Gear and Settings for my IRON MAIDEN Tribute.

[@BenjaminWong]

All guitar players thank your wireless for its noble sacrifice.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

🙏

[@jasonkeller6229]

Yes good thing bout the wireless saving your guitar and yeah I knew about Long N Mcquade lol...actually a buddy of mine works there here in Edmonton. Cheers and great video Nico \m/ up the Irons \m/

[@fivimartin2373]

i appreciate you giving us the levels on everything

[@mikecottondrums]

Awesome video. I’ll never forget how loud it was when that thing dropped to the floor. That guitar hit the ground HARD!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

It's a horrible sound that is automatically followed by "shit shit shit oh God please please please"

[@TheLarryburns84]

​@@LicksOfTheBeast I think this comment is the ONE time I've seen/heard you swear.. as a drummer my main worry is breaking a stick and not having backups, makes me cuss too 😂

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

@@TheLarryburns84 hahahahaha I hear ya, man! I actually swear all the time - whether I'm speaking English, French, or Italian! But I keep it clean for the videos because not everyone likes to hear swearing and I do have some younger viewers too so, I make a point of being extra mindful of that 😊

[@darrenc8776]

Haha love the wireless story. Straplocks definitely a must

[@darrenc8776]

Loved the traynor amp adds back in the day. Old trainers new traynors. Great rig rundown Nico.

[@stamossaros7641]

Aaaahhh this Ibanez Destroyer DT300FR!!!! 🥺

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

This one is a DT50. Almost identical but bolt on neck instead of set neck and chrome hardware instead of gold. My DT300 does not leave the house 😄

[@CC-qb9sm]

I enjoyed this video, always great to see an offering from you Nico. I hope you’re having a blast playing in your tribute band 🤘 Also, to anyone that’s interested, Nico has a video on the modifications to his SDX and SDXQ guitars and another video for his settings on his plug-ins. Great companions to this video for sure.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Glad you enjoyed it!! I will make a video about the band in a little while. I think that could be quite interesting 🙂

[@gillesouimet2093]

This was a very cool video. It's great to see all the care and attention to detail that you put into your band

[@dirkkrau-stangenberg5632]

Thanks for pointing out how great "back in the village" is 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@michaeltaeffner3820]

I play the xvive u2 now for 3 years. I have no problems with them. They are great. Thank you that you show us your live-gear. Greetings from Germany. I love both Niko Channels 👍👍

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Cheers! I'm looking forward to visiting your country next year for the Maiden show in Hannover 😃

[@michaeltaeffner3820]

@@LicksOfTheBeast I saw them this year in Frankfurt Stadium. It was the best that I have seen in the last years.

[@gyslainbeauchamp9241]

Thanks for sharing all détails, best wishes for your band tribute 🤟🇨🇦

[@mathias6423]

Wow that is great that you can play live-venues with a 50W combo. I borrowed from the second guitarist in our band a Marshall DSL40 watt combo first time we played live for friends before the summer, and I had a hard time following the rest of the band in volume/power, it was a room that could hold 500 people and the drummer played really hard but still, 40 watt on a imported Marshall was not that good in that environment , not good enough imo. Nicko I ended up buying the Positive Grid SPARK - LIVE 150W for when I play live and MAN do I LOVE that amp, it is a bluetooth amp with built in soundcard so that I can plug it in at home to my computer and record music to Pro Tools for example. The app that comes with the speaker I have like 70 different simulated amps which actually sounds great and close to the real deal. I have both Marshall amps, Mesa dual rectifiers, Fenders, Peavy 5150 and LOTS more. I also have way over 100 effect pedals in the app connected to the amp. You can also load in your own IR, theres a lots of different cabinets to match to your chosen amp. You have jam sessions in the app so you can start beats and basslines and a looper to record and play along with, you have integrated youtube and Spotify, the app also shows you what key the song you are listening to through the amp and shows you tabs and stuff on the screen you have connected via bluetooth to the amp. Please Nicko, try out a product from Positive Grid like the Spark Mini, Spark 40W or the Spark Live 150W. They all come with the same awesome app with all these features, some of the smaller ones like the Spark GO and Spark Mini you can bring with you outside and play several hours on battery, you can also just use them as a bluetooth speaker to play music from your phone through these amps, but my fav is around the campfire for example, instead of acoustic and "Wonderwall" I play Angel Of Death around the campfire with friends hahaha :D If you try anyone out, it would be really cool if you made a review of it here on KZbin, otherwise I can not recommend the Spark Live 150 for you instead of your 50W combo, you put together signal chains with effect pedals before and after the amp you choose in your phone that then gets through the amp when you play just like you put together signal chains with effects in a computer program or on a real pedalbord, you can also add cheap footswitch and great wireless adapter for the amp so you wont need a cable to your guitar, SO AWESOME!!!

