Name: Headfirst Amps: Cali 50W Plexi. Modern Jose Mods. @BrettKingman
Uploaded: 2026-09-21T08:17:00-05:00
Duration: 8 min 17 s
Description: Headfirst Amps: Cali 50W Plexi. Modern Jose Mods.

Headfirst Amps: Cali 50W Plexi. Modern Jose Mods.

Brett Kingman 2026-09-21 | Headfirst Amps: Cali 50W Plexi. Modern Jose Mods.

Axe-FX III: Deluxe! 25.02. Free Download & Demo

Brett Kingman 2024-05-04 | Download: http://axechange.fractalaudio.com/detail.php?preset=10959
An 8-Scene patch based around the Deluxe Reverb model which was updated in the recent FW V.25.02 release. Clean to (a bit) mean. Something for the twangers.

Rock on. I hope you have a great day.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2021 Fender Jason Isbell Tele. Stock.
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-3 FW. 25.02 DR models
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA A231 - audixusa.com/products/a231
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

This is not a sponsored video. I make these patches to share, just for fun.

Axe-FX III: Brilliant! Uncut S-Style Jam

Brett Kingman 2024-05-03 | This is the uncut Relic Depot Strat Tribute jam, part of which was used in the original 'Brilliant!' demo which can be viewed at youtu.be/fD9v-CXnLrQ. This one cruises through every scene, mistakes and all.

Many thanks to Tom at Elevated Jam Tracks for the backing track.

Free preset download (Axe-FX III - FW. 25.01 or later): http://axechange.fractalaudio.com/detail.php?preset=10954

This is a demo video for my 8-Scene patch based around the Class-A 30W Brilliant amp model recently introduced via Firmware Version 25.01 which you will need to be running to use it.

This preset will also load into the FM9 and requires Firmware Version 7.00 or later. (Dedicated FM9 download available at http://axechange.fractalaudio.com/detail.php?preset=10955)

I have two, 8-minute long, uncut jam videos for the Strat and Explorer on the hard drive. They both venture further into the Scenes, mistakes and all. I can upload both if anyone's interested. Let me know in the comments. Cheers.

Rock on. I hope you have a great day.

Today's tools:

Guitars: 2019 Relic Depot '62 Strat Tribute with JJ's Guitar Pickups Sweet '62 Set
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-3 FW. 25.01 AC30 Brilliant models.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA A231 - audixusa.com/products/a231
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

This is not a sponsored video. I make these presets to share, just for fun.

Axe-FX III: Brilliant! Uncut Explorer Jam

Brett Kingman 2024-05-03 | This is the uncut Explorer jam, part of which was used in the original 'Brilliant!' demo which can be viewed at youtu.be/fD9v-CXnLrQ. This one cruises through every scene, mistakes and all.

Many thanks to Tom at Elevated Jam Tracks for the backing track.

Free preset download (Axe-FX III - FW. 25.01 or later): http://axechange.fractalaudio.com/detail.php?preset=10954

This is a demo video for my 8-Scene patch based around the Class-A 30W Brilliant amp model recently introduced via Firmware Version 25.01 which you will need to be running to use it.

This preset will also load into the FM9 and requires Firmware Version 7.00 or later. (Dedicated FM9 download available at http://axechange.fractalaudio.com/detail.php?preset=10955)

I have two, 8-minute long, uncut jam videos for the Strat and Explorer on the hard drive. They both venture further into the Scenes, mistakes and all. I can upload both if anyone's interested. Let me know in the comments. Cheers.

Rock on. I hope you have a great day.

Today's tools:

Guitars: 2000 Explorer with Brierley PAF's.
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-3 FW. 25.01 AC30 Brilliant models.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA A231 - audixusa.com/products/a231
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

This is not a sponsored video. I make these presets to share, just for fun.

Axe-FX III: Brilliant! Free Download & Demo

Brett Kingman 2024-04-30 | Free preset download (Axe-FX III - FW. 25.01 or later): http://axechange.fractalaudio.com/detail.php?preset=10954

This is a demo video for my 8-Scene patch based around the Class-A 30W Brilliant amp model recently introduced via Firmware Version 25.01 which you will need to be running to use it.

This preset will also load into the FM9 and requires Firmware Version 7.00 or later. (Dedicated FM9 download available at http://axechange.fractalaudio.com/detail.php?preset=10955)

I have two, 8-minute long, uncut jam videos for the Strat and Explorer on the hard drive. They both venture further into the Scenes, mistakes and all. I can upload both if anyone's interested. Let me know in the comments. Cheers.

Rock on. I hope you have a great day.

Today's tools:

Guitars: 2000 Explorer with Brierley PAF's. 2019 Relic Depot (Russia) Strat with JJ's Sweet '62 Pickups
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-3 FW. 25.01 AC30 Brilliant models.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA A231 - audixusa.com/products/a231
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

This is not a sponsored video. I make these presets to share, just for fun.

Cornerstone: NERO Fuzz - Short Vid with PRS Studio

Brett Kingman 2024-04-24 | cornerstonemusicgear.com/product/nero
It occurred to me that my original Nero demo didn't have a humbucker in it, so this is a short vid with my PRS Studio through an ODS-100 (Ford) sim in the Axe to try to rectify that. The longer, chatty video can be viewed at youtu.be/xjXSDy7oUNI

Cornerstone MG are well known for their attention to detail and top-tier offerings. Their NERO Fuzz lives up to that reputation and then some. You'll get a fuzz tone reminiscent of a classic 'face' fuzz with many added and very welcome embellishments. Let's start with switchable Voice control. Add the impedance facility that allows placement anywhere in the signal path; throw in the Gladio SC circuit for 'that' extra tonal bliss and then pop in a compressor circuit to boot. It's a smooooth ride, baby! And the NERO fuzz is happy with whatever type of amp platform it sees, as I hope I've demonstrated in this video. I like it a lot. Good stuff, Emilio and team!

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2011 PRS Studio 10-top. Stock
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-3 FW. 25.01. Ford ODS-100 model
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA A231 - audixusa.com/products/a231
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

PureSalem Guitars: J.Doe

Brett Kingman 2024-04-24 | Australia: https://puresalemguitarsaustralia.com.au/products/j-doe
Global: puresalemguitars.com/products/j-doe
The J.Doe features a mahogany neck and body, German carve, Tonepros, Grover and Goldo hardware. It has all the right bits in all the right places and is finished off with a cool, funky, retro look that hides a little secret: it's a performance machine!

Thanks to Colin and Joel at PureSalemGuitars Australia for letting me have a shot at this one.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 PureSalem Guitars J.Doe
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-3 FW. 25.01 various models as per video description
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA A231 - audixusa.com/products/a231
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

This is not a sponsored or paid-for video. I'm simply helping my friends at PureSalem Guitars Australia get off the ground and the guitar has since been returned to the warehouse (unfortunately!)

