Jordan Rudess - A Tour of His 2019 Dream Theater Keyboard Rig

[@antidoteee]

The cup holder is truly the magnum opus of the entire setup

[@HeavyMetalBarpiano]

Dude, no setup without a cup holder! 🤘🎹

[@maximummatt73]

The only question now is where he keeps his wizard weed

[@Dillman200]

@@maximummatt73 In his beard

[@gcdiver]

All the guys at DT seem really cool and down to earth. Not typical “rock stars.” All unbelievably talented musicians, too.

[@poiman7364]

they are professional

[@romaclifford5446]

Jordan is pretty chill, doesn’t really give off famous dude vibes when you see him just walking around

[@mel577]

You're right, even Mike Mangini. Nicest guy on earth, and I'm a diehard Portnoy fan. Not only are these guys perhaps the greatest progressive rock band today, they're also so humble and open about their techniques and musical knowledge.

[@woodenhoe]

Except Portnoy

[@trusoundlowvolumedrumheads1002]

@@woodenhoemike is very humble he wasnt when he was 25 but who is

[@Iain0101]

Such a nice guy. I wonder how much nicer Jordan Nicess is.

[@wemustbecomemachines2012]

He's ironically the opposite and has a goatee.

[@brib9716]

You are the winner of one Internet, sir.

[@EYECOMEINPEACE]

Lmao clever

[@nekow1785]

Lmaoo

[@Soldier1287]

^^^ another internet “virtuoso” judging his ability and thinks he can do better. while having zero videos..

[@aquaescapeartist4915]

Never thought I say this but I think Jordan is the greatest talent in Dream Theater. He he is just beyond.

[@abahatschi]

Totally agree

[@mija1110]

lol why did you never think youd say that? who else would it be? its obviously jordan or myung, its not like its a controversial statement.

[@gianski3306]

Imagine a guy trying to stab him on stage, he can fight the guy off with his spinning keyboard while doing a complicated solo

[@SYQmusic]

I imagine an improvisation over "He's A Pirate" would be fitting.

[@4realzibo669]

Lmao

[@awaken77]

Jordan is not only great musician, but very nice person to talk to, and he is able to explain complex things in simple words. Keep rockin'!

[@DanielGonzalez-eq4ow]

He's THE MASTER

[@oleopathic]

This is a symbol of his wisdom. Complex things made simple.

[@Iain0101]

Jordan has always been very generous sharing his wisdom.

[@lobitome]

I saw DT in 2000, before Jordan was part of the group. He is the only reason I would want to see them again.

[@Jayyy_Wav]

Thatone Dude why’s that? DT are excellent musicians

[@coreymaster1369]

Thatone Dude ...Jordan has been in the band since 1999, he recorded the Metropolis Pt.2 album

[@FD36]

One thing I will say, Derek Sherinian kills Rudess in the Hammond organ department.

[@freetrader0000]

@@coreymaster1369 No. You're talking about Jordan Rudess with head hair. Wizard Jordan Rudess joined the band much later.

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

That's not a rig. That's a spaceship command center. Jordan is from outer space.

[@blogger55ivr]

Zidders Roofurry ji please don't miss this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4qZn4J-mdF3opI

[@Veneer22]

Just made me laugh so hard! Thank you brothuh!

[@L00PdeL00P]

Furry

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

@@L00PdeL00P Congrats! You can read!

[@L00PdeL00P]

Zidders Roofurry Help

[@Min.Scepter]

Jordan is not only a pianist but a tech savvy too....he's damn good

[@michaelnachoescamilla6241]

I'm not even a keyboardist and I was riveted to this whole vid. Mind blowing.

[@stephenm8725]

same. i like how how his setup isnt boring and very well thoughtout

[@deepfryerhouse6885]

I am a pianist and this still blew my mind

[@NoCamoJon]

Nice to see even Jordan Rudess has to deal with a squeaky sustain pedal. #keyboardistproblems

[@hughhalf]

Oh that's so funny, thought -exactly- the same thing "Hmm, that sounds just like my FC3" :)

[@samking7902]

Haha yes! I have the same problem!

