Matchless Laurel Canyon Demo

[@mvb5592]

This demo was just what I needed

[@anthonyc.7605]

Finally I could hear the depth of demo amp vid.

[@GTRJohnny66]

Well, he just about nailed everything. Great job on the playing, video, and the amp!

[@danielanderson8502]

One of the best demos I’ve ever seen. This amp sounds amazing!!!

[@ajlsrv5490]

That sounds incredible. And that guy can really play. Bravo!

[@theguitaramptech]

Another excellent video. I am excited to start my repair on a client's Matchless amp today. These amps are not common in Australia. I had a sneak peek inside the chassis, and its an absolute work of art. It is obviously built by people with a passion for excellence. I will definitely video the repair and post it soon. I hope to hear the Laurel Canyon soon, but theese amps are so well made, I expect it will be a long time before I get to have one on the bench.

[@shahwhaever]

Just watching this now but huge props for playing “Boulevard”.

[@r.asher.watson]

Jackson Browne rips!

[@skubadoobie]

Matchless and Zach deserve a million more followers

[@CiaoGibson]

Fantastic playing and the amp.......sonic heaven. Looks like I have to get in touch with Phil. Thank you!

[@SeriousPoo]

Wow, this is one of the best amp demos I've ever heard. Kudos to Zach for the fantastic playing, he makes that amp sound amazing across a ton of different genres. Oh, and it sounds like a truly great amp!

[@ibnsina9486]

Damn, Riders and Ten Years Gone. Zach has impecable taste and chops

[@synkronized1]

I ordered one about a month ago. Three months to go until it’s ready. Maybe about once a week I watch this video and get more and more excited.

[@ianfreddy3804]

Well, how's it going? Such an amazing amp.

[@Weekend_Bikepacker]

Fark me....i never comment on youtube clips but goddamn Zach, your playing kicks total arse. Phrasing, feel, dynamics like there's no tomorrow. I know the amp is good, but you made that amp jump out of the mar'fukn screen. Big up's to you my man, I just subscribed to your channel. Hell's yeah!

[@ZachWish]

Thanks so much Sergio!

[@benmiddleton9984]

What a great rock amp. Sounds terrific

[@christianboddum8783]

That Les Paul custom is sooo classy looking, the understated pineapple inlay just works IMO

[@patmcwilliamsmusic]

I have had A Matchless Laurel Canyon Head and 2x12 cab for a few months now and until recently really struggled getting tones that weren't way too bright or harsh. I know Matchless amps inherently have that really edge cut-through tone but after some frustration I decided to zero out all the tone controls (all the way down) as a starting point bringing up the volume and the gain controls only. Wow! Eureka! The overall sound had some body to it now, and surprisingly it still had bass, mids, and treble. I then added to taste a very slight more of the EQ , and I mean very small amounts like 8 o'clock on the knob and it finally sounds how I thought it should. I was quite surprised that there was any sound at all with all the tone knobs at zero. I'm not an amp tech but it must be the way the tone is set up in the chain. If anyone knows how this is different from most amps I'd like know the concept. At any rate I've found a new love for this amp, sounds amazing!

[@mcmSEA]

Wish I'd thought of that before I sold my LC!

[@patmcwilliamsmusic]

@@mcmSEA well,Turns out I too ended up trading mine towards a guitar purchase. Although I did get it to sound good it was never over the top for me. It was such a struggle to get it to where I wanted it to be. Was considering taking out the bright cap and experimenting a bit but thought why I am I doing this. Turns out I'm just not a Matchless guy.

[@florentchatelain3057]

That’s exactly how every Matchless owner have to dial with the EQ with Matchless’ amps… with bass / Treble at zero, the sound is pretty good and still usable. Matchless EQ aren’t comparable with Vox / Fender / Marshall EQ. Also the mids and treble are interacting with the gain (it depends of the models). Don’t be afraid to try strange settings…

[@r.asher.watson]

4:42 Orleans - Still The One. The lead guitar duet on that song is epic.

[@losrogers13]

You play so good. I love this demo

[@colejustesen]

I just ordered a head version. It should arrive next Wednesday. Thanks Zach for the great demo, it really helped me pull the trigger!