PureSalem Guitars: Cherry Bomb

Brett Kingman 2024-04-24 | Australia: https://puresalemguitarsaustralia.com.au/products/cherry-bomb
Global: puresalemguitars.com/products/cherry-bomb
The Cherry Bomb is a lean, mean rock machine with a super-fast neck that sports stainless steel frets, some very tidy humbuckers finished in the goldfoil look and a killswitch for a little effects fun. It's light, impeccably well built and it looks amazing. I'm in.

Thanks to Colin and Joel at PureSalemGuitars Australia for letting me have a shot at this one.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 PureSalem Guitars Cherry Bomb
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-3 FW. 25.01 various models as per video description
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA A231 - audixusa.com/products/a231
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

This is not a sponsored or paid-for video. I'm simply helping my friends at PureSalem Guitars Australia get off the ground and the guitar has since been returned to the warehouse (unfortunately!)

Axe-FX III: REVV free download and demo

Brett Kingman 2024-04-23 | Free preset download: http://axechange.fractalaudio.com/detail.php?preset=10949
Although I rely heavily on my Fractal Audio gear both on stage and in the Youtube room, I'm still a traditional amp fan and have a few good ones on call at all times. There's always room for more and there are two amps that I would dearly love to have in here one day: @HeadfirstAmplification ALTA 100 and the @RevvAmps Generator 120. Both are at the top of their respective fields and in my brief experience with them, sound amazing. Fortunately the Generator 120 has been accurately modelled in the latest Axe-FX firmware (V. 25.01 at the time of writing) so I can at least enjoy something close to the original. I've strapped together a patch that consolidates three of its channels - green, purple and red - just for fun.

This video is me with the mighty Lee Malia Explorer slopping my way through some 80s-style lead musings over a backing track by Elevated Jam Tracks (thanks, Tom!) with my REVV patch that you can now try too. Note that the cabinet block features a mix of 5150-III and Friedman V30 quads along with a 10" MESA Subway Blues cab for a little extra midrange poke. You can mute or engage any of these in Channel A for tonal variance to taste.

Rock on. I hope you have a great day.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2017 Epiphone Lee Malia Signature Explorer. Stock
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-3 FW. 25.01 REVV models.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA A231 - audixusa.com/products/a231
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

How To Mod a (butchered) 79 Gibson The SG, Ninch Style. Episode 1: On The Bench

Brett Kingman 2024-04-22 | I walked in to say g'day to my mates at @nepeanmusic and was confronted with this rather rare old SG that has clearly had an interesting life. Colin is doing his best to resurrect it. We'll call this Episode 1 and I'll post updates as they go.

*Ninch is slang for Mornington Peninsula, where we all live.

youtube.com/@therabiddogs

The Rabid Dogs YouTube: youtube.com/@therabiddogs
The Rabid Dogs Instagram: instagram.com/the_rabiddogs
The Rabid Dogs Facebook: facebook.com/nepeanmusiccentre
Nepean Music Centre: https://nepeanmusic.com.au

Special thanks to Lidia, Jake, Adam, Nick, Joel, Colin and Ron at NMC. 🤘🏻

Cornerstone: NERO Fuzz

Brett Kingman 2024-04-19 | cornerstonemusicgear.com/product/nero
Cornerstone MG are well known for their attention to detail and top-tier offerings. Their NERO Fuzz lives up to that reputation and then some. You'll get a fuzz tone reminiscent of a classic 'face' fuzz with many added and very welcome embellishments. Let's start with switchable Voice control. Add the impedance facility that allows placement anywhere in the signal path; throw in the Gladio SC circuit for 'that' extra tonal bliss and then pop in a compressor circuit to boot. It's a smooooth ride, baby! And the NERO fuzz is happy with whatever type of amp platform it sees, as I hope I've demonstrated in this video. I like it a lot. Good stuff, Emilio and team!

Today's tools:

Guitar: Palir 'Apple Tree' Titan T-Style with JJ's Simulcaster T-90 pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-3 FW. 25.01. Various models as per the video description.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA A231 - audixusa.com/products/a231
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

J.Rockett: AIRCHILD SIX SIXTY Compressor. Chatty Demo

Brett Kingman 2024-04-18 | rockettpedals.com/airchild-660

If you're familiar with classic studio gear you'll have heard of or perhaps even used the Fairchild 660 studio compressor. They fetch sizeable prices on today's used market if you can actually find one. From Rockett's site: "The original Six Sixty Compressor was designed by Rein Narma, who had worked with Les Paul to build a recording mixer to use with Les Paul's Ampex 8-track. Les Paul asked Narma if he would build a compressor/limiter. Sherman Fairchild, who was friends with Les Paul, learned of the compressor and licensed Narma's compressor design, hiring Narma to be chief engineer at Fairchild Recording Equipment Corporation. The first 10 Fairchild 660’s were built by Narma himself. The first unit was sold to Rudy Van Gelder who used it to cut lacquer masters for Blue Note Recordsand Vox Records. The second unit went to Olmsted Sound Studios in New York City and the third 660 built went to Mary Ford and Les Paul."

The Airchild Six Sixty is J.Rockett's homage to the Fairchild masterpiece. It features four fundamental controls that let the user run it as a 2:1 compressor right up to a 30:1 limiter. It injects a warmth and richness to your tone reminiscent of the original and can be used as a boost right through to a brickwall compressor - without the divisive 'bloom'. I'll say on the record that the Airchild Six Sixty is easily one of the top five compressors I've had the pleasure to demo, but that's not surprising coming from this company.

An alternative, no-chatty demo of the Airchild Six Sixty can be viewed at youtu.be/_hEFkc7U7OY

Today's tools:

Guitars: Partscaster with Murray Guitar Pickups '54 Pickup Set (murrayguitarpickups.com/strat-pickups/); Fender Jason Isbell Telecaster. Stock
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X3 FW 25.00. Vibrolux model.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy Elevated Jam Tracks.

Catalinbread: StarCrash & SideArm. No-Chat Jam Demo

Brett Kingman 2024-04-18 | catalinbread.com
This week Catalinbread unleashed their StarCrash '70s Collection featuring upholstered classics from their range as well as two new additions, the StarCrash Fuzz and SideArm Overdrive. The StarCrash takes the classic 'Face' fuzz and adds Bias and Filter controls for some doom and velcro action while the SideArm pays homage to the classic '79 TS with enhanced Gain, Mids (720Hz) and Tone (Tilt-type at 1KHz centre). They look great and they sound even better. Good fun - just like the '70s were! Rock on. 🤘🏻

A chatty demo can be viewed at youtu.be/gUjwx_2sh1I. This one's just the 'jam' component, unedited.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2000 Ltd Ed Gibson Explorer with Brierley PAF's. Relic Depot '62 Strat tribute with JJ's 'Sweet 62 Set' pickups.
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X3 FW 25.00. Various models as per the video description.
Cables: BOSS & Providence
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA A231 - audixusa.com/products/a231
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

J.Rockett: AIRCHILD SIX SIXTY Compressor. No-Chat Demo

Brett Kingman 2024-04-17 | rockettpedals.com/airchild-660

If you're familiar with classic studio gear you'll have heard of or perhaps even used the Fairchild 660 studio compressor. They fetch sizeable prices on today's used market if you can actually find one. From Rockett's site: "The original Six Sixty Compressor was designed by Rein Narma, who had worked with Les Paul to build a recording mixer to use with Les Paul's Ampex 8-track. Les Paul asked Narma if he would build a compressor/limiter. Sherman Fairchild, who was friends with Les Paul, learned of the compressor and licensed Narma's compressor design, hiring Narma to be chief engineer at Fairchild Recording Equipment Corporation. The first 10 Fairchild 660’s were built by Narma himself. The first unit was sold to Rudy Van Gelder who used it to cut lacquer masters for Blue Note Recordsand Vox Records. The second unit went to Olmsted Sound Studios in New York City and the third 660 built went to Mary Ford and Les Paul."

