Q: What sort of equipment is the band using at the moment (or on the
last tour).
A: Oh, I'm so happy to say this rather than having to type out the
whole process - Check out the signal flow diagrams for each guy and
find out!!
Q: There has been an ongoing rumor that Mike's main guitar (the '57
sunburst Strat) was originally owned by Stevie Ray Vaughn and was
purchased by Mike at an auction. Is this true?
A: No. First of all, the aforementioned Strat is NOT a 1957, but rather
a 1959. Secondly, it was not purchased via auction by Mike, nor was it
ever owned by the late Stevie Ray Vaughn (at least that we know of). If
it had been previously owned by Stevie, I would have to think that Mike
probably would have permanently placed it in some sort of "Stevie
Shrine," under 24-hour security surveillance, instead of taking it on
the road and throwing it around on stage.
Q: Please, I just LOVE the sound of the old brownish Fender
Stratocaster that Mike plays on the "Single Video Theory." I have a
Strat myself and I'm going to change its pickups. Would you tell me the
specs on this guitar, please? Type of wood, pickups, strings, etc?
A: As previously described in the above question, the Fender
Stratocaster that Mike plays in SVT is a vintage 1959. The guitar body
is made from Alder, the neck is Maple, and the fingerboard is Rosewood.
The body, neck, paint, pickguard, pickups, knobs, tuners, tremolo
bridge, and jack plate are all original parts. Over the years that Mike
has owned it, however, I'm fairly certain that we've replaced the
frets, the nut, and the internal electronics such as the volume/tone
pots, pickup selector switch, and 1/4" jack. Additionally, we've had
the pickup and electronic cavities coated with a conductive shielding
paint to help reduce noise while Mike's using the guitar in the studio
or on the road. Instead of the original 3-way pickup selector, we've
swapped it with a 5-way selector for more tonal options.
Q: What kind of guitars do Pearl Jam use? (Brand, series, name of
guitar.) And what size strings do they use?? It sounds like Mike's are
lighter - like in Given To Fly, his guitar (tone) is higher. What brand
of effects do Pearl Jam use?
A: You're the same guy that asked about what kind of amps Mike and
Stone use, aren't you?? Jeez, the amp list could have been really long
if I'd made it so, but the guitar, bass, and effects list could be
about ten times as long!! So, I'm not going to sit here and list them
all. Sorry. I'd suggest checking out the Signal Flow Diagrams if you
want to see what some of their main guitars and effect pedals are. While
you're there, you'll notice Mike's preferred string brand and
gauge. Mike has the same gauge strings on all of his guitars and I'm
positive that he did not switch to a lighter set just for Given To Fly.
Q: I am just starting to purchase my very first guitar and know
absolutely nothing. I want to get some feedback similar to Pearl
Jam's. What do you recommend? What do Mike and Stone predominantly
use? I assume they use mostly Fender and Gibson but what body style? I
am debating primarily between a Fender Strat and a Gibson Les Paul. Is
one better than the other to start out with? What are the advantages and
disadvantages with each? Would I be stupid to spend around $800 for my
first born? I understand that a lot of it is personal preference, but
your feedback is more than greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
A: Mike and Stone predominately play both Fender and Gibson guitars.
Stratocasters, Telecasters, and Les Pauls. You're right, one is not
necessarily better than the other to start out with; it's just
personal preference. If you like a thicker, chunkier sound, buy a Les
Paul. (www.gibson.com) If you like a twangier, brighter, more versatile
tone, buy a Strat. (www.fender.com) The biggest difference between the
two is going to be in tone and the versatility of the tones one can
achieve. The body styles are obviously different too, thus resulting in
the way a guitar feels on you. Other than that, the only other BIG
difference you'll find between the two models is going to be in
price. Fender offers three or four different lines of Strats, based upon
the manufacturing location (and subsequent quality of parts and
production). There are the Mexican Strats (cheapest), the Japanese
Strats (middle of the road), and the U.S. Custom Shop Strats (best and
most expensive). That I'm aware of, Gibson does not offer such quality
and/or price variations on their Les Pauls.