[@ChristopherJWalton]

Great video as always - please upload some full length Maiden Canada gig footage

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

There is some footage on our Instagram page instagram.com/maidencanada.band More to come as we go along 🙂

[@johnnysmoke890]

Good I found this video because I was looking for Adrian Smith rig!. Happy concert tonite in Montreal! Quebec concert was amazing. Bruce is having such a blast! The sound is SOOOOO good from the floor. I have never been to a concert where the sound is that good.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hey that's awesome! Glad you found it too 😃the show in Toronto was fantastic and hopefully it'll be just as good in Montreal... Starting NOW! Cheers 🤜🤛

[@captainkjub]

Great setup and love both the axes!

[@kjk811]

Man Nico you made my day!!! Back in the village intro was spot on!

[@willman100]

Great Video!!! I tried the exact amp out also. Got it from my local Long & McQuade dealer. Your playing is awesome.. Thanks for the video. Hopefully one day we can see your live Maiden tribute band in action or at least a concert on video...

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks so much! We're starting to book shows for next year so I suggest following the band's Instagram and Facebool pages to stay up to date 😃

[@xiiistory]

Awesome rig rundown!! Thanks for sharing.

[@69spiros]

I use the same wireless.....just perfect thanks for your gear video

[@michaeldean7220]

It's interesting that both Dave and Janick still prefer to use cables. And what with Janick's dancing around you bet his tech must be kept on his toes watching for trips or getting caught on a monitor. Love the tale about the ' saviour ' wireless

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I'm sure the crew has their work cut out for them! 😅

[@gordonmackay]

Why didn’t I realise you were in a tribute band, duh! Just watched Maiden Canada and they’re brilliant :)

[@jasonm3602]

Thanks, Nico, as always, a fantastic video.

[@ws90ninety]

Daaang, I was feeling sad for that Destroyer!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Tell me about it! Fortunately it didn't sustain any damage at all....

[@RustyDarlington]

Hey Nico! I always wondered if you played in bands or if all this skill and knowledge around maiden was pure just a hobby 😂 it’s so awesome to hear that you play in a maiden tribute band! Surely though you’ve played in original bands in the past? Haha and if so, anywhere we can check that out? Would be super interested if there is! As always, great video! Love from New Zealand! 🤘🏻

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I have only ever played in original bands. I never wanted to do covers so this channel and the tribute band were very big departurs for me! There are a few things available of me with psychobilly or punk projects, and some solos stuff that has nothing to do with metal. But nothing from my old metal band except for some cassettes of stuff (yeah I'm that old lol)

[@Aurainmaker]

I've heard rumours that Janick's strap locks are made of a material so strong, it's known only as Gersnium. 🤣

[@Nghilifa]

Hahahaa

[@booshting3520]

I used the Xvive wireless for a few years. They worked pretty well. Eventually the hinge on the jack broke and just flapped around. Currently using some Joyo ones that seem to perform identically, but have an 8 hour battery life and half the price. Ill never go back to cables. I love the freedom to move around.

[@marillionman8811]

I need one of those destroyer's. Could you do a detailed breakdown of the intro of back in the village if you haven't already covered it.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

A few people have asked about that so I will probably make a short video about that!

[@mauros742]

wonderful guitar!

[@suetruett3812]

I also wondered if you played in a band Nico,, so cool that you do just wish it was where I could see/hear you live/ Anyway I've been gone for a while due to breaking both of my legs and being in the hispital with surgery and all but on to the important stuff like Iron Maiden. Looking forward to the videos I missed I've got somecatching up to do...

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

OMG! That is absolutely crazy to read although the fact I'm reading this means you're doing ok all things considered! Are you fully on the mend? I wish you the fastest and best recovery and I hope I can help entertain you along the way!

[@suetruett3812]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Thanks Nico and yes I'm on the mend although I basically have had to learn to walk all over again. The physical therapy is hard but they say I have a good attitude and that helps. My biggest problem was I lost my callouses. lol...