[@letMeSayThatInIrish]

I noticed one day I had to turn up the volume of my keyboard to hear the simulated piano pedal noise over the noise from my real sustain pedal. Then it struck me: They worked hard back in the day to dampen that noise on the piano; now we struggle to reproduce it. How long until they make virtual instruments that emulate our squeaky pedals?

[@Terrible_Peril]

letMeSayThatInIrish haha I’ve felt similarly about guitar and bass stuff. How long before were digitally emulating that “classic” current tone of bedroom volume amp with clacking strings acoustically recorded on a phone or laptop camera? Best part is, we’re probably correct in our musings.

[@jamiehammond7401]

Jon Wellman Yes that was loud.

[@paralentor]

Jordan needs to be in the next Tron movie. What beautiful gear and stage!

[@robinjames29]

all these amazing sounds and instruments and then he plays that hammond sound, timeless classic

[@Evildandalo]

robin james Sounds exactly like the organ from garage band

[@Ampher03]

It’s unbeatable

[@danielmconnolly7]

13 minutes into the video, after showing us a music store worth of gear, Jordan says: "Wait, let me show you my secret weapon....". 😵

[@Cray0on]

I cant believe he's 64 years old and he still looking good!

[@juancarloscontrerasdeleon3540]

I love how Mr. Rudess brings out the synthesizer into the spot light and show critic guitar players who hate synth music that a keyboard player can be as hip and cool as a guitarist or even better and can lead songs and get all the attention and respect like guitarist rockers do. I mean...how many times do we see a guitarist getting all the attention and drowning out all the sound in a band? and the keyboardist is just like a statue in the background wishing to be heard?, I know, been a synth player for 30 years and was a keyboard player in a hard rock band and got no recognition.

[@6fingers6]

Demand RESPECT and quit your whining. TURN IT UP DUDE!!

[@Canadarago]

I saw Yes/ARW in 2016 and Rick had a portable Keytar-type unit. During “Owner of a Lonely Heart” he and Trevor Rabin ran out into the audience and chased each other around while trading solos.

[@MetalheadNation]

The amazing thing about Jordan is that he continues to get better and better, even as he is into his 60’s. I absolutely love all of Dream Theater, my favorite band, but Jordan has got to be my favorite member of the band ever!

[@imaner76]

Imagine being that clever, that talented and that humble that you still think about the experience for others... On the fly. Makes you look at "modern talent" in a whole different way.

[@KevinYannutz]

Jordan is so much fun to watch. Dream Theater is one of the most epic bands especially live. So much talent

[@haukurorsson833]

Okay .... this is the most wicked keyboard rig I've ever seen.

[@samking7902]

@@snuppssynthchannel not as cool imo

[@snuppssynthchannel]

@@samking7902 A Painted Kronos on a rotating rack, big deal :P. To have the single most iconic synthesizer of all time, Emerson's modular in a rack tops it all. Plus a real Hammond organ and the powerful and more expensive precursor of the Kronos, Oasys, that is a wicked rig. Still, Rudess stand is workhorse-like and gets the job done very well.

[@internettoughguy]

The beauty in it is how clean it is. I can't stand a rat's nest of cables and shit all over the place.

[@jptaylor]

Snuppeluppens Synth channel I agree ; the Kronos isn’t all that, and its underpowered CPU, long booting times and unpredictable/unreliable OS make it risky for live playing. Surprising that Rudess puts all his eggs in the Kronos basket. I had two of them and sent them back to the store due to terrible quality control issues and unreliable booting, keybed issues, etc.... it’s too expensive a board for what it is, and a Mac Mini full of the latest plugin VI’s running in Mainstage 3 sounds and works way better. I guess since Rudess has a Korg endorsement, he’s gotta make the Kronos work.

[@snuppssynthchannel]

@@jptaylor I think the Kronos is a great machine at what it does, only synth with 9 synth engines out there. My problem with it is the menu layout and the fact that it has 100k parameters plus and also how long it takes to start up the thing. I must say that i personally always prefer hardware instruments over software, workflow and inspiration and intuitive programming is what i am on the lookout for, for this i prefer Yamaha synths such as the EX5 from 1998 and my newly bought montage, which i got on the second hand market for a decent price, more logical editing in my opinion. Still, i also use some vst plugs by arturia waves, and i plan on buying omnisphere 2 which sounds excellent. Cheers.

