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  1. So guys. I got my explorer in about september. And I think I've picked up my Les Paul about 3 times since then. Pretty sad... I was afraid it would become obsolete, and it has. The Explorer just plays so much better, has a similar sound, but that much better, and it's cooler to look at As for my strat, I love it a lot, but I've always wanted a better one. It's a standard MIM strat, with some GFS pups, great sound, great look, but I want a better neck and I want a black body. Basically, I'm thinking of selling both those guitars, and getting an American Standard Strat.

    Has anyone played an American Standard? I've played a few at the store and they feel and sound great. I want a good strat tone, and a good glossy buttery neck, like my explorer has. But obviously a maple strat neck. So can anyone give me some advice on a new strat?
  2. Originally posted by anstratdubh1979:I'm looking forward to seeing all of the new guitar and gear that The Edge will be using on the tour and finding out what was used on the album.

    Guitar-wise, there were many: Both Rickenbackers (1965 Fireglo & 1966 Mapleglo), the Epiphone Casino plus the use of the (2) Line 6 Variax 700's were just a few of the new toys brought out for the last tour...

    ...the Skrydstrup switching system, Fender amps and Line 6 (custom) DM4 Pro were a few of the other new items...

    ...should be fun to see what guitars, effects and amps hit the road with him.

    I wonder if he will take the (new to him) Gretsch White Falcon (seen in the u2.com videos)?


    Drum-wise, wonder if Larry is sticking with Yamaha drums or taking the oyster finish Ludwig kit that is in the christmas tune video... and perhaps a change to Zildjian vs Paiste cymbals, as he used some Zildjians in the studio (as seen in the U2.com videos)

    Lest we forget about Adam? I'd imagine that he might bring out the burgundy mist Fender Jazz bass seen in a few of the U2.com videos?


    Time will tell... should be fun for us U2 fans and fans of gear!



    What about Edge's Marshall half-stack we saw in the BBC Special and the Father Christmas video? He's used Marshalls in the past though, right? (or at least an amp-sim on the Line6 unit?)

  3. Edge used a Marshall at times in the early early days.... and in the studio, throughout their history, he's used various amps and combo amps.

    Since Boy, it's been Vox AC30 or multiple AC30's (4 during Zoo and Popmart tours). Those have been supplimented at times by various other amps. (Roland JC120 during the early 1980's, Randall amps during Zoo and Popmart tours and the Fender amp during Vertigo tour. And the HiWatt amp at teh Brooklyn Bridge show.

    But the Marshall being in the studio doesn't = that he will or won't take it on the road.

    It could be interesting if he did use the Marshall or switch up with some other amps.

    Here is most of what Edge used during Vertigo tour:Per Dallas Schoo interview Nov 2006[/b]

    AMPLIFIERS: 2005-2006 Vertigo tour
    Guitar World magazine (September 2005 – page 64)
    • (2) early `60’s Vox AC30TB amps (main amp and backup)
    • (1) Custom Vox AC30TB head w/Vox 2x12 cabinet [located behind rack]
    • (1) 1956 Fender Duluxe Tweed w/vintage Vox 12-inch speaker
    • (1) 1958 Fender Deluxe Tweed w/original Jensen Alnico 12-inch speaker
    • (1) 19xx Fender Blues Junior (customized) – used for shimmer
    • (1) early `70’s Vox AC30TB w/vintage Jensen Bulldog speakers

    Total Guitar magazine (November 2005 – page 41)
    • (2) early `60’s Vox AC30TB amps (main amp and backup)
    • (1) Custom Vox AC30TB head w/Vox 2x12 cabinet [located behind rack]
    • (1) 1956 Fender Duluxe Tweed w/vintage Vox 12-inch speaker
    • (1) 1958 Fender Deluxe Tweed w/original Jensen Alnico 12-inch speaker
    • (1) 19xx Fender Blues Junior (customized) – used for shimmer
    • (1) early `70’s Vox AC30TB w/vintage Jensen Bulldog speakers

