One of the questions I get asked most often is how I get the sounds I get either for gigs or for my videos. So I thought I’d try to point you in the right direction if you want to learn more about the gear I use.
Guitars…
I have 3 Les Pauls, 2 have a slimmer 60’s neck, and 1 is a ’59 VOS (Virtual Old Stock) Gold Top. The blue one has Lollar Imperial Low Wind pickups, the Black one has a Seymour Duncan Saturday Night Special in the Bridge and ’59 in the neck. The ’59 has Gibson pickups that came with it.
You might also see me with a beautiful Paul Reed Smith (PRS) that was a gift and is one of the most amazing guitars I’ve ever played.
I occasionally use my 1998 Fender Telecaster with Lindy Fralin Blues Special Pickups, also strung with Ernie Ball Regular Slinky strings. I also have a G&L Doheny with the stock pickups – great sounding guitar.
I also sometimes use my Gibson 335 which is several years old and has Lollar Imperial pickups in it.
The reason I change the pickups in my Les Pauls is that the original pickups are too high output for me. Same for the 335, the ’57s that were in it were too hot and I couldn’t hardly get a clean tone out of it. The pickups in the ’59 Goldtop, however, sound incredible and I see no reason to change them!
I use two “strats” made by Suhr Guitars, and they are just standard strats… “Classics” is the term Suhr uses, I believe.
Generally speaking, I’m not a big fan of the necks on modern Fenders… but I do have an original 1969 Strat that I got from Norm’s Rare Guitars in LA.
It has incredible tone, and I live with the vintage neck shape on that one 😉
I also have a Tyler Studio Elite, a Tom Anderson Cobra, and a couple of other guitars that have showed up over the years. But, in general, I’m not a guitar collector. I have what I need for any type of gig, and I don’t look any further. I have backups for guitars I take out on gigs, that’s why the duplication (I have a backup for just about everything.)
My acoustic is a Taylor 410CE from 1998. It sounds beautiful and I have no need for any other.
When I play bass I use a Squier Vintage Modified 5 String. It works great and gives me the tones I need. Many of my jam tracks have that bass on them!
Amps and Stuff…
I have several amps that, aside from my Nace combos that I play at home, I hardly ever use anymore.
For all of my videos now the tone you hear is an Avid Eleven Rack on the “Super Reverb” emulation. The Eleven Rack (11R) allows me to play direct to the recorder with no speaker cabinet and that means a nice clean recording with great sounds – in many cases as good or better than I can get taking the time to mic up a speaker cabinet.
While the 11R is clean, I use a Boss Blues Driver pedal for a little grit, and sometimes kick on a Tube Screamer for a little more grit. That’s about it.
And for gigs I use a Kemper Profiling amp and I’ve profiled all of my favorite amps so they all come with me everywhere. I control it from a standard MIDI controller and listen through my monitors – no amp or cabinet on stage at all – or I can pipe it to a power amp and guitar cabinet.
It makes soundmen very happy because they don’t have to deal with stage volume, and it makes me happy because it sounds the same every night no matter what.
Of course you hear my 11R every time you see my videos, but I found a great video that shows off some of what the 11R can do:
And if you’d like to learn more about the Kemper Profiling Amp, check this out:
When I do get to use real amps outside the house I typically call on my Nace combos and use them probably more than anything else… but sometimes I use a Two-Rock Emerald Pro, Marshall JTM 45, Matchless Chieftain, or Mesa/Boogie Mark V. For smaller gigs I also love my Bad Cat Cub II.
Pedals and stuff…
For my “blues” pedalboard I’m using (in order of the signal chain from the guitar…)
Area 51 Wah (I like this because it’s really adjustable) -> TC Electronic Polytune Mini (gotta stay in tune) -> Vibe Machine -> Prescription Electronics Experience (octave fuzz) – King Tone Duallist -> MI Effects Super Crunch Box v.2 -> Ibanez Echo Machine (delay) -> Leslie G Pedal -> Strymon Flint for Reverb and Tremolo.
if I have to travel small or jump in for a song or two, I’ll usually bring my Zendrive pedal as it plays pretty well with just about every kind of amp.
All in all, it’s a really cool time to be a guitar player. I still love my old school tube amps and still play them every chance I get… but if your circumstances prevent cranking up an old tube amp, it’s nice to have options that can still be extremely satisfying!
85 replies to "Gear I Use For Everything…"
That’s a nice efficient setup and list. Not too much, just right.
