Ahead of Spiritbox’s recent show at Nashville’s Pinnacle, PG’s Chris Kies spent some time with the Canadian alt-metal giants’ guitarist Mike Stringer and bassist Josh Gilbert to get the story on their down-tuned mayhem. See about the highlights below, and watch the full Rig Rundown for more.
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Signature 7
Stringer’s signature Aristides STX guitars, like this 7-string, are the first axes he reaches for. Inspired by Kurt Cobain’s Jag-Stang, the STX comes in 6-, 7-, and 8-string configurations, as well as multi-scale options. In lieu of traditional guitar woods, Aristides’ proprietary Arium material works perfectly for Stringer’s needs—it can hit any “stupid-low” tuning with ease and clarity. The guitar is loaded with Stringer’s signature Bare Knuckle Halcyon pickups and an EverTune bridge. The 7-string STXs are in F-sharp tuning, with Ernie Ball Custom Paradigm strings (.010–.074).
Ocho Loco
Stringer calls this 8-string Aristides the “prototype,” since it was the first one produced. It’s employed on “Fata Morgana.”
PVH vs. EVH
Stringer uses a Fractal Axe-Fx III, favoring a PVH 6160 model based on the EVH 5150 Stealth. It shares rack space with an ART Pro Audio SP4X4 power distribution system, Shure AD4Q, and Radial JX-44.
Mike Stringer’s Pedalboard
Charvel Shredder
Modeled on Charvel’s San Dimas bass, this multi-scale (34-37") 5-string is tuned to F-sharp, and has Nordstrand pickups and a Darkglass B2M2 Tone Capsule onboard preamp. The custom-gauge strings come from Kalium Music.
Four-String Friend
This Fender Precision bass is also on hand, tuned to B-A-D-G. It takes Ernie Ball strings.
Axe and Block
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