    Australian Guitar magazine (March/April 2007 – page 28)
    AMPS VISIBLE ON STAGE:
    • (1) `60’s Vox AC30TB amp (w/(1) silver and (1) blue Vox Bulldog speaker)
    • (1) `71 Vox AC30TB amp (Bono’s old AC30TB, with a hole in the speaker cloth due to Bono kicking it)
    • (1) 1956 Fender Duluxe Tweed w/vintage alnico Vox Bulldog 12-inch speaker
    • (1) 1958 Fender Deluxe Tweed w/original Jensen 12-inch speaker
    HIDDEN AMPS:
    • (1) `60’s Vox AC30TB converted/customized to a head – reference tone for FOH (w/Vox 2x12 cabinet [located behind rack])
    • (1) `50’s Fender Deluxe Tweed (mic’d at rear)
    • (1) `60’s Vox AC30 (mic’d at rear)


    Here is a list of some of the amps The Edge has used over time:
    FENDER:
    FENDER - BASSMAN - 195X - (used during ATYCLB)
    FENDER - DELUXE TWEED - 1956 - w/vintage Vox 12-inch speaker
    FENDER - DELUXE TWEED - 1958 - w/ original Jensen Alnico 12-inch speaker
    FENDER - BLUES JUNIOR - (Customized) - Xxxx - Used for shimmer effects during Vertigo tour.
    FENDER - Deluxe - 1959 (Behind rig during 2005/2006 Vertigo tour._
    FENDER - model uncertain - vintage uncertain (pre-1983): The Edge mentioned using a Fender amp for the recording of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" in the book: "U2 by U2".


    HIWATT:
    HIWATT - [model / information forthcoming]
    HIWATT combo amp - [model / information forthcoming] - Mentioned as being used for "Elevation" during the "All That You Can't Leave Behind" recording sessions.


    MARSHALL:
    MARSHALL - [model / information forthcoming]


    MESA / BOOGIE:
    MESA / BOOGIE - MK-II C - 198x - Used for "A Sort Of Homecoming" & "The Unforgettable Fire" [during The Unforgettable Fire tour]


    RANDALL:
    RANDALL - RG80 - These were given as gifts to U2 by Def Leppard's Joe Elliott & used during the ZOOTV through Popmart tours.


    VOX:
    VOX - AC30TB - 1964 (# 1 main amp)
    VOX - AC30TB - 1962
    VOX - AC30TB - early 1970's (w/ vintage Jensen Bulldog speakers)
    VOX - Head (Custom) with 2 X 12 cabinet
    VOX - AC30TB - 1965
    VOX - AC30TB - 1963 (Vox in a Box)
  4. Originally posted by RattleandHum1988:So guys. I got my explorer in about september. And I think I've picked up my Les Paul about 3 times since then. Pretty sad... I was afraid it would become obsolete, and it has. The Explorer just plays so much better, has a similar sound, but that much better, and it's cooler to look at As for my strat, I love it a lot, but I've always wanted a better one. It's a standard MIM strat, with some GFS pups, great sound, great look, but I want a better neck and I want a black body. Basically, I'm thinking of selling both those guitars, and getting an American Standard Strat.

    Has anyone played an American Standard? I've played a few at the store and they feel and sound great. I want a good strat tone, and a good glossy buttery neck, like my explorer has. But obviously a maple strat neck. So can anyone give me some advice on a new strat?

    The American Standard is THE Strat. I think you can't go wrong with it. But there a few lower priced Strats on the market that are probably worth considering:

    - The MIM Classic and Classic Players got mostly great reviews - I believe the Classic 70 is available in black with maple neck. It's got a three- bolt neck and a big headstock.

    - The Roadhouse Strat got Texas Special Pickups and is available in black with maple fretboard.

    - The Jimmy Vaughan Strat has Tex- Mex Pickups and a V- neck, it's available in black with maple.

    - The Korean Lite Ash (=Swamp Ash) Strat has Duncan Pickups and a beautiful birdseye maple neck somewhere in the middle between C- and V- shape. It's available in black.

    - The US- made Highway 1 has jumbo frets, hot pickups and is available in a flat black Nitro laquer finish. Speaking personally - I really like the new Highway Strats. But they have a totally different approach and feel than the American Standard.

    Hope this helps somehow.