Griff, you have serious GAS! I thought I was bad but your kinda GAS there’s no cure for! 😁
Hi Griff, I am glad you have that PRS, played it for us in a couple of your videos and said it is amazing! I did not know of that brand (Paul Reed Smith) until a few months ago when I was turned onto Corey Congilio. Between you and him, a couple of the best online Blues teachers and guitarists out there and just all around nice guys! I have learned so much! After seeing Corey use and promote PRS and you dive into them as well, I had to step up into a quality guitar and just got a PRS CE24 and yes it is amazing. One of the best feature is the coil tap that basically turns into either a Les Paul full humbucker sound or Fender Strat type single coil with the tap. The beautiful bird inlays on the fretboard definitely was a big seller as well for a guy whose wife and I have 6 parrots and are so intrigued by birds of prey!
Hi, I’m a 75yo bedroom player these days been playing since I was about 14. I had a period a few years back when I got a touch of GAS and now sitting on a collection of 6 electric and 2 acoustic middle of the road priced guitars and amps. for years I got away with just 2 guitars a 83 Squier JV strat and a Sigma D18 copy plus a home built 30watt Peavey style tran amp and was happy.
Then I built a kit Telecaster and it all went to pot, it played like a dream apart from the PUPs I fitted a pair oF Iron Gear Steel Foundry, and felt just rite. I then went on and got a Squier CVC Tele changed the Pups nice went on to Build another Tele from stock parts 50s spec nice again in the mean time added an Epi Dot and a Vintage V100 all good but had to have a Fender Tele a mex but it wasn’t right, so new classic bridge and better PUPs I hated the ceramics, fitted within a short time. During this time amps went from Fender Mustang 1 to Super Champ X2 replacing an XR that went faulty, both modelling amps and ok although I’m not into effects and can’t be doing with knob twiddling. I then got a Peavey ValveKing 20MH that suits me fine one setting fits all. Finally I got a Martin D18 something I had always hankered after and the rest have become virtually redundant.
After all that has my playing got any better NO I don’t think so, but I’m putting that down to my age, be you have to keep going don’t you.
I thought that was a really interesting videos about the 11R and the kemper profiling amp. That’s that part of music I want to learn more in the future as well. While all those things are so fascinating, I better be playing at that level to really enjoy that part of music, like counting , counting and counting! Really great video I watched it a couple of times, great stuff! Thanks Griff for that!
Alexander
I know this is an old post just by the dates of some of the comments but I’m adding mine anyway.
It has always been a shake my head moment when I read comments about replacing pickups in a guitar because they aren’t liked by the user/buyer. By replacing the pickups it takes away the uniqueness of that model and/or type.
Why not just buy a guitar with the pickups you want. By replacing the pickups in any of the Les Paul’s and especially in a 335 you now have completely change the personality.
Not to sound demeaning to anyone but is it to say or show Hey looked I have a Les Paul, or Strat?
For me part of the fun of having a guitar is to get it to sound the way you like, to personalize it to what you want.
Sometimes I like a particular guitar’s looks, but may not particularly like some of the sound. That is where changing pick-ups comes in. The end result, for me, is a guitar that looks good and sounds good to me for the particular sound in my head. I’d rather have my own ‘Frankenstein’ if it sounds the way I want it. For me, tone is the king. It is, after all, what connects you with the listener.
I have a $250 Fender acoustic, an Epiphone Les Paul and a Fender Superchamp amp. I bought my first guitar a couple of years ago. These do just fine for me at this point, I like the way they sound. I am a retired guy now and I do not expect to get to the point where I will be gigging.
Don’t get me wrong, I suffer from G.A.S as well and I will be getting new stuff some day, but these are just fine now.
I am an electrical engineer. I am planning to build my own tube amp. (my wife doesn’t know it yet.)
Take a studio recording course thru your local junior college. Bonus.= college credits. Then you can honestly check the box that says. some college! Job applications.
I custom make My own Guitars.. DRAGONFIRE CUTOM WERKS. HAVE ONE ON REVERB. My favorite , is my 1969 Strat with , Eric Clapton’s Singnituer on the back. Use Vintage pickup’s on my relics. No potting.
Have a Custom shop Ibanez. With Kirk Hamet pickups. Someone told me he invented the EMG’S. Then my Breedlove. made in Oregon’s Custom shop. Gibson BB king. My DRAGONFIRE Strat and 1962 Copy, with Supper Power Twank pickups. Very Bright and in your face. My 1968 Fender twin Reverb Amp. 5 tube Changes since new.
