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Top 10 Rig Rundowns of 2023

Top 10 Rig Rundowns of 2023
Best Rig Rundowns of 2023

PG's video crew recounts their favorite moments from this year's interviews and counts down the most-popular episodes—featuring some obvious big-hitters like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Billy Strings, Steve Vai, and Alter Bridge—that culminate with a few surprises that top out the list.


10. Blackberry Smoke Rig Rundown

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The modern Southern rockers recently played Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, and guitarists Charlie Starr and Paul Jackson displayed a bevy of gear every bit as hardworking as these road dogs.


9. Tim Pierce Rig Rundown

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The L.A.-based session ace takes PG through his studio and talks about his love for “player grade” guitars.


8. Warren Haynes Rig Rundown

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The guitarist rolls into Nashville with a crew of Les Pauls and Firebirds, a pair of 100-watters, and a fine spread of stomps.


7. Billy Strings Rig Rundown

youtu.be

Bluegrass’ biggest ambassador continues expanding his sound with more pedals, more modeling, more Martins, and a dark-arts guitar. Plus, we find out whose ashes are inside his 1945 D-28.


6. Alter Bridge Rig Rundown

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Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy take PG through their Alter Bridge road rigs.


5. Steve Vai Rig Rundown

youtu.be

Come on down to the crossroads—or the CMA Theatre in Nashville—as we walk through the jaw-dropping rig of devilishly talented shredder Steve Vai.


4. Kenny Wayne Shepherd Rig Rundown

youtu.be

A slew of top-notch vintage and custom Strats, a 1960 Les Paul, and a wall of Dumbles keep the blues-rocker rolling.


3. Steel Panther Rig Rundown

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The driving force, one-man guitar army who can single-handedly turn 2023 into 1987.


2. Julian Lage Rig Rundown

youtu.be

While on tour to support his new album View with a Room, Julian Lage invited PG’s John Bohlinger to his soundcheck at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville to share his insights into why he likes a straightforward rig and “honest” tone.


1. Pat Metheny Rig Rundown

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Join us for a dive into the complicated touring rig of the only artist to win Grammy Awards in 10 different categories.