    Alex
  5. It does help. I've been looking at alternatives to the expensive American Standard. The thing is though, i've found that, yes you can get a quality guitar for a reasonable price. But in the end, the more expensive guitar, even if it isn't TOO different, is usually worth the extra money. Happened with my Gibson explorer, as opposed to getting an epiphone. The Epiphones are great, but in the end I'm glad I spent ALL of my savings and got a Gibson. It's become my favourite guitar. I will probably end up getting an American Standard. The only thing that's making me consider another strat is the large 70's headstock on the 70's MIm strat. Too bad the american 70's doesn't come in black with a maple fretboard.
  6. Originally posted by RattleandHum1988:It does help. I've been looking at alternatives to the expensive American Standard. The thing is though, i've found that, yes you can get a quality guitar for a reasonable price. But in the end, the more expensive guitar, even if it isn't TOO different, is usually worth the extra money. Happened with my Gibson explorer, as opposed to getting an epiphone. The Epiphones are great, but in the end I'm glad I spent ALL of my savings and got a Gibson. It's become my favourite guitar. I will probably end up getting an American Standard. The only thing that's making me consider another strat is the large 70's headstock on the 70's MIm strat. Too bad the american 70's doesn't come in black with a maple fretboard.

    If I were to get hold of any Fender at this moment in time, it would have to be an MIM purely based on financial restraints. Hell, whilst I'm sitting in my room waiting for the Explorer to arrive, I'm not getting any guitar for a bloody long time yet lol but next on the list would be either a Strat., a Tele. or an Epiphone Casino. I would dearly love a Gibson one day but that's one day, because unless one's gonna buy them second hand or what have you, I just can't afford it, savings or no.

    Just on a quick Fender-related note, my friend from Uni. informed me the other day that he's just got hold of a Mustang '65 Reissue (Olympic White finish) aswell as an Orange Tiny Terror Combo amp., so I can't wait to give that a whirl when we all go back in a couple of weeks time - a chance to finally play on some decent single coils!

    It was quite amusing though last night when I was sitting in the living with my parents, and dad asked me why I'd decided to get the Explorer as opposed to something like a Rickenbacker (he's a child of the 60s, admittedly...!) and I subsequently explained that, whereas my Explorer fetched £322 (excluding P&P), the only 2 Rickenbackers I'd come across in local music shops (a 6 str. and a 12 str. Jetglo, black finish) were priced at well over £700 respectively! And when one has a student budget to consider, I don't have that kind of money running around lol...
  7. Originally posted by WojBhoy:[..]
    If I were to get hold of any Fender at this moment in time, it would have to be an MIM purely based on financial restraints. Hell, whilst I'm sitting in my room waiting for the Explorer to arrive, I'm not getting any guitar for a bloody long time yet lol but next on the list would be either a Strat., a Tele. or an Epiphone Casino. I would dearly love a Gibson one day but that's one day, because unless one's gonna buy them second hand or what have you, I just can't afford it, savings or no.

    Just on a quick Fender-related note, my friend from Uni. informed me the other day that he's just got hold of a Mustang '65 Reissue (Olympic White finish) aswell as an Orange Tiny Terror Combo amp., so I can't wait to give that a whirl when we all go back in a couple of weeks time - a chance to finally play on some decent single coils!

    It was quite amusing though last night when I was sitting in the living with my parents, and dad asked me why I'd decided to get the Explorer as opposed to something like a Rickenbacker (he's a child of the 60s, admittedly...!) and I subsequently explained that, whereas my Explorer fetched £322 (excluding P&P), the only 2 Rickenbackers I'd come across in local music shops (a 6 str. and a 12 str. Jetglo, black finish) were priced at well over £700 respectively! And when one has a student budget to consider, I don't have that kind of money running around lol...


    That's pretty cool that your dad knows guitars haha. My dad just refers to my explorer as the X shaped guitar, and my strat as the red one. (sunburst, lol).

    As for student fees and financial restraints, that's where I'm very lucky. My mom works at Carleton University here in Ottawa, Ontario. So I happen to get free tuition if I choose to attend there (which I will be next year). So basically, all the money from my part time job goes to whatever the hell I want. Haha.
  8. Originally posted by RattleandHum1988:[..]

    That's pretty cool that your dad knows guitars haha. My dad just refers to my explorer as the X shaped guitar, and my strat as the red one. (sunburst, lol).

    As for student fees and financial restraints, that's where I'm very lucky. My mom works at Carleton University here in Ottawa, Ontario. So I happen to get free tuition if I choose to attend there (which I will be next year). So basically, all the money from my part time job goes to whatever the hell I want. Haha.


    You should 'hint' to your dad that a gift (from him or anyone) of a Rickenbacker would be very much welcome.
  9. Originally posted by RattleandHum1988:That's pretty cool that your dad knows guitars haha. My dad just refers to my explorer as the X shaped guitar, and my strat as the red one. (sunburst, lol).

