Category Archives: Interviews

The Story of the Musicians Behind the Scenes of the Stars Goes to the Big Screen TODAY June 29, 2017

HIRED GUN opens for one night only in theaters nationwide TODAY, Thursday June 29, 2017. It is positioned as the quintessential summer film, a rock documentary feature about the stars behind the stars. The film features session and touring musicians that are hired by well-established and famous bands and artists from Billy Joel to Pink to Metallica, and KISS, among many others.

These hired guns — some household names, some not — are undeniable masters of their craft who talk about the art of creating historic rock ‘n roll music of our time.  “Hired Gun” is a unique motion picture with the pedigree of winning numerous festivals and making an impact with print editors and the rock community in advance of its June 29th US premiere.
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The Legend of the Soldano Super Lead Overdrive

Purple SLO Michael Soldano had no intentions of becoming a guitar amp maker. Prior to the launch of the first Soldano Super Lead Overdrive (SLO), he dreamed of rock stardom and not amp building. But it was during these early days while he was on his tone quest that he realized he wasn’t fully satisfied with the amplifiers that were available at the time.
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Last Boutique Builder Standing: Richard Coibion of Monsterpiece Fuzz

Richard Coibion was hit by the effects building bug back in 2001. With a background Monstervariousand education in electronics engineering and having a steady career in IT, Coibion dabbled in modifying fuzz circuits and tuned them to his liking. He hadn’t ever considered making a career out of building effects however.
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Keeley Oxblood Overdrive Pedal Giveaway!

Oxblood_lyxe57We’re thankful for YOU, our readers! And to show our gratitude, we’re giving away one of Robert Keeley’s most in-demand new releases, the Keeley Oxblood overdrive pedal. All you need to do to enter is insert a comment below with a topic you’d like us to research and write about next year! It could be anything from a review request for a specific product, a tone tip or question, a profile of a favorite artist or an interview, etc. We’ll select a winner randomly on DECEMBER 18, 2015! Good luck and wish you all a wonderful holiday season!

Wading Through the Sea of Opinions

I recently sold an amplifier and stirred up a fun conversation with the buyer when we met in person. He was still lamenting about his amplifier choice, as he spent considerable research time – as many of us do these days – and sought out guidance online.
The problem, he discovered as he waded through countless forums, websites and video reviews, was that the opinions he found varied greatly. How could an amp be described as unreliable, shrill in tone, or lifeless and sterile in feel, while at the same time also being defined as being bullet-proof, a “holy grail” amp, and smooth with perfect overdrive bite?
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Interview with Marshall VP Mitch Colby on Marshall HW Series

Mitch ColbyRecently at the past 2004 NAMM show, Marshall formally unveiled its latest line of amplifiers – vintage recreations called the Hand Wired series. For many vintage amp tone enthusiasts (myself included), this was just the move that we had hoped Marshall would someday make.
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George Lynch Interview

George LynchGeorge Lynch remains one of the great rock stylists of our time. With a history that stems from his early work throughout the ’80s with Dokken, to various solo albums as well as with his current group, Lynch Mob, George Lynch continues to forge ahead and explore various new territories of rock musical styles and tone.

With two new albums out and multiple projects ahead, George was kind enough to take time away from his hectic recording and touring schedule to give LegendaryTones the low-down on his music as well as the topics of tone, technique, and the future. Check out his site at www.georgelynch.com and enjoy!
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Aerosmith 2002 Tour Gear

This past November, I had the pleasure to attend the Aerosmith show at the Shoreline in the Bay Area, with the added treat of being able to go backstage in the tech area prior to the show to get the full lowdown on what else? – the gear! I have to thank Brad Whitford’s personal guitar tech, Greg Howard, as well as Brad himself for taking the time out to meet with me and chat.

The stage sound during the show was perfectly mixed and sounded great. Joe Perry and Brad Whitford’s setups were both for the most part straightforward and based around the use of some of the best vintage guitars and amps along with a limited use of effects.
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