[@VidarW]

This guy is a musical beast but still it looks like he would invite you on milk and cookies any day. Such a nice guy🎹

[@Proghead88]

This is possibly the coolest video about a real-life keyboard setup that exists on the internet. Sure, there are much larger and "complex" keyboard rigs, but they in some part lack the combination of efficiency, practicality, technology, and ingenuity of Jordan's setup. Beautifully designed.

[@jgrossma]

Some performers just use an acoustic piano. . . ;-)

[@bradley5973]

He must of spent alot of time as a kid at guitar center testing out all the new gear and explaining to his parents why he needed it .

[@tearsofsoy4091]

7:39 "And this is my other iPad where I play Pac man, in between songs"

[@stanshmidov175]

Or during

[@tearsofsoy4091]

@@stanshmidov175 😆

[@pablorandri6459]

@@stanshmidov175 my dad told me about his friends dad who used to work in a bar every night as a piano player, and that it was so boring over time he had a little TV post in the corner of his piano, I mean think about it, tens of years of experience playing the same things over and over...

[@RomanIDrozd]

It's about very creative virtual instrument for iOS called GEOSHRED.

[@britishboxer6875]

no Jim Pitsulski butt rapes them between songs

[@jpkybordista]

Your hair is upside down

[@cliveminehan6113]

Yep..his hair or what hair...is it real or just stuck on with gaffa tape

[@cliveminehan6113]

Also he'd be betta off to smoke some weed and relax..listen to some psy trance..give us a break

[@jokerfacechamnaga6254]

I was in serious mode but u got me here lmfao oh please 😂😂😂😂 sorry sir had to laugh for a while

[@gorillachilla]

lol

[@CODMarioWarfare]

If that hair was on top of his head he’d look like an elderly Jimmy Neutron

[@shawno66]

I appreciate him spending time talking about his accessories, like the stand.

[@customtheatres]

People don’t understand this man is a keyboard god When he plays the god of rock listens

[@hyseize]

SIR - Mr Rudess - And I mean this in the best way possible,. YOUR SETUP IS SICK BEYOND BELIEF!!!! I love it all - the efficiency of access, the cleanliness, the versatility, of course, the quality of sound & playing, the hydraulics, etc. Thank you for sharing. Continued good luck & success in your endeavors.

[@vsevkrawczeniuk8019]

I always love seeing what lighting cues/presets the lighting designer is working on in the background of these rig rundown type videos. This is when a big part of how the show looks takes form.

[@seanet1970]

I've never been able to get into DT, but this guy is something else, huge admiration for your talent Jordan, seems a decent guy as well. Respect

[@justinduncan1825]

Jordan you proved that greatness it's not only being great... But teaching others how to be great also! Keep up the great work..... God bless!

[@jeremythornton433]

This is awesome! Jordan is one of the coolest people out there. I've met him a couple of times and he's always been a perfect gentleman. His rig is about as good as it gets! Thank you a ton for putting this up!

[@drewx10]

Thanks so much for including Memphis, TN in the tour. First time I've gotten to see DT live. Really great show!!

[@lauradaley5519]

Amazing his versatility and talent to play music. There's only 1 Wizard of Dream Theater 🤘

[@oldschoolebm666]

This man is amazing. He can make even a casiotone sing with emotion. He loves that joystick. Me too. Is such an expressive tool

[@MercutioUK2006]

Guitarists are like: "Check out my amazing rig" Jordan: Hold my beer.

[@Ampher03]

Hold my soft drink

[@rommeljabla2909]

Hold my ipad

[@suspiciousdoge9yand104]

For a second thought, dont. I have a literal holster to hold my drinks

[@woodenhoe]

@@suspiciousdoge9yand104 bruh you have 2/3 of Labrie's name

[@JasonMcFly]

Jordan: Hold my soft drink. sike! I got a cupholder right here. We're done here

[@burtturdison4445]

This dude is in the zone 24/7. Incredible musician.

[@bvq330]

That's also probably the time signature he plays in.