My New York City Tech 21 Power engine, 60 watt. with a Solvex Tube Pre amp. Then My home made amp head from an old Karven receiver. cab, is a 4×12 Marshal.
I think I have spent toooo much time collecting gear this year, being stuck mostly by myself and have scratch built myself too many tube amplifiers. (need to get rid of some) But now I am looking to add to my pedals and I am looking onto the Klon Klone market. Either a kit or a finished one. But deciding is hell. Maybe I should just practice more.
My problem is I’ve got to many guitars (26) and too many pedals, Amps, modeling digitizers (Digitech), loopers, modeling amps, orange amps, Laney tube amp Blah! Blah1 Blah! And they’re all too damned confusing to use. LOL!
I wish I’d never started collecting all this stuff!
Send it to me! 😁
So many knowledgeable/experienced people out there. Good to read the comments and as ever thanks to Griff for all his help. I avoided peddles for years but watched one of Griff’s videos about his kit a couple of months ago. Bought an Avid Eleven rack off eBay within a week. Fantastic investment. (Maybe Griff’s videos should come with a wealth warning!) Not made any more sadly. I use it on snappy tweed setting mostly with everything but reverb turned off. Very clean. Never considered changing pickups in a guitar but may need to have a rethink. I understand the neck comments. An old ’91 Tele deluxe plus has a great neck. All the best everybody.
All of you are great with your comments. Yes, Griff is completely unique as a teacher, mentor & musician. He’s extraordinary. I feel like most of you do. I’m 73, have play in lots of bands; guitar, keyboards, bass, blah blah. Was fortunate when I was formally studying to have deep theory background i.e. Griff is up my alley. Like most of us, I just wish I had more playing experience and more technique. I’m still on my journey. Best of luck to all of us !!
Hi Griff nice gear and nice to talk about it with like mined people,who understand why we buy such expensive equipment,
People on the blues guitar unleashed forum would have seen some of the gear I have but for those who have not here is mine.
So amps I have a custom built Rd dualist type R which is just out of this world you got to try it griff when you come to England again Griff.
I had the test of putting it up against a messa boogie amp at rehearsals last week I was worried but dusted it off with ease the volume check and we are all at the same level both sounded great, I have a fender blues junior tweed,also have a fender mustang v2 for the tech side all great amps.
Guitars well I’m a bit of a collector now I will start with so I have an epiphone hummingbird pro accoustic,eko pro custom built in Italy that’s a parlour guiar I have a bernie marsden prs signature,I have a fender USA standard,Gibson 335 Memphis in aqua pearl,
Gibson les Paul collectors choice number4 also have a Gibson les Paul standard from 1970 got from an auction,Martin d42 with Brazilian rose wood back and sides, 360 maple glow.
My next guitars are going to be a Gibson firebird and a custom USA tele I will buy them when I find the right one this year.
Now pedals not that many I have a electro harmonix 720 looper,boss db2 blues driver,Dunlop original cry baby,strymon time line delay
Electro harmonix canyon,electro harmonix hot wax,and that’s it all the boost and extra gain comes from my amp as its fitted controlled by a foot switch
My good ol’ 1969 Gibson SG goes with me wherever I go. It has the original P-50 pickups and it delivers whatever sound I need with the turn of the vol/tone knobs. Of all the guitars I’ve ever played, it has the most amazing neck which fits my hand perfectly…incredible action too on the fretboard.
A while back, I managed to get a SKB “Footnote” amplified pedalboard for only 50 bucks through ZZounds. And for use at home and small gigs, it puts out an amazing blast of sound from the Eminence speaker embedded right in the unit. It also has a whole set of 9v dc cables to hitch up to the pedals which I can velcro to the board. When electricity is not around, the thing runs (for a long time) on a set of flashlight batteries!
So, I can simply throw the guitar in its case and the pedalboard right into the front seat of my truck along with a tote box full of art supplies (including my “Emergency Watercolor Set – In case of Art Attack”), and surfboard or skis in the back, and I’m on the road on a moment’s notice.
I play the blues on my $250 Yamaha aoustic.
Ultimately, it’s the artist not the gear.
