Dweezil_Zappa live rig.

Started by Elantric, February 11, 2012, 09:52:46 AM

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Elantric

I caught the "Zappa plays Zappa" show last night, and got a chance to talk with Dweezil and take pics of his touring gear.
most are here:

Iphone video clip



Here's a short Iphone video scan of his live AxeFX MFC-101 Controller and many boutique pedals.

He used a pair a QSC K12's behind him in stereo for stage monitor - but the whole band was using IEM systems, and I was parked at the front of the stage the whole night and heard mostly instruments, while house PA vocals were sent above my head and behind me.

It was curious to observe a few aspects of how Dweezil used his 4 AXE-FX Expression pedals.  The Volume control pedal was standard, but the other three FX expressions pedals were dialed to operate in reverse,  - meaning toe down was "off" or dry, and heel down was 100% Effect.  It actually made a lot of sense ergonomically, for working controls on a busy stage.     

Frankly  - I need to consult a few current boutique pedal gurus to tell me what 90% of Dweezils pedals are.
Seems he likes most all the  Jam Pedals
http://www.jampedals.com


It was a great show, excellent band! Catch the Zappa Plays Zappa show if it comes to a town near you if you can.


























Elantric

#1
I was most impressed with the Jam Pedals "Saturn" pedal in the pic below:

http://www.snapagogo.com/uploads/source/2742013/1380732102_1741318640_IMG_3483.jpg

This used a separate Expression pedal and gave an instant Steve Stevens like repeat oscillation  / machine gun out of whack tone - I loved it.

Elantric


pmurray99

Try to see ZPZ as many times as I can when they come to the UK, Dweezil's solos are fantastic - would recommend his "In the Moment" CD - solo out takes from live performances, including a violin type sound on a couple - I guess from the Axe Effects.

Paul.

Elantric

#4
While working at Valley Arts Guitar in Studio City, CA
I had the opportunity In 1983 to work on this Hendrix/Zappa Strat.

I worked with Zappa's Guitar tech Midget Sloatmen and I installed a "stealth" Dan Armstrong Green Ringer Ring Modulator on board used a Tone pot to "pan" between straight guitar or Green Ringer.

Under the pickguard was a "bathtub route" to swap out the pickguard assembly to suits Franks latest whim at that time.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=82.0





http://www.premierguitar.com/blogs/5-daily-news/post/Rig_Rundown_Dweezil_Zappa

Elantric


Pete1959

Quote from: Elantric on February 11, 2012, 09:52:46 AM
I caught the "Zappa plays Zappa" show last night, and got a chance to talk with Dweezil and take pics of his touring gear.
most are here:

Iphone video clip



Here's a short Iphone video scan of his live AxeFX MFC-101 Controller and many boutique pedals.

He used a pair a QSC K12's behind him in stereo for stage monitor - but the whole band was using IEM systems, and I was parked at the front of the stage the whole night and heard mostly instruments, while house PA vocals were sent above my head and behind me.

It was curious to observe a few aspects of how Dweezil used his 4 AXE-FX Expression pedals.  The Volume control pedal was standard, but the other three FX expressions pedals were dialed to operate in reverse,  - meaning toe down was "off" or dry, and heel down was 100% Effect.  It actually made a lot of sense ergonomically, for working controls on a busy stage.     

Frankly  - I need to consult a few current boutique pedal gurus to tell me what 90% of Dweezils pedals are.
Seems he likes most all the  Jam Pedals
http://www.jampedals.com


It was a great show, excellent band! Catch the Zappa Plays Zappa show if it comes to a town near you if you can.



























He's in Montreal for the Jazzfest July 2nd.
http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/program/concert.aspx?id=11388

If anyone is in Montreal for the festival, it is quite a treat. I love walking by the open stages for the free shows as well.
Some amazing acts from all over play there and I just enjoy the vibe.

Sadly working that evening with no chance to attend.

Elantric

#7
I will be seeing Dweezil soon when the Zappa plays Zappa tour swings through my town August 08, 2014,

http://www.dweezilzappaworld.com/events?categories=zappa-plays-zappa&order=starts_at+ASC

Elantric

#8
QuoteI've considered dropping $50+ on a used EV-5... but, well, let's face facts: it looks like a cheap plastic POS

Looks are deceiving - My Roland EV-5s are bulletproof, never had a failure or bad pot  and far easier to carry (Lighter) and less maintenance than Ernie Ball Vol pedals 

Dweezil could use any pedal, but even he uses Roland EV-5's
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10539.msg105337#msg105337

vanceg

I have used and experimented with a LOT of different volume pedals.  The EV-5 is a very solid and reliable pedal. The EV-5 is much less likely to develop a noisy pot than a Ernie Ball pedal will.
That said, my Earnie Ball Jr is my favorite volume pedal for FEEL.  But the weight, reliability, price and compatibility of the EV-5 is very good.  Don't be afraid of them.

Quote from: Elantric on September 15, 2015, 10:00:34 AM
Looks are deceiving - My Roland EV-5s are bulletproof, never had a failure or bad pot  and far easier to carry (Lighter) and less maintenance than Ernie Ball Vol pedals 

Dweezil could use any pedal, but even he uses Roland EV-5's


whippinpost91850

Agree EV-5 is excellent and reliable, I use one with my Kemper remote for pitch change, I wish I liked it a little better for wa than I could ditch my heavy expression converted Crybaby pedal.

Elantric

#11



admin

#12



admin


chrish

From Guitar.com

https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/dweezil-zappa-reverb-store-guitars/?amp

"Dweezil Zappa, musician and son of Frank Zappa, is to open up an official Reverb.com storefront this week, selling a number of unique guitars, pedals, amplifiers and more. A portion of the shop's proceeds will go towards the charity Feeding America.

Notably, one of the guitars up for sale is the one played by Zappa in the video for the Don Johnson track Heartbeat – a green hot-rotted Charvel S-type. Alongside the guitar, you'll also get the suit Zappa wore in the video. Zappa noted that the video itself is a prime example of 1980s cheese, describing it as "perhaps the most hated video of all time ... it's often ranked as the worst video ever made."

The guitar was also featured prominently on the cover of Zappa's album Havin' A Bad Day"

chrish


mooncaine

He ain't gonna have a problem moving those Steinbergers at those prices.

admin