Amplification: 2 x Komet Trainwreck 60. Both had EL-34 tubes in Tahoe, with one amp acting as a spare. At night 1 of the Gorge, the EL-34 tubes in both amps had been replaced by 6L6 tubes in both. By night 3, Trey was back to having 6L6’s in one amp and EL-34’s in the second – the best of both worlds. Toward the end of tour, Trey had dialed in the El-34 sound such that he was using the EL-34 amp almost exclusively and the 6L6 amp only occasionally.
Cabinets:
Ambikabs: 2 Komet Ambikabs. Each Ambikab has its own effects loop with a Source Audio Ventris Reverb and an Eventide TimeFactor. The 12″ speakers are Celestion Heritage 65’s. The cabs are cross-mic’d for a wider soundstage; see below for more details.
Leslies: 2 x Leslie G-37. One of the Leslies is dedicated to guitar, while the other is used for the samples coming from the McMillen 12-step. There is a Leslie speed selector switch and a volume expression pedal that controls the Guitar Leslie volume. The 2 Leslies are stacked atop one another so you can only see one from the audience.
Guitars:
Electric: Koa #1 starting at the Gorge; Mar Mar is on stage tuned down a full step for Waste (See below for more). Koa #2 was used for Tahoe.
Mics: Trey’s rig is mic’d by a Shure SM-57 and a Royer SF-12. Trey also uses SE GuitarF Reflexion Filters to isolate these mics.
Effects:
• 2 x Tube Screamer
• Digitech Whammy II
• Klon
• Ross Compressor
• POG2
• Beigel Tru-Tron 3x Envelope Filter
• Boomerang
• Eventide Space x 3 (2 in effects loops)
• Moog MF-104M analog delay
• 3 x Way Huge Supa Puss atop rack (most of the five have the R79 removed from the printed circuit board, allowing for a smoother curve or more linear slope on the mix control. Note: On Gorge Night 3, one of the Puss delays was removed from the chain to make room for an amp switching channel for EL-34 to 6L6.)
• Victoria Reverberato
• Bradshaw Custom Tremolo
• Shin -Ei UniVibe
• Ibanez DM-2000 digital delay
• McMillen 12-step midi keyboard foot controller (see the bottom of the 2018 Spring TAB Tour entry for a full explainer).
Here’s a “Rosetta Stone” shot from Alpharetta 8/3/18. A very rare, clear look at almost the entire CAE board. Here’s the Full Frontal pic from Gorge Night 1. Mostly status quo in terms of amplification, but the Ambikabs are up on small risers for more consistent sound from stage-to-stage. One head is a spare, but the cabs are cross-mic’d, so that the 12″ speakers from one cabinet are used with the 10″ speakers from the other, and vice versa. One half of each cabinet is a spare, such that the cabinet with the live 12″ speakers has 10″ speakers that are not in use unless the other 10″ speakers fail. The result is a very wide soundstage behind Trey. Also note the Leslie G-37 rotating speaker on our right.Here’s a shot of the Tilt-up table atop the rack. You can see the POG2 in red, the three Way Huge Supa Puss pedals in blue, the Moog MF-104m delay with wood paneling, and the Beigel Tru-Tron 3x Envelope Filter in white at the top.Here’s the floor array from Tahoe. From left: EXP 1: Leslie mix; EXP 2: CHOP speed; RST-24 foot controller; CAE Wah; Digitech Whammy II, Boomerang Phrase Sampler, Keith McMillen 12-step foot controller, EXP 3: Loops. Note that both Komet amps are labeled “EL-34” at this point. That will change by the time the band arrives at the Gorge.Here’s a shot of the back of the Komets from the Gorge. The big glass bottle tubes are a clear giveaway that Trey has switched to 6L6 tubes at this point.Here’s a better shot from the Gorge (night 2) of the Beigel Tru-Tron 3x and the top 2 Supa Pusses. Most importantly, note that the label on the Komet amp (white writing on black tape affixed to the top; bottom left of photo) has switched from “EL-34” to “6L6”.Trey works the CAE Wah at the Gorge night 1. Whammy and CAE RST-24 on either side.Here are the dual mics on the horn rotor of the Leslie G-37. They are Sennheiser 409’s.Blonde No. 1 (or “Mar Mar”) was tuned down a full step. Trey used it for Waste, which Phish played in its original key of C for the first time since 1996. The song was played in D from 1997 through 2017. The song’s chord voicings are all written out of D, so playing it in C requires a second guitar tuned down a full step. Trey had started carrying a spare acoustic guitar to play Waste in C during his solo and TAB tours earlier in 2018.This Electro Harmonix B-9 Organ emulator appeared on the rack for the last night of summer tour. The third Supa-Puss had been in this space, then it was replaced by a Boss OC-2, and then the Ross Compressor. The B-9 was used as a dedicated organ emulator in conjunction with the Leslie G-37. You can hear this effect after the 7 minute mark in the Golden Age from Dick’s.