I like it, I’ve had money guitars and such! Now I play cheap parlors,my stock guitars are all gone, don’t have the heart to change them,I play a custom strat. I built,darn thing still cost b$900 the necks on factory guitars are to big for my taste, got any sandpaper,haa
Hey Griff,
Long time slow learner here in Portland OR. My latest and “desert island” guitar is from our local luthier Saul Koll. A Duoglide done as a full Bigsby homage with TK Smith Summertone pickups. Bought it for the wood artistry, keep picking it up for the feel and sound. Find him at NAMM, Koll Guitars, probably next to his VW van. I’d love to hear what you think in terms of your Blues needs.
I find the Ephisplat Ear smacker has great phonicallisimbiosis and is hideously hard to play, which gives me all the opportunities I need to show of my hyperstupidly good playing with my 19″ long fingers. Bit like the narcissists in the videos. If there’s one thing I really, really enjoy – it’s watching show offs showing off and being olympically superior to me and most other aspiring players. Mind you, there’s some mighty pretentious comments on here….everyone seems to be so friggin’ smart and clever and technical…..wouldn’t I just love to look at them and say – shut up, I’m not impressed with your techno babble and your fancy gear and you ginormous chord sizes, go and try to impress someone else…your dog maybe.
Your funny .!!
rustie. I’m with you! So much pretentiousness in videos, music stores, jams, etc. I like the way u put it 🙂
Some one hasn’t been drinking their,oil? Go sit in the corner here,the frist cans free .60¢ ea. After! I kid, love, peace,out
Hey Griff, Thanks for all your Gear info, sounds great for you as a Pro.As for me a Hobby/ Advanced Beginner of 5 years (of which 2 years in retirement) as part of my bucket list to be able to play Johnny B Goode and then others as a BGU Student. However , I keep falling into would like to have this… and now have 7 Electric guitars Epiphone Dot 335,Strat,Epiphone Acoustic Electric EJ200sce, my latest is a Fender Squier Vintage 72 Tele semi hollow with twin Humbucker Pick Ups in Natural, my 2nd Tele, just has an awsome sound. So for sound One Marshall MG101CFX, One Line 6 SpiderIV 15 Practice AMP, looking at a BLACKSTAR Valve 40w next.Effects Boss ME 80 with 80 effects, PLus a Digitech Jamman Stereo Looper. I need to save to keep up to date with the BGU Courses and others and get a repertoire of Blues solos and songs.
All good.
Michael-Sydney-Australia 24 Jan 2018
Hey Michael, I see you live in Sydney and I’ve been meaning to say g’day for a long while. I used to live in Sydney but POQ’d when the Olympics came to town; couldn’t stand the traffic any more. Where do you buy your guitars etc? I grew up in the inner city/inner west so I remember Palings and Nicholsons – do you remember Harry Landis’ in Park Street? That’s where I got my Maton FG100 in ’72 – still got it and still love it. I know that the Guitar Factory at Gladesville is still there and was one of my hang-outs years ago. Also Logans at Burwood has been there forever and still good. Apart from the Maton I’ve got an Epiphone DOT and a 12-string dreadnought with no brand name that I’ve also had since the early 70’s. No need for anything else – I used to have a lot of guitars but you can only keep one girlfriend happy at a time IMHO, so I cut back to the essentials. Cheers, ChrisG.
Hi Chris, this might be a very belated reply as I came across my comments back in Jan 2018, to answer some of your questions, I buy majority of my guitars from Belfield Music 02 9642 4450 ask for Heath in Bass Hill 2197 Bankstown area, they are now an Epiphone dealer after the main dealer went out of business. I also remember Palings and got my Ludwig Drum Kit and both my Premier Drum Kits from Harry Landis in Park Street etc. Back in the 60’s, I was a semi Pro-Drummer in various bands, I always wanted to play guitar but no spare time. Check me out on FB under my name, Pic with white LTD. From 71 to late 80’s I lived in Europe and therefore did not get involved in Music playing until 2013 with BGU and a guitar. My recent new guitar a Squier Strat Classic Vibe 57 replica which has a great sound. I prefer the Squiers because they are much lighter in weight than original Fenders..Maybe get in touch one day.. Cheers Michael -Sydney- Australia 23rd Nov 2020
Hey Griff, Thank you so much for sharing your Gear in this Blog, very interesting and amazing I have saved the 11R Video and even posted on my FB Timeline..to look at and get feedback from my guitarist friends..I would probably not go into the gear that you have as i’m not a professional simply a hobby..or jamming with others..
