• From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Topic: My New Rig Completed!!!

Hey guys, here's the latest version of my rig.  It's a really cool mesh of vintage styling with modern technology.  I have spent the last 3-4 days planning, cutting, wiring, assembling, disassembling, rearranging, and dialing this rig in.  It sounds FANTASTIC, far beyond any of my expectations.  It does EJ, Hendrix, SRV, Jeff Beck, Cream era Clapton, JB, Gilmour, and some of my own tones very well.  The bad news is that I killed my old chorus pedal, and there are a few pedals that need to be added.  The advantage of this rig is that I can add/take away any pedals or rack units as my tastes change.  I don't have to completely re-assemble a rig everytime I need a different tone.  I can also substitute amplifiers very easily.  If I had a small gig I could plug 2 small combos into this rig and have a low wattage version of the same rig!  This is the best I've been able to come up with yet as far as neatness, compact-ness, simplicity, and pallate of usable tones goes.  Future additions:

1) Keeley compressor
2) EP-3 Echoplex or Fulltone TTE
3) Ibanez CS-9 or TC SCF chorus

No sounds yet because the Metro Superlead needs a retube/tune up, but I'll post the sounds demo sometime next week.  I hope you guys dig it!  cool

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puBOEUdu1KQ

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • From: Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-02-11
  • Posts: 453

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

Can't wait to hear it!

  • From: Missoula, Montana
  • Registered: 2008-08-18
  • Posts: 308

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

Justin, looks great. Can't wait to hear it.

#275 JB LP

tmcguire's Website

4 Reply by SOFTMC (edited by SOFTMC 2010-05-02 06:18:17)

  • Registered: 2008-03-07
  • Posts: 508

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

Cool  !!   looks pretty neat

sure it will sound killer , but surprised the metro needs retube already  hmm

"Everybody's entitled to my opinion. wink
  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

Yeah, I was wondering why the Metro needs that change/tune up...surely it hasn't been that long?  hmm

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

Well I have been running it pretty much full blast for over an hour everyday lol.  That will eat power tubes really fast.  NMV Marshalls are known for eating tubes pretty quickly especially if you crank them to 10.  Thanks guys for checking out the new rig, I can't wait to make some more sounds with it!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • From: South Dakota
  • Registered: 2009-12-18
  • Posts: 129

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

Awesome rig Justin. I bought a Delta Lab Chorus after watching one of your videos, and seeing some of the good things you had to say about it on this forum. Sad that it died on you. What happened to your Dr. Z, Dailey, Ceriatone, Marshall DSL, and such? Are they still kicking around? Your videos also have fueled my GAS for a Voodoo Labs Amp Selector so that I can do some amp pairing of my own.  lol

Looking forward to the updated sounds video.  cool

Please, call me Austin.
My Gear List

AJS19's Website

  • From: Burlington, Ont Canada
  • Registered: 2010-04-01
  • Posts: 365

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

Wow - awesome set up Justin....now I have a bad case of GAS - again!

AJS19 wrote:

Awesome rig Justin. I bought a Delta Lab Chorus after watching one of your videos, and seeing some of the good things you had to say about it on this forum. Sad that it died on you. What happened to your Dr. Z, Dailey, Ceriatone, Marshall DSL, and such? Are they still kicking around? Your videos also have fueled my GAS for a Voodoo Labs Amp Selector so that I can do some amp pairing of my own.  lol

Looking forward to the updated sounds video.  cool

Gits: '03 Gibson Historic R7 Goldtop, '06 Gibson R8 Plaintop, MIJ '62 RI Strat,  and others...
Amps: '99 Marshall 1987x Plexi RI, 1969 Fender Super Reverb

My band: www.meanbones.com
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

AJS19 wrote:

Awesome rig Justin. I bought a Delta Lab Chorus after watching one of your videos, and seeing some of the good things you had to say about it on this forum. Sad that it died on you. What happened to your Dr. Z, Dailey, Ceriatone, Marshall DSL, and such? Are they still kicking around? Your videos also have fueled my GAS for a Voodoo Labs Amp Selector so that I can do some amp pairing of my own.  lol

