Ronald Jones

Ronald used two Roland JC-120's in stereo for the greater part of his tenure with the Flaming Lips. You can clearly see them most in every live video from when he was in the band.

In select 1996 performances he used three amplifiers, as seen at 8:27 in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zurLO8ECVYU

One of the most infamous gizmos that Ronald used during live performances was his miniature amplifier that he would hold up to his guitar's pickups to create and manipulate feedback. It was wired up to the line out of one of his many rack effects. Can be seen at the upper left sitting on top of his rack box.

Used to it's greatest effect during the middle interlude of the song Mountainside, as seen and heard in this video at 29:52 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l-WXDF18Xo

Used as an always on pedal at the beginning of his chain.

In a user-uploaded photo, Ronald Jones appears to use a Ross R-50 Distortion pedal, positioned after a green Boss PH-2 Phaser. Although the pedals look similar, the darker label suggests it might be a Ross Phaser instead. In a video from a Letterman performance, Jones steps on the green phaser for prolonged effects, possibly using the Ross for faster phasing. This setup reflects his nuanced approach to creating dynamic soundscapes.

The band's personal JC-120's that Ronald used were modified with Electro-Voice EVM12L speakers which can be seen at 23:25 in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmeiXg2AxJw

They are the black and silver stripe label models like this: https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/v1477152553/gjww9wpejkzl0k5bfpk8.jpg

Located after the Boss OC-2. Started using it in late 1995, replacing a Boss CE-5.

Ronald's expansive rack setup included at least two Boss SE-70's as seen on the top row in this picture. Used for distortions, pitch shifters, delays and reverbs.

Ronald's main live guitar was his 1965 or 1966 Surf Green Fender Jaguar. It is identifiable as a 65-66 from the neck binding and dot inlays, as 65-66 were the only years that combination was produced. Over the course of its use in the band it was significantly modified. A Seymour Duncan Hot Rails was installed in the bridge position at some point in 1992. The stock bridge was replaced with a tune-o-matic at some point between 1992-1993. In 1994 a Hot Rails middle pickup along with a Stratocaster style 5 way switch were installed. Between 1995 and 1996 the stock neck pickup was also replaced with a Hot Rails. It is still with the Flaming Lips, as used by current guitarist Derek Brown. The most recent modification was the replacement of the tune-o-matic bridge with a Mastery bridge.

Used in select 1996 live performances. Seen in this video at 38:02.

Part of his rack setup. As seen below the two Boss SE-70's on the top row.

In a user-uploaded photo, Ronald Jones's Boss OC-2 Octaver is visible next to his Boss CS-3 pedal.

Ronald used an Eventide H3000 as part of his rack setup. As seen in the bottom row in this photo.

Used in select live performances 1993-1994. Most commonly during She Don't Use Jelly.

One of the most crucial components of Ronald's techniques was the slide. He frequently used a most likely homemade copper slide and a chrome/steel slide. Both can be seen on top of his rack gear in this photo. Used to it's greatest effect on the song She Don't Use Jelly.

Ronald's phaser pedal of choice. Can be seen and heard in many live recordings.

Ronald Jones used the Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble before switching to the Ibanez BCL in late 1995, as shown in the user-uploaded photo.

One of Ronald's most used effects, the classic Cry Baby wah. Can be heard and seen on many recordings. Used to its greatest effect during Unconsciously Screaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAE1epHg2gI

Used to control his rack effects.

You can see in the alternate 'turn it on' music video and Cleary at 1:02 Ronald uses a 70s black speaker grilled and silver faced twin reverb. You can also see him use this amp at the end of the 'this here giraffe' music video at 3:20 and I believe small glimpses of the amp can be seen in the recordings of the making of clouds taste metallic. He would use this amp in stereo with his jc120.

Turn It On (alternate video) : https://youtu.be/4VS7yNEfw5E?si=kjY2d_d24v4NZ8Ap

This Here Giraffe music video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsWLpsWrBKU

The making of Clouds Taste Metallic (fearless freaks) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrC-UL2eCls

You can see in this image and in videos of their live shows in 1992 and in 1993 Ronald would play out of a Fender Super Twin (not a super twin reverb) a long side his jc120. (He would eventually switch to a 70s twin reverb)

(you can see a good glimpse of the amp at 30:21) The Flaming Lips - Live at Rome in Norman, OK (October 31, 1993) https://youtu.be/JCg5_VGKowo?si=jv5iZIuCjhJ7pVrD

Ronald can clearly be seen with a Ross phaser with his pedal set up

In this photo you can see on Ronald's pedal set up a Morley Wah Black Gold. (Pretty sure its the bwv regular Wah but alternatively it could be the bfw fuzz Wah version)

In what might possibly be the last known video recording of Ronald Jones he is with a band called the Tea Set Colony he is seen playing with a Dan electro 59. (obviously he DID NOT use this specific model but a modern day equivalent would be a 59 nos+ bc the jack is on the bottom of the guitar instead of the pickguard like most 59s)

Ronald Jones with the Tea Set Colony The Deli, Norman, OK 07/03/2000 https://youtu.be/0kPfNx9y2qc?si=nXnqhCXPTpC8z4Pv

In a live video of The Flaming Lips performing at Trees in Dallas, Texas, on February 6, 1992, Ronald Jones can be seen playing a black Fender Strat. Fun fact, this performance is noted as Ronald Jones's second show with the band! The video was provided by thesatellitehead on YouTube.