Thank you! For me, Sunday night was historic (and not just because it was the first “Third Night at The Gorge”)! I only have a couple questions:
1: When I was watching Sunday’s stream, I swear I saw a Boss OC-2 where the top-right Supa Puss is located in your pictures. Can you or anyone else confirm that? I don’t have access to the video.
2: Are the delays in the AmbiKabs Supa-puss’ or Eventides? I’ve been given conflicting info on that.
3: Did Trey ditch the Ross again?
Again, Thank you! I’m as interested in the sounds that make music as much as I am the notes that make music, and your site is amazing!
Can you get rack pics? In one of the pictures it seems there are 2x 808s in the “spare drawer”, pulled out slightly. Wondering what pedals are in the main OD drawer w/ the Klon? A third 808 and a Comprosser? All vintage 808s or any Analogman mods?
Also since he doesn’t have the rack close to him I assume he isn’t changing settings on the POG mid-show – what is the setting he has it set on? Whammy for certain effects and POG for others?
How are the 3x Supa Puss Pedals different from each other settings wise, and differently from the Moog?
Still the Spring Reverb setting on the Ventris, but there are no Space units in the Ambikab loops — the Ventris replaced them. The Space is in the main rack before the Komet heads.
Thanks; I’ve corrected. I knew that didn’t seem right. I’ve now surveyed/sampled many versions on PhishOD. It appears as if the switch to D happened at the first ’97 performance.
He can’t see the readout on the tuner that’s in the rack, since it’s behind his Ambikabs. That guitar is probably especially prone to tuning issues since it’s tuned down a full step. Trey started using Snark tuners in during TAB Tour, as you can see in photos here: https://treysguitarrig.com/2018/04/27/2018-spring-classic-tab-tour/
Has the pedal order within the CAE MIDI switcher changed? Iv also always wondered wether it’s something set in stone or can he pedal order be changed mid show? Thanks for all the work man!
Why does it seem Trey’s clean signal is sounding off? It seems a bit quieter when he switches. Also it seems to be very dry and non reverberant. Trey seems to be struggling with the sound and feel of his guitar like at the beginning of 46 Days to start the show last night among several other instances.
lots of rumor and conjecture that the ross compressor is actually NOT being used this tour? however, you have it labeled in the effects chain….any truth that it is NOT being used?
Super curious to know what the 12 Step is triggering. Obviously, this is a MIDI controller that can be configured a number of ways. I use mine to control (typically) a hardware or soft synth, and ‘play’ notes with my feet on a monosynth while I play guitar (usually just following root notes in a chord progression, or I just peddle the one and add a drone, when I’m playing in a trio of quartet with no keys/synth player, to help fill things in a little). In any case, just curious if Trey is triggering pre-recorded sampes, a-la Page with the Nord, or if he’s using it similar to how Mike uses his Moog foot synth. It’s a super flexible controller and can be configured to basically do anything MIDI-wise, but the real advantage is the full octave keyboard functionality. Kieth makes a similar controller called the SoftStep that would be, imho, a way better device for just triggering samples, NOT playing/transposing those samples to track to the notes on a keyboard. The accuracy of hitting the notes on the 12 step can be tough/wonky, btw, but is a pretty affordable alternative to a Taurus.