Stay Safe.
Cheers
Michael-Sydney-Australia 23rd Nov 2020
I am surprised there is no mention of scale length in your comparison of Fenders and Gibsons. I find it quite a stretch playing blues backings based on power chords in G and even A on a longerFender keyboard rather then the shorter Gibson ones. The first and second finger positions are ok but the little finger stretch isnt so easy.
Where you say Griff that you couldnt get a good tone out of high output guitars and blame the level, I cant see why turning the volume down would not have fixed it? On the other hand, if the guitars had humbucker PU’s then surely the tone was a result of their mellower tone?
I agree. with. papa j . I’ve played threw a lot of sweet one of a kind tube amps. But we all will have one’s favorite. One of mine 1977 Peavey Classic100 the tremolo depth + rate. + automixer foot 4 button controller +4 front inputs variables. It’s clean and warm as my pro reveb with four 10″les.and yes I understand the wiring diagrams indifference. Personal preference. For certain sounds. Here’s a question for anyone having reacuring problems with DigiTech valveFX. Guitar preamp signal processor. I have the foot controller one along with it .everytime I send it in to be fixed, the processor it’s nothing less than$100. All the ones I’ve seen on e-bay, also have a problem or two. Email if you have a working one for sale.
@Steve..(Is there any thing out there that can provide a bass line just like a vocalizer follows the chords on a guitar while singing?)
Yes..check out Digitech TRIO. Small stomp box that you play the chord progression into and it creates a bass line for you in the style you choose. Also drums if you like. Cool little toy.
Griff if you haven’t checked out a Eric Clapton signature strat do so. The feel of the neck for me is just amazing…it feels like it was just built for my hands and not Clapton’s LOL. Worth while if you want to actually switch to a Fender. I’ve never played a Suhr so I can’t speak on them but I’ll never play any other strat style guitar again after discovering the EC signature model. Quite different from any other strats I’ve played.
The EC has a baseball bat neck, also a favorite of mine. My Lou Pallo signature Les Paul has a big fatty too, so I know just what you mean. I used to hate fat necks, but as I’ve matured as a player, I guess I’ve come to appreciate them a lot more. Now they are my preferred choice. Of course, I aint much of a shredder anymore either! I just find them easier to be expressive with than the razor thin Ibanez styles I used to covet, especially for blues. +1 brother!
What loop devices or looping machines do you prefer to work with?
Do you just use them for practicing or do you use them to perform with at all?
Thanks, great stuff!
Griff,
If you see their booth, I’d like to see what PRS is up to this year with a special eye towards their maple neck variety guitars.
Thanks,
Jim
Where are the good jams in Orange County cal.
You know , it’s interesting that despite not having all this modern digital junk , most of the best classic rock that many guitarist still like to play, were all recorded with old antiquated analog equipment. For example CCR, the ABBand, Steppenwolf, Led Zeppelin the Guess who, lron Butterfly, SRV ,CSN&Y, The Who, REO, The Beach Boys,Jimi, The Doors, The Beatles, Grateful Dead ,and many others. So l see more gear advertised than ever before , that we just have to have, but less creative energy. l guess you cannot buy that from a musical company , or online retailer, so l guess the next best thing is to just buy a bunch of gear , n fantasize away. Rock on.
More gear and less creative energy…how very true!
No matter what Amp or Guitar you have, Try putting it through a BLACKSTAR HT BOOST PEDAL. PUT IT LAST IN YOUR CHAIN & IT WILL GIVE YOU INSTANT VALVE TONE. Even straight into your PA. system your Guitar will sound miles better.what ever you use, try one. Brilliant , BUILT WELL , & CHEAP TO GET YOU YOUR VALVE TONE.
Wow! You’ve got a ton of nice toys Griff! …and as a professional, they’re not toys, but required tools needed to adequately perform your job, right? at least that’s what I told my wife back in the day, and that was when she grabbed for the nearest guitar she could find and wrapped my “72” Telecaster around a steel pole in the basement. Ouch! But it was along time ago…I’m over it……
Anyways…. that Kemper profiler really intrigues me. They break new ground with what they do. Too pricey for me but mmm mmm good. Your mesa boogie had my mouth watering too. Your right tho Griff, there are so many options today, even if your budget is somewhat limited. Can I come over to your house and stay a week? 😉
Hey Griff. My question. Is there any thing out there that can provide a bass line just like a vocalizer follows the chords on a guitar while singing? It would be great for guys like me that do a single using guitar, drum machine and vocalizer. Thanks in advance….Steve.
