelectro Back Talk, a EHX Mel9, a Jext Telez Range Van Lord, and a EXH Micro POG—all powered by an MXR Iso-Brick.
Inside Drawer Two Is...
The next drawer down includes an Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail, an MXR Micro Amp, a Fractal Audio FM3 Amp Modeler/FX Processor, and an MXR Iso-Brick.
Acoustic Doesn't Mean Unplugged
The final drawer is dedicated to acoustic effects—MXR Reverb, another EHX Holy Grail reverb, and a Line 6 HX Stomp.
Sam Kiszka’s Green Hybrid
Sam Kiszka's main axe is still his green Fender P bass with a Jazz bass neck. This bass stays strung with D'Addario flatwounds, .050–.105.
Plus One-Half
Fender built Sam a bass aiming to give him the same feel as his No. 1. This black P also features a Jazz bass neck, and it's tuned up a half step. For that higher tuning, the D'Addario flatwounds are a bit lighter: .045–.100.
And Plus One
As a backup, Sam tours with this 'burst finish Fender Jazz bass, in standard tuning, and strung with D'Addario flatwound .050–.105s.
Ready to Rumble
Sam thinks two heads are better than one. So here's his Fender Super Bassman, for starters. It's 300 watts and comes loaded with four 12AX7s and six 6550 power tubes. The Super Bassman hits a matching Fender Bassman 810 Neo 8x10 bass cabinet.
Here Comes the Sunn
His other head is a classic: a vintage Sunn 2000S, with a potential total of 280 watts. It has a solid-state rectifier and four 6550 tubes. The 2000S runs into a vintage Sunn 2x15 cab.
Stage Dressing
Onstage, Sam stands in front of a trio of cool-looking Acoustic cabs and, when fully set up, an Acoustic 361 head. Currently, they're not actually being played through for shows.
Personal Effects
Down on the floor, Sam runs a Neo Instruments Mini Vent II rotary pedal, a Mooer Tender Octaver, and a TC Electronic PolyTune powered with an MXR Mini Iso-Brick.
All Keyed Up
Sam spends almost half the show on keyboards, running bass pedals with his feet. The pedal rig's a Hammond XPK-200GL.
The Right Spin
That Hammond runs through a Leslie 122 rotary speaker—perfect for classic '60s and '70s rock tones.
The keyboard rig is completed by a Mellotron M4000D Digital Mellotron on top of a super-versatile Nord Stage 3 keyboard. Down below there's another set of bass pedals, so he can make the bottom rumble from either keyboard deck.
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With advanced controls, full MIDI integration, and expression pedal compatibility, the Elipse is designed for guitars, bass, synthesizers, vocals, and vintage keyboards.
Powered by Kernom’s patented Analog Morphing Core technology, the Kernom ELIPSE isn’t just another modulation pedal. With the innovative MOOD control, musicians can seamlessly morph between iconic modulation effects, from rhythmic tremolos and lush choruses to jet-like flangers and swirling phasers. The addition of the SWIRL control introduces a unique phaser-blend for rich, multidimensional textures.
Key Features
Iconic effects and more
The ELIPSE offers a wide range of modulation effects, including tremolo, harmonic tremolo, rotary speaker, vibrato, chorus, tri-chorus, flanger, phaser, and Univibe.
Innovative controls
MOOD Knob: Seamlessly transition between effects, creating rich, hybrid sounds.
SWIRL Control: Blend a slow phaser with other effects for multidimensional textures and get that “fat tones” you’ve always dreamed of, enhanced by an analog drive circuit for reacher harmonics.
Creative Modulation Tools
Advanced controls like SHAPE, MIX, and DEPTH let you tailor waveforms, blend dry/wet signals, and adjust intensity to craft your perfect tone.
Full MIDI integration
Save up to 128 presets, control all parameters via MIDI CC (including Tap Tempo and MIDI Clock), and sync with your DAW or MIDI controller.
Manage your presets and settings with the MIDI Controller Companion software.
Expression pedal
Morph between presets in real time for unparalleled dynamic expression during performances or studio sessions.
Perfect with other instruments
Built for versatility, the ELIPSE excels with guitars, bass, synthesizers, vocals and vintage keyboards. Its input stage is designed to handle both instrument and line-level signals seamlessly.
The rugged aluminum casing ensures reliability in any environment.
The Kernom ELIPSE will be available starting January 21, 2025, at a retail price of $369 (MAP). ELIPSE will be available globally beginning January 21, 2025.
Experience the ELIPSE at NAMM 2025—visit us at booth #5439.
For more information, please visit kernom.com.
Tone Demo | Kernom ELIPSE Modulation Effect - YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.Leveraging 3D printing technology, the new Floyd Rose Original locking nuts are designed to deliver unmatched precision and consistency, replacing the traditional “lost wax” casting method that dominated for decades.
The shift to 3D printing allows for intricate detailing and tighter tolerances, ensuring each nut meets exact specifications.