    As for student fees and financial restraints, that's where I'm very lucky. My mom works at Carleton University here in Ottawa, Ontario. So I happen to get free tuition if I choose to attend there (which I will be next year). So basically, all the money from my part time job goes to whatever the hell I want. Haha.

    Heh, well, dad isn't THAT hot on guitars but yeah, he does know the odd bit here and there, but nonetheless I was kinda thrown back when he mentioned Ricks to me lol! And re. your arrangement regarding Uni., you're a lucky bastard so make the most of it! I had to give up my 2 jobs before going to Uni. because it just wasn't feasible at the time to keep up with them whilst living at Uni., so I'm doing as best I can on the loan before next year when I should hopefully find another job.



    Ha, some hint lol. The parents contributed £200 towards the Explorer, whilst other relatives put £100 combined, so I'm paying the final £32 inc. P&P so something tells me I'm seriously unlikely to get a Rick. in such a manner lol...but yeah, you're right, it would be MORE than welcome

    I was interested to see one of the various U2 tribute bands' (think it was Elevation? Can't remember though) Edges playing Ultra-Violet on a black Jetglo...even though the actual part didn't sound right, he got a pretty sweet tone out of it
  10. HIDDEN AMPS:
    • (1) `60’s Vox AC30TB converted/customized to a head – reference tone for FOH (w/Vox 2x12 cabinet [located behind rack])
    • (1) `50’s Fender Deluxe Tweed (mic’d at rear)
    • (1) `60’s Vox AC30 (mic’d at rear)

    FENDER - BLUES JUNIOR - (Customized) - Xxxx - Used for shimmer effects during Vertigo tour.
    FENDER - Deluxe - 1959 (Behind rig during 2005/2006 Vertigo tour._


    HIWATT:
    HIWATT - [model / information forthcoming]
    HIWATT combo amp - [model / information forthcoming] - Mentioned as being used for "Elevation" during the "All That You Can't Leave Behind" recording sessions.




    Neat! Thanks. Yeah what's the deal with the amps behind the main rig? Backups? They need to be isolated ?
    You can see some of them here

    He used the HiWatt on ATYCLB for Elevation, right? You can also see one in a picture of HQ during Atomic Bomb recording sessions in U2 By U2. What's your opinion on HiWatt amps, Jeff? I saw Oasis a couple of weeks ago, Noel Gallagher is using HiWatts exclusively for this tour. I thought he got an awful sound out of them, I wish he'd switch back to his Fenders and Voxes of yore. Yet we see Edge has gotten a killer sound out of HiWatt amplification.

    I assume the Vox-in-a-box refers to the amp kept in a box so the soundboard can get a sound w/o the ambience of the room/arena, right? Dallas makes some mention of it in one of these videos from the Elevation Tour (anyone else seen these?)

    PART 1


    PART 2


    PART 3
  11. PART 1


    PART 2


    PART 3




    The one's in the back are for various reasons. The "VOX-In-A-Box" is for isolation and reference tone for FOH mix (for Joe O'Herlihy).

    The others are mic'd from behind the combo amp. Different tone then micing in front of the amp and used to blend in with other amp signals. As they are mic'd from behind, no need to have them out front.

    Hi-Watt amps are fine. Very rock. Very overdrive. Hence, Oasis use them. Hence, Pete Townshend used them a lot with The Who. Hence, The Edge used them on things like Elevation. (on the song, not during the Elevation tour)
  12. Moe on Edge's Hi-Watt amp use from the January 2001 Guitar Player magazine article

    GP : "Elevation" has some amazing distortion tones.

    Edge : I used a Gibson SG through an old fuzz pedal of Daniel's into the Bassman. He said, "What do you think of this?" Within ten minutes, I had the riff that became the stepping off point for "Elevation". Inspiration can come from anywhere, and a fresh sound can be just as inspiring as a great hook. To me, sounds *are* hooks. That tone presented a whole world of ideas to me, and we got a song
    out of it.

    GP : What is that huge distortion sound that barges in during the main riff?

    Edge : That's the Hiwatt.

    So how did he do that tone live during the Elevation tour? Hi-Watt amp simulation in the Line 6 POD is my first guess.


    Full Guitar Player feature from Jan 2001 article can be found at:
    http://www.u2-stage-and-studio.com/edge/id33.html
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