Looking forward to the updated sounds video.  cool

Thanks Austin!  The Delta is a solid little stereo chorus, especially for $80.  It only died because I accidentally plugged my Line 6 adapter into it....DOH  mad  If I had to do it all over again I would have probably sprung for the Ibanez CS-9 because I believe it's analog and only about $20 more.  The other amps are around (for now) but I have no idea what the future holds for them.  The Ceriatone and Bassman aren't going anywhere because they fill a very specific niche for me.  The Z is a really special amp but it begs to be played with a Telecaster (don't have one).  The DSL is also a very solid amp but I'd probably sell that one because they are so readily available.  I'm just so darn happy with the Metro and Super that the others unfortunately don't get much playing time right now!  cool

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2010-03-20
  • Posts: 536

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

Hey- liking it a lot.

I'm just in the process of planning a rack and getting rid of my floorboard completely.....

"Who wants an orange whip? Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips...."

JB LP Goldtop No. 290- Aged...rather like me.
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

jakey wrote:

Hey- liking it a lot.

I'm just in the process of planning a rack and getting rid of my floorboard completely.....

Thanks man.  I highly recommend the RJM units.  To me, they are super easy to use and straightforward compared to the GCX Ground Control Pro units.  I can use more pedals with the RJM too.  Another bonus is that the entire rig is dead silent.  Between the Furman, Voodoo Lab PP2, super hi-fi cables (George Ls, LOVE 'EM), and the ground lift on the RJM unit the whole rig is studio quiet.  I still plan on possibly using a very small pedalboard for a wah and the RJM controller, but by having the lion's share of the gear in the rack it makes it so much neater.  Easy tear down and setup too.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2009-10-27
  • Posts: 250

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

StratGuy:  Nice Set-up!! I'm looking at buying a Pedaltrain with built in Voodoo Lab PP II - are they quiet and do they suck tone?

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

The Pedal Power 2 not only makes your rig so much quieter but I feel that it also improves the tone.  The 1 Spot that I use to use was noisier and less efficient.  The PP2 is not involved with your signal so I can't see how it could be bad for your tone unless of course you are trying to run too many pedals with it.  I highly recommend them.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2010-03-20
  • Posts: 536

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

stratpaulguy86 wrote:
jakey wrote:

Hey- liking it a lot.

I'm just in the process of planning a rack and getting rid of my floorboard completely.....

Thanks man.  I highly recommend the RJM units.  To me, they are super easy to use and straightforward compared to the GCX Ground Control Pro units.  I can use more pedals with the RJM too.  Another bonus is that the entire rig is dead silent.  Between the Furman, Voodoo Lab PP2, super hi-fi cables (George Ls, LOVE 'EM), and the ground lift on the RJM unit the whole rig is studio quiet.  I still plan on possibly using a very small pedalboard for a wah and the RJM controller, but by having the lion's share of the gear in the rack it makes it so much neater.  Easy tear down and setup too.

Justin- I'm not a fan of G L's. Well, I think they're good at what they do, little too bright, but better than 95% of the stuff out there, but transport the rig around and they all come undone. I use Evidence Melody in custom lengths- which is really the nuts.

I'm just ummming and ahhing. I have a full custom Pete Cornish board on order. But it's 3 years away. I want to greatly simplify. Pete's got a couple of damn good ideas to assist in the short term that can be re-used in the Cornish floorboard so watch the space.

"Who wants an orange whip? Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips...."

JB LP Goldtop No. 290- Aged...rather like me.

15 Reply by SOFTMC (edited by SOFTMC 2010-05-04 12:06:39)

  • Registered: 2008-03-07
  • Posts: 508

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

jakey wrote:
stratpaulguy86 wrote:
jakey wrote:

Hey- liking it a lot.