[@Astro_BS-AS]

Legend says that the Dial to control the Temperature of the Sun now lies in Jordan hands .... *shows "Radial Space Heater" ..... OMG .... Man... he´s just incredible. He´s beyond words at this time. Thanks, Mr. Rudess for all your work. It´s just Astonishing

[@JerryNicolato]

Jordan, I'm just fascinated by the level of technology and especially how well you utilize it. Especially, blown away by the quality of your setup and the redundancy factors you have built in. Thank you sooooo very much for giving me a glimpse into your world. I play a Roland Fr-4x digital accordion. Very cool!!!!!!!!!! I have on my bucket list to play it in a very large venue some day!!!! Thank you again!!!!!!!!

[@samuelseager6785]

3:35 "I want people to see me play" as they finally turn on the lights so that we can actually see him.

[@Blacksnake007]

I´ve always loved Jordan Rudess way of playing the keyboard

[@conservativeguitarsingerjs7937]

I LOVE this guys personality and vocabulary. He’s very articulate and likable. He’s alright a keys too, I guess.

[@pamirbadakhshan9934]

Meanwhile, I’m trying to figure out how connect or pair my smartphone to my smart tv ))

[@johnathantyrer6077]

It is both an absolute pleasure and makes me sick to listen and see Jordan’s skill on the keys ,unbelievable talent

[@Ashes2Ashes_Blush2Blush]

Right?😭🤣

[@patkelly3966]

Slightly better then my ironing boards set-up.

[@timmah4476]

TOTAL legend! Immense talent and great role model 👏👏👏

[@jadams3427]

Super kind guy, who shares so much with us !

[@StuartRochabrunt]

This video really deserved the best sound that technology can provide. Using only the camera microphone was a deadly sin.

[@LinuxDaily]

Hes just an absolute wizard at keyboard, you can really see his passion with music and how humble he is.

[@ninja123425]

*Hagrid voice* “Yer a wizard, Jordan....”

[@MDC100000]

"I'm a what?! "

[@petrhorvat9467]

I've never seen better keyboards than you have. these are the amazing sounds.

[@LagAvenue]

can't find the Nasa logo on the keyboard

[@Goryllo]

I smell conspiracy!

[@tahoma6889]

The instrument is flat.

[@Astro_BS-AS]

NASA is still trying to get their hands on it....

[@ariesprint6729]

Its Elon Musk logo at the edge

[@ryanpwm]

It’s space X

[@JacquesDray]

Simplicity + Quality gear = War machine. Thanks, Jordan.

[@danw1955]

Jordan, can't thank you enough for a very comprehensive rundown of your on-stage rig!! That keyboard stand for the Kronos is just way cool with the tilt function and all, and the fact that both it, and the stand for the XK-5 both rotate is great for performance effects! They have a lot of cool music related stuff for the iPad now, and I actually used iRig for a while on my older iPad3 to get MIDI In/Out, etc. for onboard instruments that I downloaded. The ability to play the instruments on the iPad through one or more of your keyboards makes it that much more fun/useful.😁 I'm a big fan of the XK-5... just wish I could afford one, but I guess I'll have to settle for a genuine 1961 Hammond T-212 that I refurbished a few years back.🤣 Thanks again for sharing this with us, and props to #KeyboardMagazine for posting this vid.😉👍👍

[@chrisgrow]

That hamond is taking it back to classic prog. Love it Jordan

[@MrEllgato]

a epic and legendary keyboard rig awesome JORDAN RUDESS! like the modern Keith Emerson

[@saefulakbar6266]

I'm sure that stand system alone would cost more than my entire home recording setup

[@holdmeclosertonydanza22]

Certainly not. It's a section of truss, some sheet metal welded into a cradle, and some electronically controlled hydraulics. Under $400 bucks easily.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

@@holdmeclosertonydanza22 If you cannot build it yourself (for example, you would need to purchase all the tools needed) and want somebody else to build it, the total cost will be way over $400. For material costs alone, you're correct.

[@Johnsormani]

@@holdmeclosertonydanza22 yeah right. You have no idea

[@khajub]

@@holdmeclosertonydanza22 thank you, any idea from where can i buy this System ??

[@claudiojundiai]

Tony Stark of Keyboards.

[@reginalddavis7578]

Cláudio Costa Actually, Tony Stark is the Jordan Rudess of the Avengers.

