Pignose 7-100 Amp Demo - How to get great sounds

Like & Subscribe. - Buy your own Pignose at Amazon...n amzn.to/32mrmdU (affiliate links helps support this channel) Demo of the Pignose 7-100 portable amp, and the secret to getting great sounds and why it's not just a "practice amp" Also, why pro's have been using it in the studio for decades to get both clean and fuzz tones.
Check out more info about my amp and just the pignose in general at my website.
www.erikzmusic....
Video by Erik Zukauskas
Check out my website...
www.erikzmusic.com

[@scottt9382]

'High end fuzz pedal with a speaker built in' - great analogy.

[@RoosterStone]

Old & popular analogy; Jeff Beck, Frank Zappa, Eric Clapton all have used and in some cases, recorded with it. Have had one for many years, it's an amazing little portable amp just on it's own. Pre-amp jack in the back lets you plug into the front of the Pignose, then jack out the back of it, allowing you to put the Pignose's 'crunchy' sound right out the front of your usually used amp (Orange in my case); it really does make a great fuzz pedal!

[@yjmsrv]

I do wonder how close the Pignose is schematic-wise to a fuzz pedal... you're right- treat it like a fuzz and it's awesome. Clean tone with volume rolled back on a fuzz pedal is my favorite clean!

[@robertamato358]

I have had mine for 40 years and still swear by it. Great little amp!

[@patcoughlin3104]

I bought a pig when I moved to Monterey California, in a music store not far from the famous fairgrounds, there were pictures of Jimi all over the place, according to the owner of the store Jimi came in before his legendary performance 1967 bought some strings milled around, so naturally I had to buy something!! there's the pig nose! I only shop where Jimi shops!

[@ErikZmusic]

It opens to gain access to the battery compartment and internal electronics, as well as a storage area for the power supply. Beyond that it actually changes the tone of the amp. It's really a very cool feature. Closed it has more of a boxy sound but open it breathes a little more. You can actually create a sort of wah sound with it if you open and close it while playing. I find the best tones are with the cabinet open about an inch. It's a very versatile little amp.

[@rrparker12]

Sweet! A fuzz pedal with a speaker built in! That is actually exactly what I tell anyone who asks what the hell a Pignose is. Great video.

[@AlexSosaBolivia]

I bought mine new in 1994 and the sound is incredible. Not sure how it sounds with humbuckers, but I can tell you you'll want at least a 20 foot long cord. Plug in a Strat, dime this sucker and stand back.

[@sheldonbenton5278]

use 10 ft cable

[@lucasponce1979]

I had friend back in high school, whom I played with in a band, had a Pignose amp. This was back in ‘94, ‘95 time frame. Man, that thing could rattle the windows.

[@cjpmugsr999]

I have found, after purchasing used Pignoses over the years, that the best way to go, is with a new one, therefore you don't have the crackling of the volume knob that seems to too often come with the aging of this amp. I've been investigating distortion boxes recently for the first time in 25 years and I have purchased a Harmonic Energizer and this was the natural next step being the Zappa head I am.

[@barbarap549]

I was just going to sell mine but now I want to try these tips out! Who knew? lol

[@SONGSTICKS]

Superb Demo.. What a clever little Piggy it is too :0) Actually though, this has given me an idea. I've been making little guitar amps from old broken Vintage Radio's. The old speakers in something like a Hacker or Roberts radio overdrive beautifully. More recently, I've started making my own guitar effects pedals from recycled components. Mostly from old telephones and VHS video parts. I have a nice simple Fuzz pedal schematic which I think I'll incorporate into an old radio and see if I can reproduce the Pignose sound. Worth a try methinks :0) Cheers Gary

[@andydunn5673]

I have this little fella for blues harp And it is the best at a fraction of the cost No feedback Great chiming sound right up to the crunch Thanks for such an outstanding demo I think you nailed it for us all Cheers

[@fretboardnewb]

wow that sounds so good. it sounds like a tube amp the way it reacts with the volume, sounds great.

[@thekolt533]

Great demo, I marvel at the simplicity of this amp and yet some people don't seem to understand that as much as you play the guitar you play the amp. In the right hands these things slay high end amps !!

[@jamescole7197]

This has encouraged me to digging around in the shed for my Pignose. It's there somewhere.

[@connordrysdale5333]

End up finding it?

[@nelsondecoteau]

I once saw Roger McGuinn back in the 70's at URI playing his Rickenbacker live with a Pig Nose and i asked him did he modify it . he said he only changed the speaker it was in a large GYM and he miked it and it sounded great, Nelson DeCoteau

[@MarkFromHawaii]

I had one back in the 70s. Was not a huge fan of it but after hearing about Terry Kath's connection with the amp and this video for the clean tone, I'm rethinking.

