1 Topic by Devan (edited by Devan 2011-12-09 18:44:50)

  • Devan
  • Devan
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  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
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Topic: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

I've always dreamed of an 'alternate' career as a guitar tech for a well known guitarist.  I mean, I LOVE guitars and gear, and I've always known that my own skills on the instrument would never see me in front of a crowd, but I wish in my younger days (before wife, kids and my own business) that I had spent a few years perhaps travelling the world doing this sort of work.


Recently I have been wondering what it would be like to be Joe's tech?  One the one hand, you get to play with the best toys (TWO real 59 Bursts anyone?), amps and gear - but on the other hand, it must be a real challenge to keep a 6 amp stack running at their prime, along with the multiple guitar changes, theremin etc. etc. on such a hectic tour schedule.


I'd say Joe's tech earns his keep for sure... smile


My current dream is somewhat downsized - I'd love to be Joe's tech's assistant for at least a day, just to see and hear the buzz behind the scenes... So Joe, if you or your tech ever need another 'gopher' during your next Australian tour - I'll gladly volunteer my services... big_smile

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  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

Be nice to see a compressed 10-12 minute rig rundown type video on the daily tasks of a guitar tech leading up to a show. I don't know if some do everything with hooking up the amps in conjunction with setting up the guitars etc..

As much as I like the finished product of things, I always find it interesting as to how the result was achieved. I'd love to see what all goes into being a professional guitar "tech".

  • From: Southampton, UK
  • Registered: 2011-09-06
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

helrazr84 wrote:

Be nice to see a compressed 10-12 minute rig rundown type video on the daily tasks of a guitar tech leading up to a show. I don't know if some do everything with hooking up the amps in conjunction with setting up the guitars etc..

As much as I like the finished product of things, I always find it interesting as to how the result was achieved. I'd love to see what all goes into being a professional guitar "tech".

I agree. It's great seeing Joe demo his gear, but I would also like to see how it get's built up on stage.  I've just assembled a four-way loom to feed from two amps and the FX loop down to my pedalboard - I would like to see how Joe has his gear wired for example.

As far as being Joe's tech is concerned, I'm not sure I could handle the pressure!  (-;  LOL

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  • From: North Carolina
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

I think it takes a special person to do that kind of work, not thats very difficult.  I just don't know if the pay would out way the traveling.  How many day off does Joe take?  Even when he's not touring your still going to have to over see his guitars during the sessions and heaven forbid one of them gets damaged on the road (like that ever happens!!!)  I'm also thinking of Warren Haynes guitar tech he over sees the roadies that setup everything and I've been to about a dozen Christmas Jams in Ashville (I'm going to one tonight as a matter of fact.) and Brian Farm is working for the hardest working man in show business (Joe sorry but Warren is in like 4 bands and never takes off) and I can personally tell you Warren's Guitar Tech is always working hard.  I would think Joe's guitar tech is just as hard of a worker.  I respectfully decline that position.  smile

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  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

I'd gladly do that or any job if Joe was ask. I'd be happy just to go back to work!

  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

No. But I would love Joe's guitar tech to work on my JB Epi Les Paul. I think I could trust him to get it just right.

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  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

Spider wrote:

I'd gladly do that or any job if Joe was ask. I'd be happy just to go back to work!

that would be very kool working for Joe

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  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

I don't like changing strings.

9 Reply by PSmith1946 (edited by PSmith1946 2011-12-12 09:35:12)

  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

DaveWammbarro wrote:

I don't like changing strings.

On the subject of strings. When I restring mine I start normally then wrap once around the stop before finishing on the heads the heads. Is this the way Joe does it or does he just reverse the string and bring it over the top of the stop. Can't see that it matters other than possible sharp edges on the string fastening scratching your hand. Any ideas?

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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

I've stage managed musicals for a community theatre group. 20 stage crew, music director with band, lighting and riggers, set construction, case of 50-80+; along with the trucking of the sets and setup. drop hanging, etc.

Love being onstage, Just no pay, was all volunteer

Wish I could do it but my main computer job doesn't even let me sleep..

I wouldn't mind hang'n with Joe and the boys for a while.

---------------

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)
  • From: NH - USA
  • Registered: 2010-11-08
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

Not sure if this has ever been done but I'd love to do, or hear an interview Joe's Guitar Tech... hear all about the kind of things he does to maintain Joe's gear, what his road survival kit is, the issues he's run into at different venues, people he's met and so on...

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  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

For those who need:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGLMy6Db … ata_player

13 Reply by Devan (edited by Devan 2011-12-12 21:18:31)

  • Devan
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

Spider wrote:

For those who need:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGLMy6Db … ata_player

Ha! Spider, you just beat me to it - I was about to upload that video on this thread.  I saw this a few months ago posted on TGP, and since then I have been restringing all my guitars this way and it is SO much easier and quicker, and more stable to boot.


I used to hate the whole string changing process, but one day a few years ago, I thought to myself - it is a job that HAS to be done, and there is no sense in paying someone else to do it, so I might as well figure out a way to enjoy it.


Nowadays, I treat string changes as a bit of a meditative event.  I take my time, and make the whole thing a bit of a ritual as I set up a workspace on the coffee table on the deck, remove the old strings, give the guitar a clean and polish and then restring.  A bit like what the Samurai of ancient Japan used to do when they polished their swords...the whole thing takes on a spiritual feel that refreshes the mind.  I actually look forward to doing string changes now as a bit of 'my time' where I can enjoy some peaceful repose.


As for the frantic broken 'E' string change between songs at a gig...well, that's another thing altogether !! big_smile

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  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

Thanks Spider.

And Devan, I too find if you set yourself up a comfortable workspace with everything you need, the string change process is much smoother. Gone are the days of sitting on the edge of my bed, guitar in lap, knocking over everything I have, and having to constantly get up cause I forgot my wire cutters..or string winder is out of reach!

  • From: North Carolina
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

One loop around the top of the post then wrap below the string.  Its as good as a set of locking tuners.  The string acts like pliers on itself and it works perfectly.

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  • Registered: 2011-11-30
  • Posts: 7

Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

What gauge strings does Joe use?  How often is he changing strings considering he is using numerous guitars throughout a performance rather than the same axe all night? Does Joe use any hearing protection?  I would love to tech for Joe for a few months but I think his touring schedule is for a guy without a family.

  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

11-52 strings. I suspect that they are changed before every gig.

  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2010-04-15
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Re: Would you want to be Joe's guitar tech?

Nowadays, I treat string changes as a bit of a meditative event.  I take my time, and make the whole thing a bit of a ritua

That's the way I look at it, too.  Some nice, quiet time with the guitars.  I take care of them, clean them up, give them some TLC.  Put on some good music and meditate.  I use Elixers on all my guitars so I don't have to change them very often, but when I do it's a nice little date.

I don't think I'd like being Joe's tech.  I would like being the 2nd guitarist in his band, though!

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