The Airchild Six Sixty is J.Rockett's homage to the Fairchild masterpiece. It features four fundamental controls that let the user run it as a 2:1 compressor right up to a 30:1 limiter. It injects a warmth and richness to your tone reminiscent of the original and can be used as a boost right through to a brickwall compressor - without the divisive 'bloom'. I'll say on the record that the Airchild Six Sixty is easily one of the top five compressors I've had the pleasure to demo, but that's not surprising coming from this company.

This video is a no-chat affair that runs through some different settings in a jam context with a very clean Vibrolux sim and a backing track courtesy of Elevated Jam Tracks. An alternative, chatty demo can be viewed at (TBA).

Today's tools:

Guitar: Partscaster with Murray Guitar Pickups '54 Pickup Set (murrayguitarpickups.com/strat-pickups)
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X3 FW 25.00. Vibrolux model.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy Elevated Jam Tracks.

Catalinbread: StarCrash Fuzz & SideArm Overdrive

Brett Kingman 2024-04-17 | catalinbread.com
This week Catalinbread unleashed their StarCrash '70s Collection featuring upholstered classics from their range as well as two new additions, the StarCrash Fuzz and SideArm Overdrive. The StarCrash takes the classic 'Face' fuzz and adds Bias and Filter controls for some doom and velcro action while the SideArm pays homage to the classic '79 TS with enhanced Gain, Mids (720Hz) and Tone (Tilt-type at 1KHz centre). They look great and they sound even better. Good fun - just like the '70s were! Rock on. 🤘🏻

An unedited 'jam' video for these two can be viewed at youtu.be/_ZQ5lxHmMfY

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2000 Ltd Ed Gibson Explorer with Brierley PAF's. Relic Depot '62 Strat tribute with JJ's 'Sweet 62 Set' pickups.
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X3 FW 25.00. Various models as per the video description.
Cables: BOSS & Providence
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA A231 - audixusa.com/products/a231
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

DevTech Audio: SUMMONER Overdrive

Brett Kingman 2024-04-10 | devtechaudio.com/shop/p/summoner

Inspired and based on the Cornish GC-1, the Summoner offers active three-band EQ, tons of volume and a gain control that spans light grit through to saturated drive, depending on your amp platform. It's versatile and we know that its pedigree has already proven itself.

"The DevTech Audio ‘Summoner’ is a low to high gain overdrive based on the Pete Cornish GC-1. It has a wide gain range, which is perfect for live performance and recording. The pedal features two fixed clipping stages preceded by a variable gain preamp. A powerful three band active EQ ensures compatibility with any guitar and amplifier.

At low gain, the Summoner offers a smooth and transparent blues crunch, moving up to a higher gain soundscape reminiscent of the classic British 70’s rock era. Increasing gain takes you progressively through a cranked up tube amp sound to high saturation, but with extreme clarity and punch.

Fairly equal amounts of Bass, Mid and Treble cut and boost are available – with the neutral position of the three tone controls being 12 o’clock. There is also plenty of output signal headroom available to overdrive amp inputs if required. A second boost stage has been added after the tone circuit to compensate for any reduction in overall volume when below neutral point."

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2021 Fender MIM Jason Isbell Signature Telecaster. Stock
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-3 FW 25. Various models as per the video description
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy Elevated Jam Tracks

Isolate Audio: RATATATAT

Brett Kingman 2024-04-07 | isolateaudio.net/product/rat

The lads from Isolate Audio have taken the classic RAT and modified it to include three clipping options plus Bass and Cut control. The ratatatat can be used as a formidable clean boost, overdrive, distortion or, with a bit of coaxing, fuzz. The Bass and Cut controls will help you tailor the tone to your amp of choice and there's tons of extra volume on tap if you really want to frighten the front end of your amp. No cheese here, folks.

Today's tools:

Guitar: Partscaster Tele clone with Broad Toney Set pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.05. Various models as mentioned in the video.
Cables: Providence
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy Elevated Jam Tracks.

Death By Audio: OCTAVE CLANG V2

Brett Kingman 2024-04-02 | deathbyaudio.com/products/octave-clang
Death By Audio have revised one of their old favourites, the mighty Octave Clang. This version features much the same fuzz madness but there's a separate footswitch for the octave component which absolutely screams up around the hero end of the neck. The 'IN' control helps dial in the preferred EQ range - all the way from doom to clang - and there's plenty of volume on tap to scare the front end of your amp with. Good fun? Hell yes!

Today's tools:

Guitar: Partscaster with Murray Pickups '54 Set (murrayguitarpickups.com/strat-pickups)
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.05 JTM45 model.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track "Untitled" by Brett Kingman

Bolt & Forge: APPALOOSA Germanium Overdrive

Brett Kingman 2024-03-16 | bfanalog.com/appaloosa

This one made my job easy because it just sounds so good. The Appaloosa Germanium Overdrive is one of four models currently offered by @b.f.analog (Bolt & Forge) which is essentially a one-man operation headed up by the very talented Jason Lilly of Yakima, WA. The Appaloosa is a light to medium gain overdrive that doesn't skimp on components, looks, sound or build quality. Honestly, if you're looking for a classy alternative to your standard 808 style boost/OD, this one ought to be considered as it can do what the TS does and SO much more. 10/10.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Fender Vintera II 50's Stratocaster with JJ's V12 pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com). Gibson CS '61 Les Paul/SG RI with Tyson Tone TTL-2 PAF's
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.05. Marshall and Fender models as described in video
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com.