[@adam3839]

A Pignose is a must have. I love it.

[@jehjeh007]

I have a 7-100 and it is a great amp. It handles pedals flawlessly while keeping the intended tone of the pedal. Also, I heard that guitar manufactures use it because it is the only amplifier that produces the true tone of whatever models they are making. I've had a friend try his GS-335 through it and was completely blown away on how clean it sound. This price you cannot beat it.

[@andydunn5673]

I use on for my Blues Harmonica and I love it Thanks for your demonstration

[@mirror1610]

I use Pignose 7-100 playing with cover band and in recording (simply putting microphone in front of it) and it's great. I really love this amp ;)

[@johnwillard6198]

I had a 30/60 as my first gigging amp , was just great in 1980

[@Qassu78]

Pignose is such a great little amp... I have one from early days and it just sounds sweet, both with guitar and bass.

[@damski66]

Good tips about the guitar volume. This amp has sat in my loft for a year. Now its out again and sounding SWEET!!!

[@dougarnold7955]

I got one in the nineties and liked it a lot.

[@AddyAdderson]

In the late '70's, we used this amp as a wah-wah. Just have a friend open and close the case while you play. Also, mic it with varying degrees of openness for a fixed-wah effect. Actually a cool, durable amp.

[@AddyAdderson]

Right, you caught me. Thanks for knowing everything. We're saved by you.

[@AddyAdderson]

Jimi Jones So your mom gets you a tablet so you stay out of her hair, and you use it to bumble around KZbin and call people liars when you don't know enough to plug up an ants ass? You know, people see what an dope you obviously are.

[@utooberblooper]

+Jimi Jones she did it to get the fuck away from her moronic children

[@1971SuperLead]

It sounds better when I'm not looking at it.

[@RenoWeedLajos]

hehe

[@gabes3dvideos]

That's not very nice!

[@schwag512]

People hear with their eyes.....it's true....

[@andydunn5673]

Completely disagree

[@jonneet2126]

Thanks for your videos. I just got my second Pignose 7-100 amp. I sold the first one when we moved and sold loads of stuff. By the way, Pignose used to make 2 nice all tube amps. The G40, and my G60V. The 60 watt amp was also available as a head. The G60V is a great sounding tube amp with a single 12 speaker. I used to also have a Hog 20 and Pignose 60/30.One guy took his 7-100 and installed the amp into a large wooden cabinet with a bigger speaker. And you can install an ext speaker plug.

[@mknyman]

Thanks for the demo. What I need is a better preamp, a fuzz and a portable practice amp. This thing is going to save me a whole lot of money in addition of providing the exact tone I am looking for.

[@sledge57a]

@taez555 You are correct about the plugs being different however I'm holding my Pignose power supply in my hands, with a Pignose label on it and it 9VDC 300ma. Any 9V dc adapter will work if it's at least 300ma and has the right plug (easy enough to change or make an adapter for) In fact a Pignose really gets a nice distorted sound with less voltage. Put weak batteries in and compare it to new batteries some time. I use a 7.5v DC adapter sometimes just to get that tone. Pignoses are just FUN

[@36742650885]

I just got a line 6 pocket pod to bring out a lot of awesome tones from this amp it really makes it shine, you can add chorus, reverb, and more great pairing

[@justinrulesass]

I've always been intrigued by the pignose, and although i'm not sure if it's in my future, I just wanted to let you know i really enjoyed this demo.

[@lignitedaze]

I just came to get some info on the Pignose 7-100 after I read somewhere that Robert Quine did all his solos through one on Richard Hell & The Voidoid's Blank Generation LP. And if its good enough for Quine and helped make some of the most quirky and bonkers solos of that period ... Nice, no bull review. Thanks

[@Tampaslowed813]

i used this amp on Yelawolf's "Love Story" - Johnny Cash .. thru a les paul studio this amp as a unique tone and a great buy,, def have to toggle with the volume nob on the guitar and works well with my reverb pedal and delay pedal

[@auntjenifer7774]

Dee H # so you played the guitar on that Yelawolf track * Jonny cash * ? I figured it was the white guy who is in all the videos and onstage at the concerts.

[@darthmacdougall]

Erik, not only are you a very good axeman, you presented this quite well and make a good case for this amazing little amp (I got one a few months back.) Moreover, what you recorded here, in my opinion is CD-ready stuff! That's impressive...