[@bobbyswamp]

Looks and sounds like a great amp! How is yours?

[@colejustesen]

@@bobbyswamp I love my Laurel Canyon! While it sounds great clean, the crunch I get from it is glorious. I have my head paired up with a V Boutique 1x12 loaded with a Fane M65 from Avatar Speakers. I think they sound amazing together.

[@randycaylor6616]

Stellar review, Stellar guitar playing and obviously a most stellar guitar amplifier. I think matchless made an amp that can for the most part, do it all

[@mkii1964]

Absolutely fabulous sounding amplifier (playing as well Sir) Congratulations you’ve ignited my GAS!

[@soundknight]

Great variety of timbre coming out of this amp.

[@alexandercalder2143]

Best amp demo of the 21st Century......

[@t.sewell1513]

Yup. Let the amp do the talking.

[@lapetitenation360]

I love the fact that it has an effects loop.

[@shakesquire84]

Sounds ferocious!

[@Skoora]

@5:20 that is some nice reverb! I’m a total rocker/metal head but really dig surf tones.

[@aaroneisenstein4663]

Loved it!! Great choice of music to demo! Fabulous sounding amp!

[@ApriliaRacer14]

Guy lights up ever instrument and amp out there.

[@JamieToddBand]

If this doesn't help sell the amp...best demo!!

[@jessemaxim8201]

Is no one talking about that Les Paul? WHOA that thing is insane

[@matthewhoward3541]

Maybe the best amp demo I’ve ever watched...seriously. What mics are you using for this demo?

[@ZachWish]

Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm using a combination of a Shure SM57 and a Neumann TLM102. It's a gorgeous amplifier. Enjoy!

[@TheLula26]

@@ZachWish Great demo Zach! Quick question for you: does the master volume allow for "bedroom-level volume" without compromising the tonal qualities? Cheers!

[@ZachWish]

@@TheLula26 Thanks! Yes, I'd say so. I've found that Matchless Amps sound great at all volumes, even low bedroom/tv volumes with a pretty manageable taper on the master volume pot. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@TheLula26]

@@ZachWish Thanks for the reply.

[@TheLula26]

@@ZachWish Actually, I have another question (or two) if you don't mind... Do you think this amp is good for someone mostly playing blues? Compared to a Two Rock Bloomfield Drive or even a Bad Cat, would you say the quality is on par? Thanks!

[@TheAutumnWind77]

Tuned to DGCGCD for The Rain Song? Nice.

[@whimpypatrol5503]

Zach, a year has passed since I first heard this video. Although I think some other players have amazing guitar skills, I can't think of any who can capture as great a commercil sound as you. And that's what is all about, playing what people like. You need a commercial band and the best commercial quality singers. A great vocalist deserves a player-sound-engineer like you. (Maybe you're already playing for top performers and I haven't noticed).

[@jonah_hosea]

8:48 best tone, does good for the soul

[@TempoDrift1480]

This cat sounds pretty good on these demos.

[@johnmcelhaney8490]

OMG soo good great tone.. want want want this amp

[@station2station544]

6:02 I knew that noise gate was in there somewhere. And how are you not deaf having your ear next to that beast. That Laurel 20 is LOUD.

[@miltonalmonte7126]

I need one yesterday

[@andrewcrouse8840]

Did you get it?

[@whimpypatrol5503]

Finally I know what it means to be "stoked". (I must have a natural genetic tolerance and need a lot more cool to get me there than most people. Anyway, I'm there.)

[@mikebruns8839]

Killer demo.

[@Simto]

Sounds fucking amazing!

[@whimpypatrol5503]

This amp's 3-D amp sound desimates the studio tones the original artists were able to capture. I wonder if someone could really get as chillingly beautiful tones on stage with the Laura Canyon or if this is just a made in Hollywood video

[@kommi1974]

Seek therapy and pick up some ears on the way.

[@whimpypatrol5503]

@@kommi1974 seeing a therapist now. She just bought a Luarel Canyon after I played this video for her and loves ❤ it just as much as I do. My hearing test was good but it did show some loss in my right ear but not significant. I now think that even the best Hollywood studio could not produce as good of rock tones as in this video even with original artists (unless they had a Laural Canyon amp and the dude who made this video to help).