OBNE: Dark Light. No-Chat

Brett Kingman 2024-03-14 | oldbloodnoise.com/pedals/p/dark-light

For the uninitiated, Old Blood Noise Endeavours make a couple of fully featured reverb pedals called Dark Star and Sunlight, respectively. Both are popular and both are now consolidated in this mammoth stereo outing they call Dark Light. You can run the pedal in full stereo or mono and there's a 'Spread' control to help determine the stereo field. Each side of the pedal features three different reverb-y algorithms ranging from tape warble through to pitch shifting and sample-hold burbles. It's a ton of fun and quite inspiring if you're into textural ambience and that sort of thing. This demo attempts to take you on a tour of the Dark and Light sides and then a little mixing and matching. The potential for this video to be hours long was real but I've capped it at 13 minutes or so in the hope that you'll get the idea. Great work, OBNE! No wonder they're already backordered.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Fender Vintera II 60's Stratocaster with JJ's Fat Toney Set pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.05. Deluxe Reverb amp model. Dark Light inserted post cab block as a stereo fx loop.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

BOSS KATANA:GO Personal Headphone Guitar (and BASS!) Amplifier

Brett Kingman 2024-03-14 | boss.info/global
Big things, small packages... You know the saying. The Katana:GO is one of those mighty small packages. All of the functionality of the Katana Series including Tone Exchange, Librarian, Song Select (so you can practice at half speed or just play along); Stage Feel (that's new!); USB-C, Bluetooth and headphone connectivity; 30 User Preset slots... TONS of stuff. And it all fits in the palm of your hand, pocket, guitar case or whatever. And then there are the tones - and they're great too! Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Oh, and let's not forget that it offers BASS amps, presets, effects and user preset slots as well. I haven't tried those yet (because I'm no bass player) but I will soon...

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Charvel Prashant Aswani Signature Pro-Mod PA28. Stock
Amp: Boss Katana:GO Personal Headphone Guitar Amplifier
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

DSM Humboldt: SIMPLIFIER MKII Jam Demo. No Chat

Brett Kingman 2024-02-29 | simplifieramp.com

This is the unedited cut from the 'jam' component of my chatty vid (youtu.be/fdP6WrsSsmY). Watch the speaker, cab and amp toggles as I move through. Reverb is the Simplifier MKII's own. Overdrive is via the Boss SD-1 as pictured, straight to the input of the Simplifier MKII. Delay, Chorus and Panning Trem are courtesy of the Axe-FX III which is inserted via the Simplifier MKII's stereo fx send/return.

The DSM Huboldt Simplifier MK II is... Fully analog (except for the Reverb) and featuring full stereo, three amp model types including power and preamp modelling, dual cab sims with a linear 'black-blue-green' control, three types of cab-type emulation, stereo fx send & return... The Simplifier MKII has was it takes to be your best friend in the recording environment or the central brain of your pedalboard. It's small enough to fit in your hand yet very tough and superbly appointed. I can't fault it and I had a great time playing with it while making this demo. Nice one, chaps!

Today's tools:

Guitar: MJT/Musikcraft Partscaster with JJ's Fat Toney's Pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: DSM Humboldt Simplifier MKII
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A152 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0
Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com "Hindsight"

DSM Humboldt: SIMPLIFIER MKII Zero Watt Reverb Stereo ANALOG Amp

Brett Kingman 2024-02-29 | simplifieramp.com
Fully analog (except for the Reverb) and featuring full stereo, three amp model types including power and preamp modelling, dual cab sims with a linear 'black-blue-green' control, three types of cab-type emulation, stereo fx send & return... The Simplifier MKII has was it takes to be your best friend in the recording environment or the central brain of your pedalboard. It's small enough to fit in your hand yet very tough and superbly appointed. I can't fault it and I had a great time playing with it while making this demo. Nice one, chaps!

Today's tools:

Guitar: MJT/Musikcraft Partscaster with JJ's Fat Toney's Pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: DSM Humboldt Simplifier MKII
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A152 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0
Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com "Hindsight"

Catalinbread: EPOCH BIAS Preamp / Bias

Brett Kingman 2024-02-28 | catalinbread.com
The Epoch Boost was and is still a hit for Catalinbread. It featured their version of the EP-3's preamp along with a boost to really drive the preamp's goodness home to your amp of choice. The Epoch Bias goes two steps further by offering Bias control to heat up the tone and a Filter control which is basically a high-cut; something to smooth out your tone if needed. The complete package is a potent combination that can inject quite a lot of that special 'something' that attracted 70's players to the EP-3 in the first place. An 'always on' pedal, as it were. Rock on.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Charvel Prashant Aswani Signature Pro-Mod PA28. Stock
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.05. Marshall 2203 and Div/13 CJ11 models.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0
Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com "Chillaxe".

Tubesteader: LIGHTKEEPER V2 Tube Preamp / Light Overdrive

Brett Kingman 2024-02-21 | tubesteader.com/products/lightkeeper-v2

Overdrive Special Clean tone? Check. Can I use it as a preamp to drive a power amp and/or IR Loader? Absolutely. How about as a light overdrive? Yep. Does it 'chew' and 'chirp'? Yessiree. The Lightkeeper V2 is an all-round tone machine that can be used as a slick pedal platform or a foundation pedal for your ...everything!

"The Lightkeeper is an all-tube preamp based on the clean channel of the early Dumble Overdrive Special "High Plate" design. It features a Dumble-refined tone stack that takes a classic Fender TMB circuit to the next level.
The Deep and Boost switches can be assigned in any combination to the internal or external footswitch.

The Lightkeeper's clean tone is honest and crisp, breathing new life into your instrument with its bright clarity and articulation. It has a vintage Fender amp vibe but with tighter bass and more prominent mids. The Lightkeeper makes a great pedal platform and delivers the ‘tube feel’ to any neutral-sounding amp or amp-less setup. It operates on a standard 12VDC voltage, which is boosted inside the pedal up to 280VDC for optimal performance of the 12AX7 tube."

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Charvel PA28 Prashant Aswani Signature & 2021 AVRI Fender Broadcaster. Both stock.
Amp: Tubesteader Lightkeeper V2 to Deluxe Reverb IR and Amp Sim - Axe-FX III
Cables: Various
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

Ed, Stevie, Jimi & Howard. Axe-FX Preset. Demo and Free Download

Brett Kingman 2024-02-20 | When I'm a little bit over the pedal demos, as I become from time to time (I've made a couple of thousand now), I gravitate towards my favourite piece of gear, the mighty Axe-FX III Turbo, to create something that I can share with other Fractal Audio owners. This patch attempts to can four of our favourite classic tones into a single preset, divided into eight Scenes with one basic and one fx-laden scene for each of the dearly departed. Ed, Stevie, Jimi and Howard (Dumble). It's nothing but a bit of fun that some of you may enjoy. Although I haven't tried it yet, this patch should also run on an FM9 running FW 6.00 or later too.
Download link: http://axechange.fractalaudio.com/detail.php?preset=10858

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2021 Charvel HT HSS Pro-Mod Sassafras ; 2023 Fender Vintera II 50's Stratocaster with JJ's V12 Pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.05. Various models as per the video description
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

A Chat with Greg Fryer & Shaun Klinger. Working Together, Treble Boosters, Red Special and Brian May

Brett Kingman 2024-02-20 | Last week I had the pleasure of hosting a visit from Greg Fryer and Shaun Klinger, both titans of guitar gear and old friends of mine. Greg is famous for his work with Brian May - Red Special replicas and treble boosters, amp mods, Deacy Amp replicas, etc - while Shaun has built a global reputation as one of the best fuzz (and other pedal genres) builders around as well as being a serious gun guitarist, composer and singer. Now they're collaborating on some of Greg's future releases so I thought it might be fun to have a chat about it. Here 'tis!