[@zellversefactory6956]

Agreed

[@joaquinmatacastillo7554]

Nah, that's Jean Michel Jarre

[@ultramet]

Even if I practiced the keyboard everyday for 5 lifetimes, I wouldn’t come close to Jordan on keys. He’s such an incredibly talented and cool guy.

[@geoffwarren4207]

Absolutely Mind Bending! Awesome Video ~ Incredible Human Being her folks! Wow. at the 9:22 area, this blows my mind, and I can't wait to try it out. As an old-time synthesizer (that took time to remember how to spell it! ) player, I can totally relate to the usual elements and the cooler New elements you have introduced. Many worlds of sincere Thanks to You for this video, and all of your incredible work in both music and techno achievements in sound advancements, Cheers.

[@EricVera539]

April 29, 2019. The day that changed my life forever. It was a Monday. Jordan Rudess is awesome! (:

[@Harunavid]

When they are done with the Concert the key board transforms into their travelling bus.

[@talete8998]

Time travelling bus

[@Bosgo333]

Thanks for sharing, it's impressive how much technical knowledge you have. You are showing a high degree of professionalism and love for music

[@trismurray]

“...and over in the back here is my lab where I’m currently creating a new type of flavour for a créme du monge which I will eat whilst playing.”

[@dgsimago]

wonderful and clean equipment... yeah.... I am also a new Kronos 88 LS owner and my journey has just begun... 😊

[@musikman337]

A guru.. a mad scientist an overlord.. all in one

[@annother3350]

Weird beard though

[@sideshowmikel]

that smile you give when you show off the tilted keyboard...awesome...

[@jameswilson8867]

I wish i could just USB to his brain!!!!!! i wouldn't be selfish. id only download all of 2018.

[@SheetFiber]

😂😂😂

[@cyberon5239]

Now you can... www.patreon.com/Jordanrudess You could eventually chat with him on the phone.

[@FlockofSmeagles]

Every aspect of dream theater just blows me away. They're an intergalactic super group, man. Just fucking leagues ahead of anyone else out there, it's insane.

[@LaszloVarga-msc]

this geoshred app is fantastic! Probably the best music app I’ve seen!

[@sahilflanger8526]

Yes but playing is also not easy. Need practice a lot

[@michaelsoto5542]

Great video! Props also to Keith Wechsler for keeping everything running smoothly!

[@olivierorsola]

He is so strong ! I think he is the equivalent of master yoda in the musical world of keyboards ! He is defenitely a big master.

[@TheBenzooh]

im a new fan of Dream Theater. I really like this guy. he seems like such a nice guy. i could listen to him talk about his music for hours.

[@Ashes2Ashes_Blush2Blush]

He is so sweet🥺😭

[@zbghs05]

By far the nastiest keyboard rig I have ever seen. He's hands on and hands free at the same time lol

[@maxdifaz]

Hey Jordan .... THANKS for taking the time to show us your setup.....AWESOME...like you ! Best from Las Vegas-M

[@hummbs3498]

Saw this in action at the Hard Rock in Orlando last week. Amazing !!

[@philhuston9426]

The tilting stand killed me. We were at a Korg clinic in Mexico City maybe a hundred years ago. Back stage, or off stage or upstairs somewhere there was a grand piano with a broken right leg. You played it, hunched over and leaning down. You may or not remember that moment, but it was great to see you repeating it, on purpose!

[@johno378]

11:50 the way he looks straight into the camera while moving two keyboards with one hand each towards his body

[@mohammadzubayer9305]

He is a generous person,who added many computer components to make sound rich,it's amazing,excellent job done.

[@L00PdeL00P]

This dude is a huge inspiration to me.

[@azombiestool]

That was awesome. I know Kieth Emerson is one of his biggest heroes. I wonder what his favorite work of Kieth's is so I can get more acclimated with ELP.

[@ingjoelmedina]

4:34 It is good to know that not even Jordan can scape the squeaky pedal curse.

[@madness8556]

I swear that Jordan has another set of fingers under his actual fingers the way he plays so amazingly!

[@Oilid]

When I think of Dream Theater, I think 1st about John then Jordan. Essential part virtuoso of the band sound!

[@orion681]

I would even say Jordan then John. Jordan lays down so many textures for John to play over. Without those synths, there is no DT.

