Ricky Smith

This guitar is a 'tone monster'... having great rhythm and lead sounds. Great for rockabilly type stuff, but also can rock out on more modern and/or classic rock music (Greenday, AC/DC, etc.). Plug this into a good tube amp and you've got the perfect combination. It took me a little while to get used to reaching over to adjust the volume knob, and also to learn how to control feedback (due to open f-holes this guitar will sustain/feedback like crazy.... but can be controlled). I was always a fender guy, but this is now my favorite guitar.

This is my main guitar for blues type rock and roll, etc. I've got the neck nice and wore-in. Use GHS 10 gauge strings, tuned down a 1/2 step to get that authentic blues tone.

The SLO-100 amp features (2) channels; clean (w/ or w/out crunch) + Lead channel. This amp rocks! It easily cuts through during band performances and also has an effects loop. It came in different tolex coverings including a nice gray snakeskin, which is what I had... pretty cool amp and great sound!

In my latest band endeavor, I'm just now getting into trying out the Fractal AX8. As some claim this as the latest, greatest thing for guitarists. The hope is that this will be the only gear (along w/ my guitar) that I'll need to take with me for 'fly gigs'. Just throw it into a backpack and go - as you can just plug it into any backline amp, or just run through stage monitors, while also sending a signal to FOH. However, I'm finding it hard to replace the sound of a real tube amp... I'm just not yet convinced, but maybe with a little more 'tweaking' I'll get closer. Right now its a huge learning curve.

I run this effect unit through my Bogner effects loop. Reverbs/delays are super clean and awesome quality. I use a midi-foot controller to switch patches.