Greg Fryer: fryerguitars.com
Shaun Klinger: http://www.shaunklinger.com.au
KZ Guitar Works: kzguitarworks.com/en
Doxy World: doxyworld.com

Special thanks to Greg Phillips at https://australianmusician.com.au for his time and contributions. Greg also shot an interview with Greg and Shaun and his video can be seen at youtube.com/channel/UCQYuVuADcaJSGU_X5oUsevg

This video was not paid for, sponsored or solicited. It's purely a community announcement of sorts and everyone involved gave their time freely and at their own expense.

DevTech Audio: POWERDRIVER - Jam Demo - No Chat

Brett Kingman 2024-02-13 | devtechaudio.com/shop/p/powerdriver

Take a couple of classics (Powerbooster and Overdriver) from the Coloursound legacy, mix them up, add some modern and welcome appointments and let rip with some old-school overdrive muscle. The Powerdriver has an inner ‘hot’ trim pot, increasing the gain and producing faster breakup to drive and you can run the pedal from 9V-18V. Switchcraft, Panasonic, Philips and Vishay components feature throughout and a vintage BC109 transistor is at the tonal heart. Fun? Hell yes. Get some.

Want to see my chatty demo? Go to: youtu.be/ImTf4R0FG0I

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Fender Vintera II 50's Stratocaster with JJ's V12 pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 V24.05 HIWATT DR103 model.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Elevated Jam Tracks: elevatedjamtracks.bandcamp.com

DevTech Audio: POWERDRIVER

Brett Kingman 2024-02-13 | devtechaudio.com/shop/p/powerdriver

Take a couple of classics (Powerbooster and Overdriver) from the Coloursound legacy, mix them up, add some modern and welcome appointments and let rip with some old-school overdrive muscle. The Powerdriver has an inner ‘hot’ trim pot, increasing the gain and producing faster breakup to drive and you can run the pedal from 9V-18V. Switchcraft, Panasonic, Philips and Vishay components feature throughout and a vintage BC109 transistor is at the tonal heart. Fun? Hell yes. Get some.

Want to hear the full, uncut 'jam' component from this video without all the chat? Go to: youtu.be/IjcCVUfJml8

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Fender Vintera II 50's Stratocaster with JJ's V12 pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 V24.05 HIWATT DR103 model.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Elevated Jam Tracks: elevatedjamtracks.bandcamp.com

Danelectro: NICHOLS 1966™ - Jam Only - No Chat

Brett Kingman 2024-02-07 | danelectro.com/pedals/nichols-1966

This is the full and uncut 'Jam' component from my Nichols 1966™ demo which can be viewed at youtu.be/kjXbh6h3oV0

It's a fuzz. It's a distortion. It's a distortion-fuzz..? Whatever you want to call it, the Nichols 1966 rocks and has great big tubs of tone. There's a story behind this unique pedal, and I quote: "In the hills above Hollywood, California… sit several well known canyons. Beachwood Canyon, to the East of Hollywood, is home to the famous HOLLYWOOD sign. To the West sits Nichols Canyon, where Foxx pedals founder and current Danelectro® owner Steve lived with his parents in the mid 1960’s. It was in the garage of that home on Nichols Canyon Place that Steve created his first effects pedal, which he named “The Liverpool Fuzz Tone”. Steve had no money to buy a fuzz and no access to any schematics. So he created a completely unique circuit architecture that has never been seen again. Although he called his box a “fuzz”, it was in fact half way between a distortion and a fuzz. This incredible box dishes out delicious tones unlike those of any pedal ever made. While Steve labored to create this new box in 1966, less than 2 miles away in Laurel Canyon musicians were collaborating on what would become the most famous songs of the 1960’s."

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Danelectro Triple Divine. Stock.
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.05 Mid-60's Deluxe Reverb model.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track "Twister" courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

Danelectro: NICHOLS 1966™

Brett Kingman 2024-02-06 | danelectro.com/pedals/nichols-1966

It's a fuzz. It's a distortion. It's a distortion-fuzz..? Whatever you want to call it, the Nichols 1966 rocks and has great big tubs of tone. There's a story behind this unique pedal, and I quote: "In the hills above Hollywood, California… sit several well known canyons. Beachwood Canyon, to the East of Hollywood, is home to the famous HOLLYWOOD sign. To the West sits Nichols Canyon, where Foxx pedals founder and current Danelectro® owner Steve lived with his parents in the mid 1960’s. It was in the garage of that home on Nichols Canyon Place that Steve created his first effects pedal, which he named “The Liverpool Fuzz Tone”. Steve had no money to buy a fuzz and no access to any schematics. So he created a completely unique circuit architecture that has never been seen again. Although he called his box a “fuzz”, it was in fact half way between a distortion and a fuzz. This incredible box dishes out delicious tones unlike those of any pedal ever made. While Steve labored to create this new box in 1966, less than 2 miles away in Laurel Canyon musicians were collaborating on what would become the most famous songs of the 1960’s."

The full and uncut 'jam' component of this video can be viewed at youtu.be/qPf40IDbZ-c

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Danelectro Triple Divine & 2023 Charvel Prashant Aswani Signature Pro-Mod PA28. Both stock.
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.05 Mid-60's Deluxe Reverb model.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track "Twister" courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

HOTONE: Ampero II Stage - Writing a Kitchen Sink Preset!

Brett Kingman 2024-02-04 | hotoneaudio.com/products/multi-effects/Ampero%20II%20Stage
Since the Ampero II Stage was still on my desk I thought it might be cool to make a little how-to video about creating a single preset that could quite possibly get you through a whole gig. This one features Scenes that range from pristine clean through to crunch, lead, jangly and ambient. Yes, it can be done. Check it out.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2014 Palir Guitars 'The Apple Tree' T-Style with JJ's Guitar Pickups 'T-90' Set (P90's for Telecaster).
Cables: Various. Ampero II Stage connected to PreSonus Quantum via balanced XLR outputs.
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: N/A
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: Ampero II Stage & PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track "Golden Era" (an all-time fave) courtesy of jamtrackcentral.com

HOTONE: Ampero II Stage FW V1.04 (...having some fun with!)

Brett Kingman 2024-02-02 | hotoneaudio.com/products/multi-effects/Ampero%20II%20Stage
I've been trying to find time to properly demo the Ampero II Stage since it arrived on my desk some weeks ago. Today's firmware V1.04 release kind of forced the issue as it includes a couple of JP Boogie emulations and a cool new reverb 'Silver Linings'. So rather than just sit in front of the camera and ramble on about all of the features, bells and whistles, etc., I thought I should just put it to work in a way that I'd use it. Get straight to the practicality. I wrote a kitchen sink kind of patch that includes two of the new amp models, the new reverb, a couple of Scenes to switch between the amps and some satellite effects to dress it all up. Honestly, this is all I'd need to go out and gig. The Ampero II Stage sounds great, is dead simple to use and the footswitches can be as simple or comprehensive as you see fit. The footprint is small, the interface stellar and the tones exemplary. There's a lot to love. Many other YouTubers have already covered the extensive features so I thank them for doing the heavy lifting, and I'll just leave this here. Rock on.