[@andy_stinson]

I saw Dream Theater for the first time this year in March, and I thought that moving keyboard stand was one of the coolest parts of the show! And Petrucci's Music man guitars as well!

[@garywatsonjr.2060]

JR is an intergalactic GENEUIS!

[@dinourbani4068]

All great wizards have great beards! Love Jordan. His talent is truly remarkable. Such a nice friendly down to earth person.

[@AchillesWrath1]

You just ruined my Dream theater experience. I always thought Petrucci played a lot of those sound but now i know it is the keyboard player.

[@yusuk5489]

What the fuck?? Are you for real?

[@themetalicious7195]

Are you serious

[@ToxicTerrance]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Here lies 2 dipshits that didn't get the joke..

[@getsomebud]

@@ToxicTerrance Doesn't seem much like of a joke to me.

[@themetalicious7195]

@@ToxicTerrance you would be surprised of how dumb and ignorant people can really be in music..

[@TheCliffzone]

This is really great and I'm super impressed of how you play and how your music sounds. Got some a little of the Happy the Man vibes, or whoever but very unique and unbelievable.

[@PastTime777]

Awesome stuff. I have an XK-2 running through a Vent II along with a Korg 01W-FD as my gigging rig. I've gigged with a Kronos 88 and an XK-5 dual manual running through a Leslie 3300, that was the ultimate, but took a lot to set up. For those who can't afford an XK-5, get an XK-2 or XK-3C and the Vent II along with a Kronos. Those keyboard stands are the ultimate, the way all the wires are run, yet you can't see them. I always set up sideways so people can see my hands playing, but being able to tilt the keyboard like that is the next level.

[@MaxThompsonMusic]

I've seen your posts over on KC I think. Cool setup.

[@KarlMiller-DjKarl]

One can only dream of a Dream Theater keyboard rig... If I ever win the lottery... ☮🔥

[@taunokekkonen5733]

I still think he is the most gifted of the group. In DT that would be saying alot..

[@Mi-ht2co]

back when the world was still okay... god when will this madness be over? i wanna go to concerts again...

[@robinjames29]

and the soft drinks holder has its own tilt and hold device, one day something has to go wrong.

[@Jasonweckard]

Good Observation.

[@nutralizer01]

miss him on stage..the olympic park concert. tilting keyboard was such an awesome experiencia for me thanks for sharing this in full

[@christianratajczak3884]

What's missing is a blower fan on the floor so Jordan can float like a simulated Sky diving. That would be even better, right with a floating Kronos. The he can do 360 flips and turns.

[@xprs1257]

I’ve had the greatest of pleasure to meet Jordan.. Once in Toulouse, France and once in Southampton, England.. I actually had Sunday lunch with him. My downfall was that I was star struck.. I do confess.. Jordan was a gentleman who I’ll never forget the pleasure of meeting.

[@FaridDZ]

I love the Hammond sound and yu play 😊 Like 👍 from 🇩🇿

[@jamesoconnor2226]

TheMixMan love the hammond reminds me of Santana long ago at this farm upstate i was sixteen, just saw DT in Nyc Beacon Theatre im 66 years old and still out there lovin it! Great show OMG ...... hey Rush is retired what else is there in progressive power bands.

[@abstractbybrian]

From a classical double bass player this is mind-bogglingly fantastic!

[@tearsofsoy4091]

Legit question. I've never understood why he uses sheet music on stage. Shouldn't he know the song by heart? Does the written music help with dynamic cues or something else? Thanks!

[@DeeEfSea]

Was thinking this too.

[@Cuzjudd]

I too wonder this

[@isaiahmumaw]

Written music is good for reference, especially when it’s as complex as DT music. If you watch him perform, he doesn’t use the music all that often, just to double check things.

[@tearsofsoy4091]

@@isaiahmumaw interesting. I would get so lost if I tried focusing where I am on paper let alone a heavy DT piece! Do you know if he was classically trained as a pianist? Maybe that's why it's so natural for him.

[@isaiahmumaw]

Tears of Soy i don’t know whether or not he was classically trained, although he most likely is based on his technique and playing style. Many great keyboardists have a certain degree of classical training, especially in the prog world.

[@lt15_27]

He is a wonderful teacher...love him!!