Equipment

[Rudolf Wagner]

Live we both normally just go into a Vox “Tonelab” Pedal for a little bit of compression, chorus and occasionally some other effects like “wah” or more drive. I found it to be one of the few effect pedals that don’t affect the dynamics and original sound of my guitars too much. Then straight into a Vox AC-30.https://voxamps.com/en-gb/product/tonelab-st/

I’ve never been a fan of bringing a bunch of pedals to live shows. First because I don’t need a lot of fancy effects for 99% of songs we play, and second because when the guitar has a good basic sound it rarely gets any better with lots of effects..

I’m not picky about my picks …. but I like a Jazz III (Dunlop) best when playing electric guitar. Something small, thick and pointy 🙂 On the acoustic guitar I will use something bigger, softer but don’t really have a specific “go to” kind.

For strings on my Gretsch, I prefer 10s. I used to do 9s but prefer the sound of a stronger gauge. I feel like 10s are a good compromise of sound and playability. D’addario, Ernie Ball, Gibson are all fine by me. I like “Pyramid” strings (especially the flat wounds on Mona’s Rickenbacker – sounds so vintage!) but they are sometimes hard to come by.

We basically use the same things we do live in the studio too. We also sometimes play around with amp simulations and different digital effects. Whatever it takes to get the best sound for each song.

Any other important equipment/accessories I missed? … Oh, we use the Dunlop 65 Spray and Fretboard oil to clean our guitars … 🙂

[Rudolf Wagner]

Hi Paul!

Lisa already answered a lot of your questions but to chime in real quick: I prefer 2B Drums sticks too. I’m not very picky about it but if I had to choose I’d always go with sticks that are too heavy rather than too light.

As for picks – I nearly always go for plain old, regular sized, medium gauge nylon plectrums. There are a few strumming techniques, in “June” for example, where I use a soft gauge for a more connected rhythm tone (it really makes a big difference) but those are the exception.

Thanks for the question! 🙂

[Rick Ross]

1. What an interesting question and Answers.
2. Great discussion all around
3. Rick

[Paul Steinmayer]

Oh my gosh… I feel so honored to have both of you answering my questions… Thank you both so very much!

I tried a digital pedal board controller once, and about a week later, sold it to someone and returned to my analog pedals, (the chorus and compressor).  I just found that the digital unit destroyed the sound (I described it as becoming very muddy), and I vowed never to use another!  But I agree with you, that the guitar straight into the amp producing the purest tone is best (I only use the chorus to add slight depth, and the compressor for boost during solos).

I would like to say that I’m going to try flat-wound strings because you both speak so highly of them.  I’ve never used them… mostly because when I was young and learning, no one I knew ever used them… so I never even knew they existed!  You have me curious though!

Again… thank you both so very much for the continued everything!!!

Fan-for-life Paul

[Jung Roe]

Wow, I love all the musician tech talk.  Seriously, hearing about all the details into what goes into your craft is awesome!  Thanks for so much insight Mona and Lisa!  Great question Paul.

[Darryl Boyd]

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When it comes to drum sticks, 2B or not 2B, that is the question.

[David Herrick]

Ha!

 

[Paul Steinmayer]

2B or not 2B….  now THAT’s funny!  Good one Darryl

[Jacki Hopper]

Well, I thoroughly was enGauged with all this musicianship talk, 2B or 2B…lol….goid conversation all around??

[Thomas Randall]

[postquote quote=89674][/postquote]

Ahhh 2b’s. I used 5a’s way back in the day. Pro-mark mostly but I wasn’t too picky about brands.

[Michael Rife]

FWIW……I have always preferred 5A sticks.  It is likely due to being in junior high and high school marching band and orchestra and it is just what we used in the schools.  For pics I like the one with a grip at the large end.  It is likely psychological but I feel safer using those kind of pics because when playing an E/A and we drop the pic we all know where it ends up.  Mike.

[Thomas Randall]

[postquote quote=91118][/postquote]

I also preferred nylon tips as well on my 5A’s for that clear, crisp pinging on the ride cymbal. I also preferred 14″ hi-hats.

[Michael Rife]

Exactly what I like about them.  To me the tip of a 5A is perfect.