You might be stupid to spend $800 on your first guitar, but that depends
on whether you consider yourself rich or not? Do you know how to play at
all right now, or are you pretty much starting from scratch? If you're
just starting, I might make the suggestion of considering a cheaper
acoustic guitar for your first guitar. With an acoustic guitar you
won't have to sink additional money into purchasing an amp, and I
think acoustics are better for learning proper picking, strumming, and
fretting techniques - all of your mistakes are easily audible, thus
forcing you to develop better habits, rather than the "cheating"
techniques that you can get away with on an electric. Acoustics, for
this same reason, are also better for developing your hand strength. And
ultimately, if you continue playing guitar, then you can put more money
into getting a nicer electric guitar and amp. And if you lose interest
in playing the guitar - well, then you haven't wasted so much money
into something you don't use. My pick? Check out Taylor's "Baby
Taylor" acoustic. It's small, easily portable, relatively inexpensive,
sounds great for what it is, and is perfect for kids, adults, and/or
beginners. (www.taylorguitars.com)
Q: I know they use (GHS) Boomers strings, but what are the gauges?
A: Mike, Stone, and Ed use GHS Boomers on their guitars. Gauges? Please
view the signal flow diagrams and find out.
Amps...
Q: I am in the market for a new amp. I was wondering what brands,
make, models, types, tube or not tube, or whatever else you can tell me
about Mike's and Stone's amp preferences.
A: Jeez, could you ask me a question that takes about an hour to respond
to?? To start with, first check out Mike and Stone's signal flow
diagrams to see what they use live. Beyond that, the short(er) response
to your question would be to tell you that Mike and Stone have a lot of
different amps. They primarily use vintage tube amps, but are not
limited to only vintage. They have some newer tube amps as well. But
just about all their amps are tube powered. They own Fender "deluxes"
(tweeds and browns), "twins" (tweed and blackface), "vibrolux" (tweed),
"champs" (tweed), "super" (brown), "bassman" reissues, "reverbs"
(blackface), "pro junior"; Marshall "jcm 800s" (100w), "super tremolos"
(100w plexi), "jmps" (50w plexi); Vox "ac-30s"; Savage "blitz 50";
Matchless "hc-30s", "dc-30s", "hurricane 15"; Ampeg "reverberocket"
reissues, "b-15" reissues; Peavey "classic 100", "classic 30", "delta
blues"; Mountain Amps; Mesa/Boogie "studio pre amp", ".50 caliber"; VHT
"classic 1250." And I probably missed a few too.
In the studio, their preferences these days seem to lie more with the
smaller amps. Back on the first two or three records, their preferences
were more with the larger, higher wattage amplifiers such as the
Marshalls. But as I'm beginning to believe about a lot of
guitarists, Mike and Stone's preferences have switched to the smaller
amps (with less power) as they've become more mature players. Billy
Gibbons, from ZZ Top, has preached this theory for years. But the
reality is that there is no right or wrong; it's just about whatever
sound you're going for. Mike and, particularly Stone, have learned
that the tones they're going for in the studio seem to be more easily
achieved with the lower wattage combo amps (Fender Twins aside) than
with the higher wattage heads and 4x12 cabs. Although, that's
certainly not the rule, just my general observation.
Amp preferences for use on the road are slightly different than in the
studio, largely due to the volume requirements on a large stage.
However, any amp that gets used on stage has to not just be loud enough,
but also sound good, have adequate sustain, and is somewhat flexible in
tone. Every stage and venue has different acoustics and so you need a
good amplifier that can be flexible and responsive - yet still
consistent - to its daily changing environment.
Q: As I watch PJ's "Single Video Theory," I try to make out the combo
amp that Mike McCready seems to play from. Is it a Fender Rod Deluxe, or
is my guess incorrect? I'm just curious because I just purchased one.
A: Well, I've never heard of a Fender "rod deluxe", but if you say you
just bought one, I'll believe you. However, no, that is not what Mike
is playing through during the filming of SVT. The amp Mike is using is a
vintage 1959 Fender "twin" 2x12" combo amp. the same one he has recently
been using on tour.
Q: Ok, I've been playing guitar for about 3 years now, and do a
halfway decent job. I always noticed a difference in the sound I get,
and the sound you hear when you listen to an album. The other day, for
the first time, in my three years, I played a tube amp. I noticed, that
for once it really sounded good (currently I have a solid state Marshall
stack, with two 4 by 10's). So despite the fact the McCready is a great
player and has great hands (in reference to Rumor Pit #32, gear question G7),
will the tube amp make the difference between getting a similar sound to
the "Pearl Jam sound"? I just always figured that tube amps were a way
for the companies to get more money out of you. Help... I want that
"Pearl Jam sound" that we all love.