[@joszefrviz398]

Can you tell us please what your black LP is that you played in this video? Sort of looks like a cross between a Les Paul custom and a LP Standard. Thanks :) Okay, I've found info on the guitar. It is a 2007 Gibson LP Custom Classic! Wow. Killer guitar my man.

[@blumeenie]

I have a 2006 model, it's the same. You're right on all accounts.

[@mkii1964]

Great job!

[@cdbrown30]

Wow this amp is basically classic rock

[@RodrigoBlair]

Timbre perfeito ❤

[@w1third]

What’s that song around 7:25:730

[@ZachWish]

Hey hey. That's Ohio by Neil Young.

[@calebmills2345]

Hey man! Absolutely brilliant demo. The range of styles and sounds was perfect. Do you mind me asking what kind of pickups you have in that gorgeous Tele? Sounds like the Tele of my dreams. Thanks!

[@BravoActual4756]

Outstanding! I will sound nothing like that but I am purchasing nonetheless.

[@t.sewell1513]

Someday you might sound like this.

[@gben2457]

I might buy one and pass It onto my son's never playing it.

[@Tonetwisters]

What was the TREMOLO?

[@dominikpohli2381]

is this amp a mix between fender amps and a vox ac30

[@preciseaudioblog]

Man your guitar/amp tests sound amazing!! 2 questions: 1. Do you pad the signal with the TLM102? 2. Do you use any limiter in the master channel? Thank you!

[@ZachWish]

Thanks! I'll occasionally pad the TLM depending on how loud the amp is. I do use a limiter on the master bus just to bring the overall volume up to commercial levels. So more as a volume tool vs a tonal color. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@preciseaudioblog]

@@ZachWish Awesome! Thanks a lot!

[@marcinwieczorek485]

Sweet demo! anybody knows what the last track played on the Strat is?

[@coachtd2163]

Fantastic amp tone and clarity. And playing as well (I am not worthy!) So my pain in the ass, get a clue question is about how quiet (or noisy) the amp is at idle. Guitar Player's review says the Laurel Canyon has a very low noise level. Do you agree? At what point (volume/gain/master) level does it begin to emit any hiss? (9:00, noon. 3:00 etc.) Thanks.

[@evaodland7349]

Okay...now I m depressed, all those 1970's memories....

[@reggieandrade4098]

Great video!!! i just got a HC30....is the Laurel Canyon a much different flavor? Trying to avoid redundancy.

[@Jewdly]

Chalk and Cheese

[@michaelr1499]

Is the BB preamp on the whole demo? I love this tone but what does it sound like with no effects?

[@johnpartridge7494]

Did you use the FX loop in this video? Interested to see how it is.

[@t.sewell1513]

Fire!

[@MrGibsn1960]

It's this by chance a slightly darker Matchless? I loved my C30 and had a Cheiftain for a tick but they were so similar that I couldn't justify keeping both.

[@bedroomjam2191]

Nice!!

[@simonmastromatteo5692]

what's your signal chain for micing ? Preamps ? the quality is amazing, and that amp is magical

[@ZachWish]

Thanks! The signal chain is in the video description. SM57 + TLM102 into a Universal Audio Apollo 8p. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@thenormalyears]

honestly this sounds amazing I want lol

[@TimHeerebout]

hey you're cheating in the tremolo passages...how did you make them panning/stereo? Added in post, after mics or is there a secret second amp somewhere?

[@YeatzeeGuitar]

I'm sure there's lot of fancy stuff done in post, it's pretty clearly mastered (really well). Sounds insanely good, but definitely not mic to amp to recorder and done.

[@TimHeerebout]

Yeatzee Guitar yeah...and no problems at all, just wondered how and why they did that just for the tremolo parts??

[@ZachWish]

Hey there! I added the tremolo in post for the Doors tune and the Nancy Sinatra tune. Only reason being, I don't have a tremolo pedal but the amp was really screaming those tones to me! The only other post stuff happening is some Limiting with the FabFilter Pro-L 2 to get the volume up to commercial levels. Good ear and thanks so much for checking out the video! It's a brilliant amp.