Anyway, sorry for the ramble. Was just totally caught off-gaurd to see Trey rocking a MIDI foot controller. I want more context!!!
p.s. THANK YOU for maintaining this awesome site. So glad I checked in. I was hearing a lot of new sounds/tones at The Gorge. It’s nice to get an update on the rig + effects. Great work here.
I’m in search of more detailed pictures from behind the rig.
Mu-Tron settings?
If Trey’s switching tubes between 6L6/EL34 often enough, I would presume he’s also messing around with the Fast/Gradual switch on the Komets for touch response.
Anybody care to weigh in on that?
Either way, glad to be hearing more gain out of his amp rig these days. 🙂
It appears that might Gordon just had a custom audio effects build just like trays. The tall tower in the multi-effects MIDI controller in front of him. Do you have any details on that? I’d love to see his Rig Rundown most recent with this build
Any tweaks for Dick’s? I must say that both in the venue and on the soundboards his sustain and bite sound much, much, much more in the mix than the entire Summer ’18. Night one in particular, from the first riff of Free I was blown away by the resurrection of Trey’s searing tone.
Any idea what the actual rack case is? who made it? model number?
Looks to be a rack where a pop up mixer goes on the top, but they put a pedalboard (of sorts) in its place?
In one of the pics it can be seen that a piece of threaded rod is used as a brace as the top rear the gator kinda relies on the rack equipment or panels to give it its shape- keep the sides parallel
The gator isn’t shockmounted so the whole thing rides inside another road case
Thank you for putting this all together. I don’t play with many effects so a lot of the pedal names are a bit greek to me. I have been wondering since the summer though which pedal did Trey start using this year that is sort of like a chorus effect with a auto-wah/envelope filter type sound.It sort of like he was pulling strings of unicorn hair out of the ether of some psychedelic pool of collective thought…..or something. It was clearly his go to pedal this year and made some outstanding appearances in Mikes song, wolfman’s (dicks), and really during %55.5 percent of all the type 2 jams this year. can you help me out?
Thank you for putting this all together. I don’t play with many effects so a lot of the pedal names are a bit greek to me. I have been wondering since the summer though which pedal did Trey start using this year that is sort of like a chorus effect with a auto-wah/envelope filter type sound.It sort of like he was pulling strings of unicorn hair out of the ether of some psychedelic pool of collective thought…..or something. It was clearly his go to pedal this year and made some outstanding appearances in Mikes song, wolfman’s (dicks), and really during %55.5 percent of all the type 2 jams this year. can you help me out?
Hi Jake –
I did a breakdown of it here: https://youtu.be/u0ROrFv4rQs
Essentially, you’ve got POG2, Envelope Filter (sometimes reverse polarity for backward quack) and Leslie working all at once to make basically an envelope filtered organ. Definitely heard it a lot in 2018, including Classic TAB tour.
Thanks,
Ryan
Thank you Ryan that video was very helpful. It is definitely going to help my sound processing this weekend! if you’re attending ny of the shows safe Travels!
Thank you! For me, Sunday night was historic (and not just because it was the first “Third Night at The Gorge”)! I only have a couple questions:
1: When I was watching Sunday’s stream, I swear I saw a Boss OC-2 where the top-right Supa Puss is located in your pictures. Can you or anyone else confirm that? I don’t have access to the video.
2: Are the delays in the AmbiKabs Supa-puss’ or Eventides? I’ve been given conflicting info on that.
3: Did Trey ditch the Ross again?
Again, Thank you! I’m as interested in the sounds that make music as much as I am the notes that make music, and your site is amazing!