The process begins with powdered metal, which is precisely 3D printed into the desired shape using advanced metal printing technology. After printing, the parts are depowdered and cleaned before undergoing a sintering process—an advanced heat treatment—during which the parts achieve full density and hardness. Lastly, the nuts are CNC “kiss-cut” to exacting specifications for consistency and control of the fit before receiving a premium electroplating finish.
“Floyd Rose has always been synonymous with innovation, and by embracing this incredible new technology we are able to continue that legacy,” said Andrew Papiccio, president of AP International Music Supply of which Floyd Rose is a division. “The accuracy and flexibility of the new 3D printing method will allow us to make a more consistent piece while also giving us full control of the manufacturing right here in the USA.”
Initially, the 3D-printed locking nuts will be available in ten classic sizes with a 10” radius, with plans to expand the range to accommodate various fretboard radii in Spring 2025. This augmentation will offer players more options for customizing their setups to match a wide variety of fretboard curvatures.
To get a sneak peek at the new Floyd Rose USA Series, come visit us at NAMM in booth 5734 in Hall D.
With flexible voltage adjustments, precise control, customizable protection, compact design, and affordable pricing at $299, the Brownie is the ultimate solution for optimizing tone and safeguarding your gear.
AmpRx, the trusted name behind the industry-renowned BrownBox, has unveiled its newest innovation: The Brownie, a voltage-optimizing power supply for modern amps and the first of its kind.
Designed by AmpRx co-owner and CEO Cassandra Sotos (2024 NAMM Female Entrepreneur of the Year), the Brownie provides unparalleled control, flexibility, and protection specifically for modern tube amplifiers by allowing the player to both increase and decrease voltage with volt-by-volt precision.
Priced at $299, the Brownie offers an affordable and essential solution for protecting your investment in your high-quality tube amp. It allows you to optimize your tone and safeguard your gear from variations in voltage by givingthe ultimate advantage: knowing exactly what you’re feeding your amp.
Known as the secret weapon of touring professionals, AmpRx products have been spotted on stage with bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zac Brown Band, Iron Maiden, and many more. AmpRx is now bringing its game-changing technology to an even broader audience with this compact, affordable, and versatile product. Try the Brownie for yourself and discover exactly why artists, amp designers, and technicians rely on AmpRx to provide consistent sound, performance, and extend the life of their gear.
The Brownie will be available January 20th, 2025, presented at NAMM Global Media Day and on display at Booth #5630.
WHAT MAKES THE BROWNIE SPECIAL? Building on the success of the flagship BrownBox, the Brownie offers key innovations tailored for modern amplifiers:
- Flexible Voltage Adjustments: The Brownie is the first in the AmpRx line to both decrease and increase voltage, providing optimal performance for modern tube amps (often at 117-120V).
- Precise Control: Adjust voltage in ultra-precise -1V increments when decreasing, and by +3V or +5Vwhen increasing, allowing musicians to fine-tune their tone with precision.
- Customizable Protection: The Brownie ensures safe operation, putting control directly in the player's hands, and includes two fuse options: 2A for smaller setups and 4A for larger setups, ensuring compatibility with diverse gear.
- Compact and Portable Design: Smaller and lighter than the original BrownBox, the Brownie is perfect for musicians seeking portability, durability, and streamlined functionality. It can even fit on a pedalboard or in a backpack.
- Wide Accessibility: At just $299, the Brownie offers professional-grade voltage control at a price point that’s accessible to musicians everywhere.
Email sales@brownbox.rocks to order and stop by NAMM Booth #5630 to see the Brownie in action, talk with the owners, team and artists, and see exactly why so many people insist onAmpRx products when they make music.
For more information, please visit brownbox.rocks.
Designed by Obeid Khan, this amp is designed to offer versatile tone control for classic amp sounds.
Magnatone LLC has introduced the StarliteReverb, a 1x8” combo that offers 5 watts of sweet-toned Class A power.
This amp is designed to capture the sound of classic long-pan spring reverb authenticity, thanks to the use of an Accutronics Digi-Log Reverb. Carefully optimized gain stages ensure the reverb seamlessly integrates with the amp’s natural sound, preserving the true classic tone of Magnatone amps.
- Output wattage: 5 watts, Class A
- Three control knobs: Volume, Tone and Reverb
- Magnatone Custom 8" Ceramic Magnet, Made by WGS in the USA
- Street Price: $1799
Obeid Khan, Magnatone’s engineer and tube amp guru, designed this model based on the success of the original Starlite model, and it uses the same classic single-ended amp with a 6V6 power tube. Khan’s unique tone control knob enables players to achieve classic “black-panel or tweed” tones with just a single knob.
Ted Kornblum, President & CEO of Magnatone LLC says “The Starlite Reverb is an amp much bigger than its size and power rating. When you put a microphone on it, it’s all you need!” TheStarlite Reverb blends analog tube warmth and lush reverb resulting in a subtle depth and modulation that adds dimension to your tone.
The Starlite Reverb is available to pre-order now in a 1x8” combo or with the matching 1x12” or 2x10” extension speaker cabinet. Shipping begins mid-2025.
For more information, please visit magnatoneusa.com.