[@TimHeerebout]

@@ZachWish smart! I was just listening on headphones and it hit me. Thanks for the reply!

[@midwest_muse]

Zach Wish what pickups are in the custom

[@darrylweller6143]

Is the distortion from the amp or a pedal? Reverb?

[@ZachWish]

All gain is from the amp except for a few riffs where I'm kicking on an Xotic BB Preamp pedal set as a clean boost to push the amp a little bit harder. I show the pedal whenever I kick it on. Other than that, it's all the amp! The amp crunches up nicely as you increase the volume. You can keep the Master Volume low to achieve natural distortion at a lower volume. The reverb is coming from the internal spring reverb tank which sounds super lush. Thanks very much for checking out the video!

[@randoH3000]

Bliss Button: 8:48

[@miltonalmonte7126]

If only I had

[@AnthonyEvans-wl5ts]

ohhh this or a tone king imperial mk2?

[@donppricemusic9285]

I want one

[@corganpictures]

Super Reverb Esque?

[@andrewcrouse8840]

Deluxe

[@ajlsrv5490]

@@andrewcrouse8840 perhaps when set clean, but those distorted sounds sound nothing like a deluxe IMO. Much better actually.

[@Jewdly]

Straight from Phil Jamison, “Matchless meets Dumble meets Deluxe.”

[@walkinmyshadow1]

Anyone got one of these for sale in the UK?

[@surfthejapstrat7010]

Good, because I didn’t mind you coming here

[@bedroomjam2191]

Song on 8:47 ?

[@ZachWish]

Hey! That's the Rain Song by Led Zeppelin. Masterpiece. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@bedroomjam2191]

@@ZachWish Thank Youu!

[@cristianburgosm.1469]

Zach Wish , hello which pickups do you have installed in that gibson LP custom

[@ZachWish]

@@cristianburgosm.1469 Hey there! These are the stock Gibson 57 Classic & Classic Plus Pickups. The guitar is a 2007 Gibson Les Paul Classic Custom. Thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@hassanameedy8953]

Dude, you make me feel jealous 😢

[@markuslinnanen555]

Have you edited this video recently? I reckon you used BB Preamp in this video but now I don't see it... Am I just watching it carelessly?

[@ZachWish]

No edits. Yep, I'm kicking on an Xotic BB Preamp pedal set as a clean boost to push the amp a little bit harder in a few passages like the solo at 0:32. I show the pedal whenever I kick it on. Other than that, it's all the amp! The amp crunches up nicely as you increase the volume. You can keep the Master Volume low to achieve natural distortion at a lower volume. The reverb is coming from the internal spring reverb tank which sounds super lush. Thanks very much for checking out the video!

[@markuslinnanen555]

@@ZachWish Cheers, sounds good indeed. There's only one input in reverb model whereas there are low & high input in non reverb model. Is this amp's input a low or a high input or smt in between? Also wished you had used some modulation pedal to see how it takes chorus for instance.

[@ZachWish]

@@markuslinnanen555 ​I'm not sure on the high low input question. Matchless will have to chime in on that one. I can say that I was able to achieve a very wide range of clean to crunchy tones with both single coils and humbuckers with this particular version. As for the modulation, I'll keep it in mind for the future. As always with making demos, some people get frustrated when there's too many effects as they "can't hear the amp," and then vice versa. Can't win em all ;) Thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@whimpypatrol5503]

So, I see why Neil Young, before modern pedals and such, had those mechanical nob turners engineered so he could automatically adjust his amp's' tone stack in the middle of a song.

[@andrewgarcia3136]

Oof I need a matchless

[@miltonalmonte7126]

Not yet

[@nightchef57]

The total absence of clean tones from this demo is frustrating and puzzling. When I think of amps built around a 2x6V6 power section, I think of gorgeous, warm-but-sparkling cleans. I would think that if you’d built a new amp along these lines, you’d want to show that side of its tonal palette off.

[@TheBuckAK]

8:48 sparkle clean with some hair

[@ColocasiaCorm]

shame... so much compression

[@dongriffin9701]

No on both counts