How to strap a preset like this together: youtu.be/-Oh7dQAo0xA

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2022 Charvel Select Custom Shop So-Cal HSS Snow White. Stock
Amp: Hotone Ampero II Stage
Cables: BOSS (Ampero II Stage connected via USB C to iMac).
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: N/A
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: Ampero II Stage & PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track "Golden Era" (an all-time fave) courtesy of jamtrackcentral.com

Gretsch G5622TG | Rabid Dog Relic | Relic Vintage White | Madlove Filtertrons

Brett Kingman 2024-02-01 | leadbetterguitarco.com/products/gretsch-g5622tg-rabid-dog-relic-relic-vintage-white-madlove-filtertrons

The recipe is simple: take a stock-standard Gretsch (or any other brand), strip it, gut it and rebuild it with minimum, quality electronics, superior pickups and a light relic finish that looks as good as it feels. Joel and Colin at leadbetterguitarco.com have been doing this for a while now. I like them so much I've actually bought four of them! There's another video featuring the Vintage Faded Orange Gretsch G5622T at youtu.be/vmNmXchSyDw. Rock on!

Leadbetter Guitars: leadbetterguitarco.com
Leadbetter Guitars Instagram: instagram.com/leadbetterguitarco
Leadbetter Guitars Facebook: facebook.com/leadbetterguitarco
Rabid Dog Youtube: youtube.com/@therabiddogs
Rabid Dog Instagram: instagram.com/the_rabiddogs
Nepean Music Centre: https://nepeanmusic.com.au
Madlove Pickups: madlovepickups.com

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Gretsch G5622TG | Rabid Dog Relic | Relic Vintage White | Madlove Filtertrons
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.04. Various models as per verbal video descriptions.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Dunlop 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy www.jamtrackcentral.com
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

This video was made free of charge for my friends. No sponsorship or gifts were asked for or received.

Gretsch G5622T | Rabid Dog Relic | Relic Vintage Faded Orange | Madlove Filtertrons

Brett Kingman 2024-02-01 | leadbetterguitarco.com/products/gretsch-g5622t-rabid-dog-relic-relic-vintage-orange-fade-madlove-filtertrons
The recipe is simple: take a stock-standard Gretsch (or any other brand), strip it, gut it and rebuild it with minimum, quality electronics, superior pickups and a light relic finish that looks as good as it feels. Joel and Colin at leadbetterguitarco.com have been doing this for a while now. I like them so much I've actually bought four of them! I may have to have this one too... Wonderful stuff.

Leadbetter Guitars: leadbetterguitarco.com
Leadbetter Guitars Instagram: instagram.com/leadbetterguitarco
Leadbetter Guitars Facebook: facebook.com/leadbetterguitarco
Rabid Dog Youtube: youtube.com/@therabiddogs
Rabid Dog Instagram: instagram.com/the_rabiddogs
Nepean Music Centre: https://nepeanmusic.com.au
Madlove Pickups: madlovepickups.com

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Gretsch G5622T | Rabid Dog Relic | Relic Vintage Faded Orange | Madlove Filtertrons
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.04. Various models as per verbal video descriptions.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Dunlop 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy www.jamtrackcentral.com
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

This video was made free of charge for my friends. No sponsorship or gifts were asked for or received.

JJs Guitar Pickups: T-90 Simulcaster (P90s for Tele)

Brett Kingman 2024-01-30 | jjsguitarpickups.com/jjs-simulcaster-pickups.htm

JJ's T-90 Simulcasters offer the dynamics, snarl, clarity and thick midrange that you'd expect from a classic P90 in a Tele-sized configuration that will drop straight in to your favourite Tele. The only thing you might want to consider is a 500k volume pot to really let them shine. Because there's little string-pull you can raise them as high as you want without any fear of oscillation or lack of sustain. There are a lot of pluses with these pickups. And the sound? Well, I've tried to demonstrate them through a variety of amp food groups and to my ears they rock hard and can also provide the classic Tele twang when required. T-90 Simulcasters. Great tones and great fun.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2014 Palir Guitars "The Apple Tree"
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.04. Various amp models as per the verbal video description.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB

Keeley: MUSE DRIVER

Brett Kingman 2024-01-23 | robertkeeley.com
Robert Keeley and Andy Timmons up to their old tricks again! The Muse Driver expands the theme set earlier by the Super AT MOD and gives it a couple of 'RK' twists with options to run the Tone either in full bandwidth (RK) or with a high-pass filter (AT); plus a choice of silicon (AT) or germanium (RK) clipping modes. It all adds up to a supremely versatile overdrive/boost pedal that might actually make you want more than one (Andy is on record as saying he will probably need three of them on his board..!) Is Keeley. Is good.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2021 Charvel Sassafras Pro Mod HH. Stock. 2023 Fender Vintera II 50's Strat with JJ's V12 Pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.04. Lone Star model.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB

Free The Tone: OVERDRIVELAND Std.

Brett Kingman 2024-01-23 | freethetone.com/en/products/detail72
Free The Tone's Yuki Hayashi is very familiar with the ODS amp by Dumble. There are more than a few videos where he's listening to it intently and working out a way to can that sound into one of his brand's pedals. The Overdriveland is his latest pedal and it comes in two versions: Custom Shop and Standard. This video deals with the Standard which I have to say is a great ride. You'll need to pair it with a clean amp (like the Super 6G4 in this video) and let it do its thing. And what a great thing it is!

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2002 Gibson Les Paul Classic with JJ's Sovereign '59 Pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com). Fender 70th Anniversary Broadcaster. Stock.
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.04. Fender Super 6G4 model
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB

Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

DANELECTRO™: FIFTY NINER™

Brett Kingman 2024-01-20 | danelectro.com
Danelectro's Fifty Niner takes the classic and pops an 'F-Hole' in it along with a choice of three stunning finishes (this one's the Gold version) and some accurate reproduction lipstick pickups that have stayed true to the "...exact original magnets, wire and brass/zinc tube composition." So we've got an oldie with modern-day build tolerances and swish looks. I'm a fan, but I always have been. Great stuff, Dano!*

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2024 Danelectro Fifty Niner (Gold). Stock
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.04. Various classic amp models as per the verbal video description.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

*This video was originally scheduled for a Jan 25 release, hence my mention of that date in the video. However, Danelectro have seen fit to let it go early and that's why the date discrepancy, if you're wondering.