A: Tube vs. Solid State. Solid State vs. Tube. Is one better than the
other? How many more times can musicians, amp techs., magazines,
recording engineers, etc. debate this question? It's completely a
subjective question, the answer depending on whom you ask when. Tubes
came first and have been around for what seems like forever. Then modern
electronics technology made solid state amps popular for a while. Now
most everyone is back using tubes again thanks to the 90's "retro"
trend. I have my preference, but that doesn't mean anything, really. All
I can do is share with you the facts surrounding your question as it
relates to PJ.
With the exception of an amp here or an amp there, 98% of all the amps
PJ own use tube technology. It shouldn't come as a surprise to any true
PJ follower that the guys generally prefer vintage gear (amps, guitars,
pedals, keyboards, and some cabinets) over that of newer equipment. They
are not closed minded to newly made gear, mind you, as long as it
sounds/feels good. With that said, most older amps come with tubes. Is
it an integral part of their sound? Yes.
Most musicians - including the PJ guys - generally feel that the tube
amp gives a warmer, rounder, more musical tone. The tube is more
forgiving, more flexible in tone. But those are just cliché, vague terms
used to describe something that is really indescribable. The only real
answer is in what YOU hear and how it makes your guitar/bass playing
sound. There are no rights or wrongs, it only depends on what kind of
sound you're going for. Tube amps will cost more, though. I don't
necessarily mean in purchase price, but remember, maintenance is a factor
with tube amps. Tubes occasionally go bad, or over time need to be
changed. Having a good amp service technician costs money. Solid state
amps generally need less servicing. And in my opinion, the only way a
manufacturer, or used music store, is gouging you for more $$ with a
tube amp is through popular style. Since reissue tube amps have been all
the rage this decade, naturally manufacturers are going to stick it to
you for more money because you want what is cool, hip, trendy. That
doesn't necessarily mean the amp sounds bad - some do, some don't - it
just means that the manufacturers/retailers see a demand and take
advantage of it. Just like Nike does with basketball shoes.
Tech Guru Tip: For helpful hints regarding tube amplifier maintenance and servicing, please visit our friend, Sal Trentino, at http://trentino.best.vwh.net/. Sal has 35 years of experience working with tube amplifiers and electronics, and for the past 27 years has been Neil Young's amp technician. Over that same span, he has also regularly serviced the amplifiers of Carlos Santana, amongst others. Pearl Jam is fortunate that during the recording of "Vs." in 1993, we were introduced to Sal and he has been our primary amplifier technician since 1994. Please, however, direct any questions you have concerning Pearl Jam's amplifiers to the Rumor Pit only.
Effects...
Q: Ok, I know from the Musician magazine "complete stage set up"
thingy that they did on PJ about a year ago that both Mike and Stone use
Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamers. I also own one of these. However I can't
really get a strong (beefy) sound out of it. I was wondering where the
dials are set on Mike and Stone's pedal. Do they always use that for
distortion, or do they use an amp channel switch. My amp is a solid
state Marshall head, with a JCM 900 cab, do I just plain old need a tube
amp, or can I get that strong sound out of this pedal??
A: Did you check the battery?? Ha, ha. Just kidding. Keep in mind that
just because Mike and/or Stone use the Tube Screamer pedal doesn't
necessarily mean that it's the pedal for you too. I'm not going to
sit here and tell you that your solid-state Marshall amp is the reason
you can't get the overdriven sound you want, because I don't know
how your particular head sounds, nor do I know exactly what kind of
sound you're trying to achieve. However, I do typically have dislikes
for solid-state guitar amps. I can tell you, though, that neither Mike
or Stone use solid-state amps; neither typically use channel switching
(they own a few dual-channel amps, but use either one channel or the
other - they never switch back and forth); and, when using a
head/cabinet setup, they greatly prefer cabinets loaded with low wattage
speakers (25w) that break up easier. And don't forget about the guitar
itself. My suggestion to you is that if you're not happy with the tone
you're getting from your Tube Screamer, try some other pedals and/or
some different amps. There are a million of them out there. Borrow from
a friend or take your guitar with you to the music store and sit down
and experiment. Foot pedals, or amps, aren't exactly cheap, so I think
most music stores should be willing to let you try before you buy.