I'm just in the process of planning a rack and getting rid of my floorboard completely.....

Thanks man.  I highly recommend the RJM units.  To me, they are super easy to use and straightforward compared to the GCX Ground Control Pro units.  I can use more pedals with the RJM too.  Another bonus is that the entire rig is dead silent.  Between the Furman, Voodoo Lab PP2, super hi-fi cables (George Ls, LOVE 'EM), and the ground lift on the RJM unit the whole rig is studio quiet.  I still plan on possibly using a very small pedalboard for a wah and the RJM controller, but by having the lion's share of the gear in the rack it makes it so much neater.  Easy tear down and setup too.

Justin- I'm not a fan of G L's. Well, I think they're good at what they do, little too bright, but better than 95% of the stuff out there, but transport the rig around and they all come undone. I use Evidence Melody in custom lengths- which is really the nuts.




I'm just ummming and ahhing. I have a full custom Pete Cornish board on order. But it's 3 years away. I want to greatly simplify. Pete's got a couple of damn good ideas to assist in the short term that can be re-used in the Cornish floorboard so watch the space.

I dont mean to be a philistine   neutral  but do the cables make much difference to the sound ? I have some different cables klotz etc and I cant tell the difference between them . so if I spend 90 bucks on a cable like evidence melody would the difference be noticable      thanks

"Everybody's entitled to my opinion. wink
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

In regards to the George Ls I haven't had them long enough to comment.  I know that I like the tone a heck of a lot more than the Planet Waves and Monster Cables I used to use.  The cables cannot technically "add" anything to the signal, but they certainly can take away certain frequencies.  The George L's allow more clarity and high end to pass through than most cables.  So if you like the mellowing effect of some cables then you probably wouldn't like them.  However, I find that the low end is much more punchy and controlled on my distorted tones.  Overall I'm really really happy with them.  As far as reliability goes, we'll have to see.  I have the protection sleaves on the cables to take all of the shock off of them to prevent loose connections.  All of the cables in the rack will remain stationary and will not be moved so I cannot really see how they'll be introduced to any stress.  To be honest, I've had so many problems with soldered cables that I felt like trying a solderless cable would be a good bet.  They are super easy to fix even if they do short out. You just cut a fresh end and reattach!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2010-03-20
  • Posts: 536

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

In regards to the George Ls I haven't had them long enough to comment.  I know that I like the tone a heck of a lot more than the Planet Waves and Monster Cables I used to use.  The cables cannot technically "add" anything to the signal, but they certainly can take away certain frequencies.  The George L's allow more clarity and high end to pass through than most cables.  So if you like the mellowing effect of some cables then you probably wouldn't like them.  However, I find that the low end is much more punchy and controlled on my distorted tones.  Overall I'm really really happy with them.  As far as reliability goes, we'll have to see.  I have the protection sleaves on the cables to take all of the shock off of them to prevent loose connections.  All of the cables in the rack will remain stationary and will not be moved so I cannot really see how they'll be introduced to any stress.  To be honest, I've had so many problems with soldered cables that I felt like trying a solderless cable would be a good bet.  They are super easy to fix even if they do short out. You just cut a fresh end and reattach!

Agree with very much most of that. Also G L's jacks are very compact which makes a big difference. They're great cables as I say. I ended up superglueing the threads which works very well. And a lot easier to fix together than monorails. I agree re top end too. I do prefer the Evidence Melody (which is a lot more pricey I admit!), but I always have some G L's cable and ends in my gig tool bag- just in case!

SOFTMC

YES! Massively so, IMO.

"Who wants an orange whip? Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips...."

JB LP Goldtop No. 290- Aged...rather like me.
  • Registered: 2009-10-10
  • Posts: 438

Re: My New Rig Completed!!!

That is a killer rig.  Please slip your old Bassman into that rig sometime and let me know how it sounds!  Also, how does your tube driver get along with your Super Reverb?  Thanks, Rob