Levinson Sceptre: ARLINGTON Standard

Brett Kingman 2024-01-20 | Global: levinsonsceptre.com/arlington
Australia: https://www.nationalmusic.com.au/?rf=kw&kw=sceptre+arlington
Designed by Gary Levinson, the Arlington Standard takes a classic and dresses it up with some serious modern guitar developments like stainless steel frets, roasted maple neck and fingerboard, Wilkinson hardware and Levinson pickups. This is a guitar that can do classic, but with the feel, construction and playability of modern. And for the price, the Arlington Std. is an absolute steal.

Many thanks to Pete at National Music and Rob at Guitars 'N Things.
https://www.nationalmusic.com.au
https://www.guitarsandthings.com.au

More about Gary E. Levinson: youtu.be/CZQGlpgUCgE?si=7dQk2-SAEFviHDCm

Guitar: 2023 Levinson Sceptre Arlington Standard (Australian Edition)
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.04. Various models as described in the video
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy of jamtrackcentral.com

Levinson Sceptre: VENTANA Standard

Brett Kingman 2024-01-20 | Global: levinsonsceptre.com/ventana
Australia: https://www.nationalmusic.com.au/?rf=kw&kw=sceptre+ventana
Designed by Gary Levinson, the Ventana Standard takes a classic and dresses it up with some serious modern guitar developments like stainless steel frets, roasted maple neck, Wilkinson hardware and Levinson pickups. This is a guitar that can do classic, but with the feel, construction and playability of modern. And for the price, the Ventana Std. is an absolute steal.

Many thanks to Pete at National Music and Rob at Guitars 'N Things.
https://www.nationalmusic.com.au
https://www.guitarsandthings.com.au

More about Gary E. Levinson: youtu.be/CZQGlpgUCgE?si=7dQk2-SAEFviHDCm

Guitar: 2023 Levinson Sceptre Ventana Standard (Australian Edition)
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.04. Various models as described in the video
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 - audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32 (No longer available)
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors - presonus.com
Monitor Control: SPL 2Control - https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/2control/
Headphones: Audix A150 - audixusa.com/products/a150
All Stands: Gravity Stands - gravitystands.com/en
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy of jamtrackcentral.com

DOD: CHTHONIC Classic Fuzz

Brett Kingman 2024-01-13 | digitech.com/dp/chthonic-fuzz
Borne from a hybrid of earlier ideas to be friendly with lower output pickups and clean amps, the CHTHONIC Fuzz reminds me of a mix of old-school things like the Treble Booster, Fuzz Face and a little bit of Big Muff. This fuzz has great 'clean-up' qualities. You only need to back off your guitar's volume one or two notches to get the twang. Crank that same volume up all the way and you'll get the thick and singing wang. What's not to love?

Todays tools:

Guitar: 2018 Relic Depot '62 Tribute LPB Strat with JJ's Sweet '62 pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.03. Fender Twin 'blackface' combo model.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 (audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors (presonus.com)
Headphones: Audix A150 (audixusa.com/products/a150)
All Stands: Gravity Stands: ( gravitystands.com/en)
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

DOD: GUNSLINGER Mosfet Distortion

Brett Kingman 2024-01-12 | digitech.com/dp/gunslinger
There's not much to be said about this one other than the Gunslinger is yet another genius delivery from Tom Cram and it's a DOD/Digitech pedal. Mosfet is a particularly sublime sound and this pedal is no exception. I love it because the tone controls are happy to appease most amp types and it never over-does anything. Very great. Thanks, Tom!

Guitar: 2022 Charvel PA28 Prashant Aswani Signature and Fender 2012 American Original 50's Stratocaster. Both stock.
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.03. Various models as per video description
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/all/brett-kingman
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 (audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors (presonus.com)
Headphones: Audix A150 (audixusa.com/products/a150)
All Stands: Gravity Stands: ( gravitystands.com/en)
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB

Isolate Audio: SQUASH THE JAM Compressor

Brett Kingman 2024-01-09 | isolateaudio.net/stj.php

Squash The Jam is a fine sounding compressor that can handle and adapt to pretty much any input signal and stay true to that signal while applying as much or as little compression as you need. The guys at Isolate Audio say it much better than I can: "Squash The Jam is our modern, small form factor approach to feedforward signal compression. Our compressor incorporates high performance Blackmer® Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) with a full frequency, true RMS level detector, resulting in super transparent and extremely accurate compression across a broad range of material.

With precise LED metering, around 20dB of makeup gain and auto-timing that works in conjunction with your input style, Squash The Jam is designed to provide you with fast results, anywhere in your signal chain, for the least amount of fuss."

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Fender American Vintage II '61 Stratocaster. Stock. 2023 Charvel PA28 Prashant Aswani Signature. Stock
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.03. Fender Super 6G4 combo model and PRS Archon Clean Channel model
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: Signature Honey Pick honey-picks.com/collections/signature-artists/products/brett-kingman-signature
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 (audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors (presonus.com)
Headphones: Audix A150 (audixusa.com/products/a150)
All Stands: Gravity Stands: ( gravitystands.com/en)
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

Free The Tone: COSMIC WAVE - Jazzmaster Jam Demo - No Chat

Brett Kingman 2023-12-31 | freethetone.com/en/products/detail67

This is the full, unedited Jazzmaster-jam component from the comprehensive Cosmic Wave demo which can be viewed at youtu.be/su4v8-D9yDE

The Cosmic Wave offers three types of filtering for its 1ms - 10 sec modulated delay lines. You can make those delay lines as warm or as pristine as you wish thanks to the onboard Band Pass and 3-Band EQ options and run the pedal in stereo or mono. Tap Tempo with different beat divisions: Yes. MIDI control: Yes. Expression Pedal control: Yes. 128 Preset slots; clear display screen, Kill Dry, Reverse Delay... The Cosmic Wave has got the lot. And it sounds fantastic. But that's what I'd expect from Free The Tone. Happy New Year everyone!

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2015 AVRI '65 Jazzmaster with Brierley Vintage Modern Jazzmaster Pickups
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.03. Dumble ODS Clean and Two Rock J35 models, both though EV12L 4x12 cab IR's
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: 3mm Honey Pick (Signature model coming soon) - honey-picks.com
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 (audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors (presonus.com)
Headphones: Audix A150 (audixusa.com/products/a150)
All Stands: Gravity Stands: ( gravitystands.com/en)
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

Backing track "Never Goin' Back Extended Jam Track" courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

Free The Tone: COSMIC WAVE - Strat Jam Demo - No Chat

Brett Kingman 2023-12-31 | freethetone.com/en/products/detail67

This is the full, unedited Strat-jam component from the comprehensive Cosmic Wave demo which can be viewed at youtu.be/su4v8-D9yDE

The Cosmic Wave offers three types of filtering for its 1ms - 10 sec modulated delay lines. You can make those delay lines as warm or as pristine as you wish thanks to the onboard Band Pass and 3-Band EQ options and run the pedal in stereo or mono. Tap Tempo with different beat divisions: Yes. MIDI control: Yes. Expression Pedal control: Yes. 128 Preset slots; clear display screen, Kill Dry, Reverse Delay... The Cosmic Wave has got the lot. And it sounds fantastic. But that's what I'd expect from Free The Tone. Happy New Year everyone!