I use a Zanussi, at 60 degrees it really gets the stains out of everything.
I use 2 amps; a Line 6 Spyder IV (don’t know why but I love the clean tone out of this little amp) and a Fender Mustang 4 (100W). It goes crazy loud, but I like it for its modeling capabilities and 100 presets.
Guitars are a Fender HSS Strat 60th anniversary, Epiphone Les Paul Plus Top Pro, and an Ibanez acoustic/electric (sounds great through my Line 6. I also have a project guitar that I can’t even begin to describe its modifications.
My speaker tech tells me to obtain a blackface Princeton Reverb with a JBL, but I like my 1976 Peavey Classic 100.
Anyone else agree with him?
Right now I own a Fender Starcaster Strat and a Epiphone Les Paul Special II (Waiting on a new neck, it fell over and landed flat on her back and broke the head off! Having a hard time finding one under $80.), with a Fender Frontman 25 amp. I’m looking to buy a Fender Champion 40 sometime this next year, and another Les Paul (probably a Les Paul 100 or Pro, keeping it under $500 as that is the limit that I can wrap my mind around). Have you tried the Digitech XP360?
I have been using the line 6 pod plugged in direct to the PA with a couple effects pedals upstream of the pod for almost 10 years now. Bloody well awesome. I get the sound tech to dial me in on the monitors. He doesn’t have a guitar amp that’s always too loud to deal with and I don’t have to haul an amp. He likes that and will actually pay attention to our sound and start tweeking the freqs because he see’s that we care and trying to make everyone’s job easier. I usually dial up a straight clean Brit tone. My main guitar is a Frankenstein knockoff Tele with a Squire Tele neck. I love it. I used to use the cheapest light gauge strings I could get for 5 bucks. Not anymore. An old guitar dude said to me, “those strings are interpreting the essence and energy you are communicating to the people around you”. I took him up on that and I switched to a 15 dollar nano web type of string. Holy Moly… The difference in tone intensity and frequency was as noticeable as a slap upside the head. The majority of the comments from from our audience are how clean the sound is. They can hear a wonderful album like mix when we play. No one instrument is overwhelming the others. They love that.
Griff, love what you’re doing. Thanks and god bless.
Hi griff, thanks for the great info. Was thinking a looper would be good as a practice tool, something user friendly and not break the bank. And possibly a drum program/track. Perhaps can check some out at NAMM and let us know. Thanks again
I’ve been playing rock & jazz for over 45 years. Although my Gibson 355 is sweet sounding for many things, I much prefer playing my ’75 Strat with its solid maple neck. Not only does it sound wonderful — both for the hard rock sound and the clean jazz — it also feels great and plays like a dream.
Amp wise, I’ve played many different brands, including Fender, Gibson, Ampeg, Marshall, Baldwin, Rogue, Behringer, Vox, Orange, and others, my all time favorite is my Crate 220. With three channels and built-in electronic effects, it simplifies what I have to do to get the sound I desire.
My motto — Keep it simple. Try it, you may like it.
Hey Griff! Back in the sixties I played thru various Fender Reverbs/dual Showmen…and an old Tremolux to cover Stones songs like
Empty Heart and Mona…In a band again early 80’s…saved forever for a Mesa/Boogie…pick of the crop back then, but now…fixed income and on a “pawn Shop” budget…how bout some recommendations for used practice type amps…maybe stepping up from the little Peavy Bandits and the Fender Frontmen…was not impressed with either…try to remember, we’re not all pros looking to own all the newest expensive gear
i wish i had a way to send you pictures of my custom guitars that i made from scratch, no kits. just buy the knecks. i usally change out my pickups for the GPL’S. there designed here in the country and made in japan. they will out perform any semore duncan, or emg pickup. i also have used kirk Hammet pickups. i was told he help develope the emg. i use a tech 21 power engine 60, 12″ celeston 80watt. no preamp. just hook my boss me 70 and it does not discolor your sound and it does not distort when turned way up. it’s really loud. has 1/4″ phone jacks plus dpi inputs. with my effect pedal i have duplicated david gilmores sound and bryan mays, trebble booster sound from Bohimium Rapsidy.
sad part? they just been sitting with out me playing. not been in good health. love your es335. i have an Ibanez thats a simi hollw body with maple body and neck. it a satin finish sunburst brown and is small like the 339 i put the GPL’S on it and a tremlo system . the action and sound is so creamy. very suddel. when you crank it up its blows away any other pickup out there. tk Griff!