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Oh those'll come right back in a hurry. Don't you worry about that!! A positive mindset and a good attitude are immensely important in the recovery process so don't even think of dropping either one! 🤘🤘🤘

[@maidenian5074]

Hey Nico, looking back at the wall, it might be a good idea to add Dennis Stratton

[@michaeldean7220]

Cool story. That wireless unit needs a proper memorial to remember it's sacrifice! :)

[@MatteoAn93]

Cool vid!

[@mathias6423]

I will def look in to that wireless system, I thought they were going to be much more expensive. 👍

[@seanlepki9121]

Great video for the Christmas list 🤘 (beast over hammersmith vinyl stays on there though haha) love the new setup by the way 👍

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Oh absolutely! If I didn't have one of these pieces of gear, I'd be thrilled to get it for xmas! Glad you like the new layout!!

[@miguelanxomuradolo2638]

Hi, Niko! I missed a MXR Distortion+ on your pedalboard for early Murray's parts, next to that TS for Adrian's ones; IMO, I find that it gives an unique sandy texture in a wide shape, very noticeable in that IM sound. Thanks a lot for your good criteria about recommended gear and commercial promotions (BTW, I think that broken wireless piece is one of your most important gear ever 😜👍🎸🎼🎵🎶).

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I don't play Murray's parts in my band. 🙂 I'm the other guy (mostly Adrian, sometimes Jan, sometimes Dennis). And yes I absolutely agree about that little unit. In the comments, our drummer explains just how big that drop was! 😬

[@JonDanMart]

Nico, thanks. Simple rig is all that is really needed. Have you ever tried a clean boost in place of the tubescreamer?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Simple is always best for sure! I have the Soul Food by EH that I sometimes use instead - that one is a very nice clean boost, but for Maiden I prefer the way the Tube Screamer colours the sound a little.

[@AndrewWhite-lx6df]

I use Schaller straplocks too and wouldn't use anything else. Much more importantly, where did you get those pictures of the Iron Maiden guitarists that are on the wall behind you? I'd love them, especially the Adrian Smith one.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Those were gifts but I know they were made by artists who sell on Etsy. I believe the one who made the Adrian painting is no longer active but the one who made the other two has a shop called creativedavedesigns

[@marct138]

Would be nice to see some live photage of Mainden Canada

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I'll make a video about the band at some point for sure!

[@alexvasquez6876]

Been waiting for this one 🤘🏻

[@selloindependiente9979]

great video ! i love the maiden tone, is simple but great sounding. Also, did you ever try the MXD d+ as boost? if i can recall correctly dave ( i dont know adrian ) used it in the early days as boost. Besides that, you did a great job nico as usual

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks! The Distortion + is good too (it worked great for Randy Rhoads!) And it's what Dave used to use too...but I like the Screamer more for my sound with this amp and it's also what Adrian has always used. Glad you liked the video! Cheers 🤜🤛

[@Harry_van]

Nice rig! One question: Do you change any configuration in the pedals during the gigs depending on the song that you’re playing?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Nah, I just stick with a good overall sound. You'd never be able to notice details like that in a loud room with a band anyway.

[@ben89550]

Salut Nico. Ouf pour ta Ibanez. Lol Pour du maiden , jme demande toujours quelle ibanez tube screamer je devrais acheter. Je pensais peut-être plus la ts 9 ou la ts 808. Moi c’est plus du vieux maiden. 7 th son en descendant. Merci.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Ouais j'ai eu leur pour un moment.. Heureusement, la guitare s'en est sortie indemne! Pour le Tube Screamer, je crois qu'à l'époque il utilisait le TS9. C'est celui que j'utilise d'ailleurs.... Bon succès!! 🤘🤘

[@FabioMbo]

Maiden Canada world tour please 😄

[@alessandrofaoro1644]

Funny story about the wireless 😂😎

[@JD.Knight]

I know next to nothing about guitars, wondered if you could answer my question. Why is it when maiden play live they don't appear to use any pedals for their guitars?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Switching is often done on the back end so someone does that for them. On a large stage with the amount of stuff going on, moving around often etc., you don't want to let a guitarist have to switch effects on and off or change between clean and crunch sounds. The odds of being out of position or hitting the wrong thing at the wrong time are too high, and you want the guitarist to be free to perform and not have to think about those details. They will use their own dynamic effects like a wah or whammy pedal because that is something you use actively. I hope that makes sense 🙂

[@diegomena]

Any IG or FB handle for Maiden Canada? the ones I found are not updated and you are not on the pictures! hahaha looking forward to seeing you live in TO.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Yes sir! 🤘 Instagram: instagram.com/maidencanada.band?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Facebook: facebook.com/MaidenCanada.Band See you soon!