Q: I am looking to purchase a distortion/overdrive pedal. Can you
please tell me what brand/model pedals Stone and Mike use?
A: Stone and Mike own a ton of different distortion pedals (there are a
million of them out on the market), and different ones get used here and
there during the recording process, but for most occasions they use the
Ibanez Tube Screamer pedal. Check out their Signal Flow Diagrams for
more info.
Q: Just a short question to the TechGuru... What is the order of
Stone's and Mike's effects and amps?
A: Just a short question, huh? While neither of their set-ups are
complex, it's not a question that can be answered with a super short
answer. Check out each band member's page to see their current Signal Flow Diagrams.
Q: I would like to know if you could divulge who made the guitar
effects pedalboards that Stone and Mike put their stompboxes in. I'm an
amateur musician who has been trying to get some expert direction on how
to get one.
A: There's nothing too expert about a pedalboard. Mike's pedalboard was
made by his guitar tech, Jeff O. He just used plywood and spray painted
it black. Stone and Jeff Ament both have custom built pedalboards -
neither of which are complicated in the least - they were manufactured
by the same people that build our road cases. They're also basically
made from plywood and spray painted black, but the sidewalls are
additionally covered with a gray, fuzzy carpet material. In all three
pedalboard configurations, the pedals are placed on the pedalboard using
Velcro.
Q: I was curious what effect(s) Mike used for his opening riffs in the
song Deep from Ten. It sounds as if he uses a similar sound for his solo
on the Live On Two Legs version of Even Flow. Thank you for your time.
A: I don't know, and I'm sure that by now if you were to ask Mike
what effect(s) he used for the opening riff of Deep, he wouldn't know
either. Sorry, that was a long time ago.
Q: A while back someone asked about the distortion pedals and the
answer was "Ibanez Tube Screamer: two different ones" Are there actually
two different Ibanez Tube Screamer pedals (and if so is one heavier than
the other) or is it just the same pedal with different settings for
convenience?
A: The latter. It was the same Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer pedal, just
with different settings.
Q: What effect does Mike use on the solo of "Wishlist"?
A: His guitar volume knob. No kidding!
Q: Do you know if any PJ members used an Ibanez FL-303 flanger pedal
on a tour a few years back? A guitar dealer is trying to convince me
that the band used the effect he has.
A: I do know and the answer is NO. None of the PJ members have ever used
an Ibanez FL-303 flanger.
Note: Please do not ever buy any piece of musical equipment - guitars,
basses, amps, speaker cabinets, effect pedals, drums, keyboards, etc.
said to have belonged to or used by Pearl Jam without first
receiving some sort of proper authentication. Non-authenticated sales of
such equipment only result in you being misled and paying higher prices
than the actual market value would otherwise dictate. With the exception
of only a few extremely limited occasions during their nine-year career,
Pearl Jam has never been in the practice of selling their musical
equipment. At this point in time (while they are still successful and
collectively making music), there is really no need or point for PJ to
be "unloading" unwanted equipment. If you ever question someone selling
musical equipment said to have been used by Pearl Jam, please email the
Rumor Pit and I'll be more than happy to validate it for you.
Misc...
Q: Also, if I'm not too late for the next Rumor Pit, could you find out
if the guitar part for "Given To Fly" is in an alternate tuning or not?
I'd appreciate it, as I'm getting frustrated tuning and re-tuning my
(Les) Paul. I'm lazy like that, lol...
A: In reference to "the guitar part", I'm guessing that you meant the
main guitar part that carries the melody of the song? Yes? For that
song, Mike tunes his guitar to (from low string to high string) D, A, D,
G, A, D.
Q: When Mike was in Mad Season, how did he get that really reverbed
sound on his solos? Was it from a pedal, or was it from his amp?
A: Since I wasn't in the studio with Mike all the time during the Mad
Season recordings, I can only speculate. My guess would be that Brett,
the co-producer/engineer, added the reverb to the guitar in the mixing
process. I guess this for two reasons.... First, Mike traditionally has
never used reverb in his guitar rig - either via pedal, amp, or reverb
tank - so I don't imagine he would have just for Mad Season. Secondly,
guitar effects like reverb aren't something that producers or engineers
usually like to record tracks with. They'd rather record "dry" tracks
and add effects later in the mix. The reason is for greater control and
flexibility. It's impossible to remove unwanted reverb from a recorded
track, but it's easy to add reverb to something during the mixing
process.