I’m in the same boat Paul. Some of the latest modeling amps are tweakin my interest, I’ve hesitated cause I love authentic tubes crankin thru a cabinet, but for 5-6 Hundred bucks nowadays you can get yourself a decent all round rig that will adjust to most any need, maybe a tube screamer and a noise gate and you’re good to go. Not countin’ axe of course.
Figure I’d save a lot of money in the long run by going this route, and save a lot of grief too avoiding sound issues and having to dial in over and over. Heck, I don’t know. I’m torn. Plenty of time to decide while I save my dinero..good luck on your search Paul…ooohh I’d love to get my hands on a mesa boogie….gotta believe…maybe if I tap my heels and turn around three times…nah!!! Have a good one Paul 🙂
Thanx for the response Mickey…Just caught a glimpse of a Vox amp in a pawn shop…an AD100VT chrome combo…Valvetronix…had to be right out of the box…2 12″ speakers… 11 amp modeling switch…11 effects switch… but unfortunately overdone in the chrome/bling department LOL…$240…didn’t write down any other info stopped by the shop to check out an old Hagstrom looking Peavy axe with the old “blade” magnet pick-ups you have a good one too Mickey !
Hi Griff,
Suhr’s website says they no longer make the Pro series. FYI.
Thanks for the report.
Ed
Hi Griff. Any chance on checking out the Digitech Trio pedal while you’re at NAMM? First impressions? Thanks and enjoy the show!
I have owned several Gibson 335’s several Ibanez’s and a handful of Fenders, but the best neck I have had is on my new Gretsch! Rock on Ya’ll played thru a Fender Blues jr tube amp and a Boss BD2(mod) and TC Electronic delay/looper
I agree with you Dave,Gretsch necks are tough to beat
Thanks for the info Griff I guess I’m a bit old fashioned I love my 68 fender Princeton reverb I modified it with a 12in celestion vintage 30 and I’m currently on a Les Paul kick and I use a korg multi effects unit love that too !
Two of my favorite players, Tommy Castro, and Tab Benoit, many times just plug a Strat or Tele straight into a old Fender amp, turned up and off to the races, effects are good and fun, but a lot of it is in your hands…Thanks Griff, you are an outstanding player and teacher…
Griff, thanks for the gear tips.
Since I live close to a quality guitar store an a real pro shop for complete
Musician instruments, vast pedal selection an amps plus sound gear of every name both used an new gear. I had questions about Loopers line gear. They had a few to answer some questions. Yet
I would have to order better system to tie the pedal selection together as a blending method without having to turn one two or three off an on. It would give options over Line 6 style small
Amps, better power selection an tonal control.
Necks. It’s all in the necks. Pickups come and go but a neck that feels right is a joy forever.
That’s why, after a horrible Strat Deluxe FSR – all frets projecting 2mm on high E side and very underwhelming Fender ‘Noiseless’ p.ups – on the advice of the estimable Scott Grove, I got a Strat Plus. A neck from heaven! Creamy Lace Golds!
Sold it because I felt I could not justify owning $1500 (s/h!) guitar. After various cheapos and a vey sexy M.I.J. Strat Aerodyne – sexy looking but the neck just didn’t feel like the Plus, ended up with Ibz Roadstar, a true Strat killer -but notaStrat Pluzkiller. Never could forget that Plus neck. Had to get another. Blackie! – black and maple. Back with an angel neck.
It’s all in the neck, guys.
I use a Strat style from Carvin Guitars. The neck is very comfortable, especially where it joins the body. Much better than the Fender and available with many options including in kit form
Hey Griff,
Thanks for all the input. Just wondering what your thoughts are about the “Beat Buddy”? if you have tried one? Sure beats a metronome for practice I think. And do you think the quality is good enough for some live stuff to if a real drummer is not available?
Thanks,
Doug
allo, jusr a little comment ,
about amps, I got Marshall valvestate 40. and a Roland 30x ,I use those amps differentle ,Marshall with my Gibson Les paul,,and my little Roland30x ,with Telecaster and Stat,,i got a very good sound nomatter what kind of music I do ,I find it perfect for all …thank Griff for your video !!!