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Fender Vintera II 60's Stratocaster with JJ's Fat Toney Set pickups (jjsguitarpickups.com)
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.03. Dumble ODS Clean and Two Rock J35 models, both though EV12L 4x12 cab IR's
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: 3mm Honey Pick (Signature model coming soon) - honey-picks.com
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 (audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors (presonus.com)
Headphones: Audix A150 (audixusa.com/products/a150)
All Stands: Gravity Stands: ( gravitystands.com/en)
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

Backing track "Never Goin' Back Extended Jam Track" courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

Free The Tone: COSMIC WAVE Multiple Filtering Delay - Full Demo

Brett Kingman 2023-12-31 | freethetone.com/en/products/detail67

The Cosmic Wave offers three types of filtering for its 1ms - 10 sec modulated delay lines. You can make those delay lines as warm or as pristine as you wish thanks to the onboard Band Pass and 3-Band EQ options and run the pedal in stereo or mono. Tap Tempo with different beat divisions: Yes. MIDI control: Yes. Expression Pedal control: Yes. 128 Preset slots; clear display screen, Kill Dry, Reverse Delay... The Cosmic Wave has got the lot. And it sounds fantastic. But that's what I'd expect from Free The Tone. Happy New Year everyone!

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Fender Vintera II 60's Stratocaster with JJ's Fat Toney Set pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com); Fender AVRI '65 Jazzmaster with Brierley Vintage Modern Jazzmaster Pickups; Fender American Vintage II '61 Stratocaster
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.03. Dumble ODS Clean and Two Rock J35 models, both though EV12L 4x12 cab IR's
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: 3mm Honey Pick (Signature model coming soon) - honey-picks.com
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 (audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors (presonus.com)
Headphones: Audix A150 (audixusa.com/products/a150)
All Stands: Gravity Stands: ( gravitystands.com/en)
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

Backing track "Never Goin' Back Extended Jam Track" courtesy jamtrackcentral.com

The unedited Strat and Jazzmaster jams are also on this channel at:
Strat:
Jazzmaster:

Texas Stars: Axe-Fx Preset based on Mesa Lone Star models

Brett Kingman 2023-12-28 | axechange.fractalaudio.com/detail.php?preset=10762
We have two Lone Star models in the Axe's current firmware - Clean and Lead. Between them they cover a lot of ground. Here's a patch with eight Scenes and a bunch of satellite effects to have fun with. Requires FW 24.02 beat#1 or later.

Happy New Year everyone! Plenty of pedal demos coming very soon.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Fender Vintera II 50's Stratocaster with JJ's V12 pickup set (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.02 beta #.1 Mesa Lone Star models
Cable: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: 3mm Honey Pick (Signature model coming soon) - honey-picks.com
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 (audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors (presonus.com)
Headphones: Audix A150 (audixusa.com/products/a150)
All Stands: Gravity Stands: ( gravitystands.com/en)
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
All of my Fractal Audio Presets (free): axechange.fractalaudio.com/search-results.php?search=Burgs&fields=username&products=0&setups=0

Death By Audio: DISTURBANCE Lockable LFO Modulator

Brett Kingman 2023-12-20 | deathbyaudio.com/products/disturbance
Three types of filtering: Fazer, Flanger and Filter. At any time you can lock the LFO's sweep for some wild, resonant filtering and then kick the LFO back in again for the moving throb at the speed of your choice. There's a CV output for you to warp other unsuspecting pedals or electronic instruments and the whole thing just reeks of FUN. And the world needs more of that at the moment. Built in New York with a lifetime guarantee, this is the kind of Disturbance you might welcome and enjoy. Rock on.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Fender Vintera II 60's Stratocaster with JJ's Fat Toney Set pickups (https://www.jjsguitarpickups.com).
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.00 Public Beta #2. Fender Super 6G4 combo model.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: 3mm Honey Pick (Signature model coming soon) - honey-picks.com
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 (audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors (presonus.com)
Headphones: Audix A150 (audixusa.com/products/a150)
All Stands: Gravity Stands: ( gravitystands.com/en)
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB

Blammo! BLUES BLASTER

Brett Kingman 2023-12-19 | blammoelectronics.com/product-page/blues-blaster
It's pretty hard to improve on the original Marshall Blues Breaker pedal, a stomp designed to emulate the classic old Marshall combo used famously by Eric Clapton and John Mayall (who turned 90 a couple of weeks ago!). But Blammo! have risen to the challenge and given us this fantastic take on the original with added gain (mod switch), polarity protection, superior (and smaller) build and buffered output. The Blues Blaster retains all of the tonal goodness of the original but has these enhancements that once experienced may be hard to give up. And the sound is just.. wow. I haven't used this type of pedal for years but having tasted this version, I'll be coming back to it. Great work, Blammo!

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2002 Gibson Les Paul Classic. JJ's Sovereign '59 Pickups (See: jjsguitarpickups.com/humbuckers.htm)
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.00 Public Beta #2.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: 3mm Honey Pick (Signature model coming soon) - honey-picks.com
Mic: Audix USA PDX720 (See: audixusa.com/products/pdx720-signature-edition
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Sony ZV-1M2 x 2
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum 26x32
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors (presonus.com)
Headphones: Audix A150 (See: audixusa.com/products/a150)
Camera and Mic Stands: Gravity Stands: (See: gravitystands.com/en)
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Backing track "Problem Child" courtesy jtc_guitar.com

Axe Preset Update: ElectricLadyLunch FW. 24.00

Brett Kingman 2023-12-18 | Download from: http://axechange.fractalaudio.com/detail.php?preset=10746
Two major Axe-FX III firmware updates have happened since I first uploaded my Hendrix inspired ElectricLadyLunch preset. To my ears (and fingers) everything sounds a little bit better in FW 24.00 (beta #2) so I've revisited that preset and given it a tweak here and there - just a couple of levels and the addition of the reverse delay channel that you'll hear in this video.

For those unfamiliar with the original version, it's basically an 8-Scene preset that was inspired by the tones Hendrix pulled on Electric Lady Land. I've teamed a 100W Plexi up with effect of the day - univibe, fuzz face, big plate reverb and some reverse delay.

The backing track is called "After The Rain". Visit www.jtc_guitar.com for that one.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2023 Fender American Vintage II '61 Stratocaster in Fiesta Red. Set up by me, otherwise stock.
Amp: Axe-FX III Turbo running Cygnus X-2 24.00 Public Beta #2.
Cables: BOSS
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick: 3mm Honey Pick (Signature model coming soon) - honey-picks.com
Camera: GoPro HERO10
Soundcard: Fractal Audio Axe-FX III
Desktop Monitors: PreSonus R80 R-Series Active AMT Studio Monitors (presonus.com)
Headphones: Audix A150 (See: audixusa.com/products/a150)
Camera and Mic Stands: Gravity Stands: (See: gravitystands.com/en)
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB