The Gear

WARNING!! The following information is only for total gear-freaks, and is basically a monster waste of time. I take no responsibility for headaches, lost sleep, or bleeding from the eyes. Read on at your own risk.

The Amps and processors

My rig varies a bit, depending on whether I'm going stereo, mono, or using MIDI guitars. I mainly use Mesa Boogie for amps (although I use other stuff too, including Line 6). I have several Boogies, and love them all. The Mark IV has a lot of added features, including 2 separate effect loops - one switchable and assignable (more on why that is awesome below). The Triaxis is simply the finest preamp ever created, and pairs really well with the 395 power amp. The input gain stages on all my amps have been modified to produce less gain in the early stages and more on the output to the power section, giving great power-amp saturation that keeps the lead tones smooth.

Here are some of my main rigs (More pics toward the bottom)

So, what's the big deal?

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The two images above are schematics of the audio (on the left) and MIDI / Switching paths (right) of my main L/C/R rig.

My main rig consists of a Center plus L/R speaker configuration with a Mesa Boogie Mark IV powering the center, and a Triaxis / "Switch-Track" 395 amp combination running the stereo speakers. A TC Electronics G-System brings it all together, providing switchable loops and preamp-sends, as well as killer effects. The G-System is the main effect unit for the stereo field, controlling the active status of a Digitech DHP-33 harmony processor and a Zoom 9050 (that's right - Zoom 9050 - remember those?). It sends a preamp-out feeding the Mark IV, and a TC G-Major delivers the effects for the Center section. Kinda complicated, but worth it for great stereo spread without loosing the cutting focus of a single center cabinet.

On the floor: Well, I used to use a bunch of wack pedals and such, but since I got the TC G-System, that's all in the past. Besides being a killer effects unit providing unparalleled signal purity, and offering true-bypass loop management, the G-System is also one of the most elegant foot controllers I have ever seen. I hook a couple of Ernie Ball VP volume controllers up for continuous-controller messages, and use a 6000-series for main Volume.

In my other rigs I still use an Ibanez Tube Screamer, Boss OC-2 Octaver, a highly modified Dunlop Crybaby Hendrix Wha, and other volume pedals. In those systems, an ART X-15 Ultrafoot (still the best strait-MIDI switching system ever made, IMO) and a TC G-Minor cover management duties.

Ummm.., The Bass gear: Occasionally I pick the bass up to record or do a hit. I use a pretty simple SWR Redhead 2x10 combo with a Hartke 4x10. I pump an Alesis Midiverb 4 for grease.

The Guitars

I use a bunch of guitars, depending on what type of music I'm playing, and whether it's a live or studio hit. For Jazz, Alternative Rock, and lighter styles, I rely on the Gibson ES-135 and Godin Multiac Jazz. The Multiac is an amazing piece that has a piezo bridge pickup (acoustic sounds), a hex-pickup (Rolland-compatible 13-pin MIDI output) along with the standard magnetic pickup.

For Fusion, Progressive rock, and heavier styles I use a pretty wide range of stuff. I love the Ibanez S-series (Sabers, for those of you old enough to remember when they were called that). I have a couple, and recently did a complete custom - see the "Dragon Saber" pics. I also ave a Godin LGX (the solid-body version of the Multiac mentioned above, with all the same features), and some other solid-bodies. I use Yamaha and Washburn acoustics.

For Basses, I really like Warwick. I have a Thumb 5-string and a Corvette frettless. I also have a pretty amazing Modulus Graphite 6-string frettless that's the shit. It's a pretty old piece, and the only carbon fiber through-neck I have ever seen from them.

To check out the photos, just click on the thumb and a new window will open with the picture. Just close it when your done, and this page will still be here - like a dog - patiently awaiting your return.....

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Mo' Amp and Processor Pics