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Can you get rack pics? In one of the pictures it seems there are 2x 808s in the “spare drawer”, pulled out slightly. Wondering what pedals are in the main OD drawer w/ the Klon? A third 808 and a Comprosser? All vintage 808s or any Analogman mods?
Also since he doesn’t have the rack close to him I assume he isn’t changing settings on the POG mid-show – what is the setting he has it set on? Whammy for certain effects and POG for others?
How are the 3x Supa Puss Pedals different from each other settings wise, and differently from the Moog?
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He is tweaking the POG and the delays during the shows. You’ll see him do it occasionally in the webcasts. All vintage TS-808 as far as I know.
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Also, are the Timefactor and Ventris in the Ambikab in Parallel? Still using the True Spring Setting?
The board mixes sound like they are letting in more “wet” to the mix. His guitar sounds more reverberant.
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I meant Spaces, not Timefactors – What settings on the Space?
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Still the Spring Reverb setting on the Ventris, but there are no Space units in the Ambikab loops — the Ventris replaced them. The Space is in the main rack before the Komet heads.
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Waste was most definitely played live in 1997.
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Waste was most definitely played live in 1997.
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Thanks; I’ve corrected. I knew that didn’t seem right. I’ve now surveyed/sampled many versions on PhishOD. It appears as if the switch to D happened at the first ’97 performance.
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Why is he using a Snark tuner in the last picture?
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He can’t see the readout on the tuner that’s in the rack, since it’s behind his Ambikabs. That guitar is probably especially prone to tuning issues since it’s tuned down a full step. Trey started using Snark tuners in during TAB Tour, as you can see in photos here: https://treysguitarrig.com/2018/04/27/2018-spring-classic-tab-tour/
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Has the pedal order within the CAE MIDI switcher changed? Iv also always wondered wether it’s something set in stone or can he pedal order be changed mid show? Thanks for all the work man!
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No changes that I’m aware of in the order. It can be changed, but requires wire-swapping, so doesn’t get done mid-show.
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Just curious, specifically what kind of pick is Trey using? Does he still use Graphite?
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I think so, the Adamas Graphite 2mm, I believe.
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You are the man. I love this info.
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Thanks for your dedication!
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Why does it seem Trey’s clean signal is sounding off? It seems a bit quieter when he switches. Also it seems to be very dry and non reverberant. Trey seems to be struggling with the sound and feel of his guitar like at the beginning of 46 Days to start the show last night among several other instances.
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As always, thanks for the great detail work!!
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Iv seen some midi systems that allow for signal path changes that can be programmed instead of a re wire. Thanks for the clarification.
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lots of rumor and conjecture that the ross compressor is actually NOT being used this tour? however, you have it labeled in the effects chain….any truth that it is NOT being used?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Super curious to know what the 12 Step is triggering. Obviously, this is a MIDI controller that can be configured a number of ways. I use mine to control (typically) a hardware or soft synth, and ‘play’ notes with my feet on a monosynth while I play guitar (usually just following root notes in a chord progression, or I just peddle the one and add a drone, when I’m playing in a trio of quartet with no keys/synth player, to help fill things in a little). In any case, just curious if Trey is triggering pre-recorded sampes, a-la Page with the Nord, or if he’s using it similar to how Mike uses his Moog foot synth. It’s a super flexible controller and can be configured to basically do anything MIDI-wise, but the real advantage is the full octave keyboard functionality. Kieth makes a similar controller called the SoftStep that would be, imho, a way better device for just triggering samples, NOT playing/transposing those samples to track to the notes on a keyboard. The accuracy of hitting the notes on the 12 step can be tough/wonky, btw, but is a pretty affordable alternative to a Taurus.
Anyway, sorry for the ramble. Was just totally caught off-gaurd to see Trey rocking a MIDI foot controller. I want more context!!!
p.s. THANK YOU for maintaining this awesome site. So glad I checked in. I was hearing a lot of new sounds/tones at The Gorge. It’s nice to get an update on the rig + effects. Great work here.