[@iainwhite3476]

I used to use the Xvive and it was great but after a year or so the battery won’t hold as much charge, I couldn’t see how to change the internal battery and I had to replace with a boss unit

[@RayN49208]

I d love having an Ibanez Explorer ...how can we get it ?

[@Howdy699]

Have you done a video for how you do your youtube videos? I'm really trying to learn how to do that. Love your videos

[@coeurvaillan]

Hi! I have a traynor YCV40... i don't use it very much! Do you think i could do someting with it to have the same sound as you?? I also have SD-1 and a blackstar ht5r. Thanks! I want to give a second life at this amp. I bought it to use with my gt-10.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I think the clean channel on the YCV40 is better than the one I have, but the gain channel is less Marshally. Have you tried a distortion pedal in the gain channel instead of the overdrive? Maybe something like an MXR distortion and an EQ to boost the mids just a bit. Just don't overdo it on the gain because then it all goes to hell real fast 😅 I am actually looking into foregoing the amp and pedals altogether and going with a ToneX - or at the very least replacing the amp with the new Laney Ironhead pedal - it's 50watt solid state that is loud AF for a pedal and sounds just like a tube amp! Way easier than having to mic amps and deal with tubes that change sound on you half way through your band's set 🙆🏻

[@coeurvaillan]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Very interesting comment! i used the radial tonebone (plexitube) of a friend 2 weeks ago and it sounded good. I have ordered a small pedal golden plexi 2 tone city and i'm going to try that tomorrow. Have you ever tried the friedman be od pedal? It's seem to be really really good. I'm planning to try it. By the way, the sound of my traynor sometimes fluctuate, have you ever had this problem? Thanks to take the time! Salutations!

[@cjones3093]

Where we can order your Licks of The Beast clothing?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hey, thanks so much for asking! You can order them from my online store on Shopify: licksofthebeast.myshopify.com/

[@michaelbozan2914]

Do leave your mxr micro amp always on? or on just for solos ?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Only as a volume boost for solos. In the FX loop it makes a HUGE difference in volume when I turn it on!

[@ЙорданУшев-в5э]

Can you send me some settings with BIAS FX 2 for that soft tone of the opening solo in Infinity dreams?Or assemble it and share it in the cloud of the program itself and send me a link to it?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

It should be in the tone cloud if you look under licks of the beast (I only have one up there) If you don't find it, check out this video I made a while back 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5bEdnZrpaibqLc

[@ЙорданУшев-в5э]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.Now I'm trying to use the neck adapter and reduce the treble a bit from the guitar and the amp to get a slightly softer tone.

[@KennyJosephNiven]

its good but youre missing chorus and flanger and phaser these thee you need for maiden

[@sanjinpahljina2844]

How you dont have Lado guitar?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I have had a Lado superstrat for over 30 years. I used on some videos here. I don't have an Earth model like Adrian because those are quite rare and very expensive.

[@prod.bentseh9348]

@@LicksOfTheBeastWell, you’ve got one now, and it’s absolutely gorgeous!!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

😊 Forgot all about this exchange... It's crazy how life goes, isn't it? 😃

[@cindarella1100]

😄😆😄 Maiden Canada 😃😀😄 Adrian said in an interview that his Ibanez Destroyer was destroyed by water damage because of a flood in the house 😔 Scranton, Pa.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Apparently it was eventually restored... Luckily my Destroyers are both in very good shape 😊

[@cindarella1100]

Yes! I think he did say something about that, and he said: " it's not the same though " and he doesn't use it live anymore 😕

[@cindarella1100]

He said: " that Destroyer had been given to him free from a Japanese manufacturer for promotional purposes at a NAMM " Adrian said: " he didn't want to take it for free but the man would not except any money from him "

[@teemuk1225]

I just have for my bass a fender amp🤣

[@ilredeldeserto]

è più bello il suono dei plug in, più marshall, caldo, meno freddo. Quello dell'ampli è troppo moderno mi ricorda un blackstar

[@JustRockMySoul]

Am I correct in that the main reason to use the real amp live is that, no matter how good your impulse response, the speakers and stuff of the venue might still ruin the sound? Or is that amp getting picked up by a mic and sent there anyway? You just run the amp and your own speakers, right? Or in the case of the combo, just the combo.