I’m convinced that most guitars are designed to played while standing up. Many of us play and practice while seated. Guitars designed to be played while standing are not all that comfortable to play while seated at least for me. The neck strap is a band aid to help compensate for this.
Because of this I am very interested in the headless ergonomic shapes like Rick Toone or Stranberg. Any info, pics or comments on ergo guitars from NAMM would be appreciated.
Check out the new Roland Blues amp and report what you think of it, particularly the Artist model. Also any views on PRS guitars?
regards
alan
Hi Griff, Thanks for sharing this information with us. Paul asked about the set up for the blues junior. I purchased the blues junior 2 and would like to get your thoughts showing the best setup for a clean sound and if possible what one multi pedal would you suggest. Thanks again for showing your family of guitar players that you put them first. I have purchased most of your guitar programs and I have found that your teaching methods are very detailed and your one on one approach makes students like me feel as though I am right there in your classroom. I believe that you should be cloned so that every person who would like to play guitar can experience your way of teaching.
Regards,
Art
Those are great amps but beyond my amateur guitarist budget. I’m looking for an amp priced around $1000.00 that I can move without a forklift. I am considering the Peavy Delta Blues or The Classic 30. Playing the blues with a pick and or a glass slide on a Gibson SG and just bought a lap steel w/ a single coil. That’s a wide range of sound. To complicate matters.. blues harp through one of these?
Can anyone comment on the Peavy amps or suggest another. I like the sound of the VOX 30 but again, $$$ and weight.
I like the Strat sound but just never got used to the neck feel and the 7 inch or so fretboard radius is difficult for slide. Comments/ suggestions?
Thanks,
Pat
I have a Delta Blues 2×10. For the money I think it is about as much as you can find, really versatile and sounds great. I like the dirty channel more than any pedal. The clean channel really sings when it starts to break up. I have owned a single 15 DB and prefer the punch of the 2×10. Good luck.
Which acoustic guitars do you play?
Now I know why I wanted an 11R so badly…. I hear it every time I watch Griff’s video’s and lessons !
I finally got one and I’m really happy with it. I already sold one of my modelling amps, Don’t need it anymore .
Griff, Joey Love posted a question on the BGU FB page. I’ve copied it below:
Have you checked out the Quilter amps? I’m somewhat intrigued, let me know if you get a chance to try one out
Thanks Griff, great info as usual. I thought I had enough guitars and gear but I have recently bought a Roland GR55 guitar synthesizer, an incredible item. Out of curiosity does anybody at BGU have any knowledge and/or experience of guitar synths?
You do gud, thanks. Check out pocket rockets. They must still make them. They are great for practice, don’t wake the neighbors and can be used for pre amp. Question, have they started bluetoothing guitars to amps yet?
Griff, thanks for letting us know what guitars and amps you use. You did not mention your Taylor. Do you use it at some of your gigs ? Have a great week end, and thanks again. Mike Z.
Way to much info for my pee-wee brain.Very interesting and it teaches me how little I know about playing guitar. HaHa
Griff
Can you offer any insight into the Line 6 amplifi?
It seems to everything. But does it do it well?
Hi ….same question ….I love the concept ..I have heard that it only works with I pads ?
The Amplifi now works with Android phones, etc.
way over my head. I’m gonna have to find a lighter amp though as my old Twin Reverb and Fender Dual Showman are just too heavy any more. Guess I’m starting to show / feel my age big time. Darn its heck to get old. Lots of different stuff than we had while in High School in the 60’s. It would be nice if Griff would show us how to play Star Spangled Banner by Hendrix.
Jimmy… It don’t get better at 70 either… I started a band WAY back when… 1959… Thank God Leo was around at them time!
Jeff Lear
Bass
The Centurions
1959-1967
Our big hit (Thanks to Pulp Fiction) Bullwinkle II
They now work with Android phones too.
Disregard this. Wrong spot. My bad.
Hey Griff thxs for all you do for all of us. Got your 5easy blues and love it. My question isn’t so much about new gear as I have a blues junior which I love and once last year you posted a lot of different settings by different artist you may have been among them, and it got past me before I could print it out . Would you be so kind as to repost or post info where you got it. Thx so much again you’ve been helping me mucho. Enjoy the show today
Hello
I own your Blues Gig in a Box.
Yesterday I have purchased a Fender Highway One with HSS pickup configuration.
I would like to have single coil pickups for blues and rock, and a humbacker for heavy metal. I would like to hear your advice
Josip Curic
Zagreb
Croatia