-torph
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I’m in search of more detailed pictures from behind the rig.
Mu-Tron settings?
If Trey’s switching tubes between 6L6/EL34 often enough, I would presume he’s also messing around with the Fast/Gradual switch on the Komets for touch response.
Anybody care to weigh in on that?
Either way, glad to be hearing more gain out of his amp rig these days. 🙂
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Any info on strings?
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He’s using D’Addario.
I’ve had clear shots of the tailpiece during webcasts where you can see the rainbow ball ends of the strings.
Which ones?
If they’re not NYXL, then Trey’s a chump and should step his game up. LOL
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Current strings: http://www.daddario.com/DADProductDetail.Page?ActiveID=3769&productid=52&sid=dd17c35e-3e28-449e-9696-89a335dbaaa4
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It appears that might Gordon just had a custom audio effects build just like trays. The tall tower in the multi-effects MIDI controller in front of him. Do you have any details on that? I’d love to see his Rig Rundown most recent with this build
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I have no details on this.
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Any info on picks as well?
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All;
Any tweaks for Dick’s? I must say that both in the venue and on the soundboards his sustain and bite sound much, much, much more in the mix than the entire Summer ’18. Night one in particular, from the first riff of Free I was blown away by the resurrection of Trey’s searing tone.
Thanks!
Matty in Austin
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It was rippin’. Bridge position, EL-34, no holds barred. Instead of taming the fire, they embraced it.
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Any idea what the actual rack case is? who made it? model number?
Looks to be a rack where a pop up mixer goes on the top, but they put a pedalboard (of sorts) in its place?
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I don’t know; I know Bob Bradshaw and the CAE guys assembled everything, but I’m not sure who makes the part.
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I live in STL, and according to a good friend of mine, the racks were made by a local company here, but I can’t remember their name.
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It’s a gator, the red handles are the giveaway.
In one of the pics it can be seen that a piece of threaded rod is used as a brace as the top rear the gator kinda relies on the rack equipment or panels to give it its shape- keep the sides parallel
The gator isn’t shockmounted so the whole thing rides inside another road case
LikeLike
Thank you for putting this all together. I don’t play with many effects so a lot of the pedal names are a bit greek to me. I have been wondering since the summer though which pedal did Trey start using this year that is sort of like a chorus effect with a auto-wah/envelope filter type sound.It sort of like he was pulling strings of unicorn hair out of the ether of some psychedelic pool of collective thought…..or something. It was clearly his go to pedal this year and made some outstanding appearances in Mikes song, wolfman’s (dicks), and really during %55.5 percent of all the type 2 jams this year. can you help me out?
LikeLike
Thank you for putting this all together. I don’t play with many effects so a lot of the pedal names are a bit greek to me. I have been wondering since the summer though which pedal did Trey start using this year that is sort of like a chorus effect with a auto-wah/envelope filter type sound.It sort of like he was pulling strings of unicorn hair out of the ether of some psychedelic pool of collective thought…..or something. It was clearly his go to pedal this year and made some outstanding appearances in Mikes song, wolfman’s (dicks), and really during %55.5 percent of all the type 2 jams this year. can you help me out?
LikeLike
Hi Jake –
I did a breakdown of it here: https://youtu.be/u0ROrFv4rQs
Essentially, you’ve got POG2, Envelope Filter (sometimes reverse polarity for backward quack) and Leslie working all at once to make basically an envelope filtered organ. Definitely heard it a lot in 2018, including Classic TAB tour.
Thanks,
Ryan
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Thank you Ryan that video was very helpful. It is definitely going to help my sound processing this weekend! if you’re attending ny of the shows safe Travels!
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Do you know what size frets are on the Languedoc’s?
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Actually, any additional details on fret wire type, etc. would be appreciated as well.
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I think Dunlop 6105
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What does he use for the effect that I can only describe as sounding like liquid?
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