[@ErikZmusic]

It's been a while since I've used batteries, but when I did it didn't eat them that bad. I've actually read of people getting up to 40 hours of them. Although, as the batteries die they do start to alter the tone of the amp, a lot like a fuzz pedal when the batteries fade.

[@mulekickhandmadeguitars8465]

Just got me a Pignose for $95. Thought I'd plug one of my cigar box guitars in to it. Dang! This little honeybadger spits out pure hardcore, down-and-dirty, rock-n-roll fire and brimstone from the mean streets!

[@rylieriley]

I use amp in a box type pedals with my Pignose amp, and I get some seriously awesome sounds out of it. It sounds great with the Vertex Effects T Drive. I've also gotten some excellent sounds with various pedals from Lovepedal. Out of all the pedals I've tried with the Pignose so far, the best sounds I've gotten are with an original Timmy pedal that I have and also the Aclam Dr. Robert. It's pure tonal heaven with either of those. I haven't tried the newer Timmy pedal, so I can't say anything about them. It can be tricky dialing in the perfect tone with some of the pedals, but it's worth the work. I've only just started experimenting with the Pignose, so I'm sure I'll find more pedals that work great with it. So many pedals, so little time. LOL

[@cjpmugsr999]

I have also been running a lot of these dist. boxes into the Pignose just noodling and I am considering using it on an upcoming session for a lead I'm working on. The Pignose remains the same, the stomp boxes though, I am quite impressed. When I was learning, all you had really was a Distortion + or a Big Muff and maybe a Fuzzface. Lots more to choose from now.

[@hutz13]

Very helpful. I just got mine yesterday and have been messing around with the various setting on my guitar ... your demo aided me!

[@ErikZmusic]

The original Pignose amps made in the 70’s used germanium instead of silicon transistors, and were made in the USA verses overseas; so the earlier ones do tend to be more sought after.

[@chrisullery3386]

I have one and it is a great little piggy, I use it with my re-issue 52 telecaster and my harmonicas and a shure green bullet mic. Fking killer amp. Can also plug in my 1×12 amp.

[@ErikZmusic]

The only added reverb is during the intro and outro over the credits. Any ambiance you're hearing in the demo is due to the room mic blended with the close mic. A few other things to consider when getting clean tones with the amp is to play softly with fingers instead of a pick, and also use single coils instead of humbuckers. And other than a replaced speaker, the amp is completely stock. I’m not sure what kind of trickery I could have used in recording it, it’s only a one knob amp. :-)

[@popwarner1526]

I was lucky enough to get a hold of a Pignose G60 watt a Tube amp and it sounds great. I plug it into a 4x12 cabinet and it sounds awesome. it's an oldie but a goodie. now I just bought the 7-100 pignose amp for 133.00 with the ac adapter

[@ErikZmusic]

I wish I could tell you, but I've honestly never played the newer models. Obviously people drool over the "vintage" 70's models like Zappa used, but from what I've heard there's not as much as difference as they make it out to be. I might need to pick one up and do a side by side comparison one of these days. :-)

[@alwaysopen7970]

Speakers are different.

[@ErikZmusic]

I guess it depends what you’re looking for. They each have their own sound. If you like the fuzz tones and something that sounds great for recording, I’d probably stick with the Pignose.

[@Gene_Cali]

Nice Demo...Thanks!. Just Ordered One for My Home Studio.

[@hadekephas]

the beauty of "Push Pull" amplifier (an amplifier with input and output transformers)

[@teofaouaz]

I got one of these babies. Just an amazing amp, both for practicing or studio recordings as well. And it is super portable!

[@daikaiju73]

Great video, Your advice is totally spot on and it's made me appreciate my Pignose even more. Thanks!

[@coolmixes]

Great Video Eric!! Love this amp as you said a lot of misconception. I have 3 and as great as you have this sounding with a 2 mic's with its great clean tones I love the pre amp out that I go into my music man head with a marshall bottom or traveling to a jam it is great preamp out into the PA & I channel the second little Pignose clean with its volume down but a up a bit more through the PA. Rcording, Live, or Practice and Travel this little amp is all you need although I have over several guitar Amps. This thing also takes a harp really good. I was lucky find a G40V Pignose. Totally different animal but both Rock!!!

[@ErikZmusic]

There's only one 7-100 model. As for the change,I know I acquired my Pignose in 1990 and it was still a made in the USA model, but not an original 70's version. You can tell the difference by looking on the inside near the battery compartment, it will actually tell what country it was made in. As for germanium vs silicon.... People say Germanium is a little smoother, while Silicon is a little edgier. It's all personal preference, they each have their own fuzzy goodness. :-)

[@RokDAWG1]

I have a 1952 Magatone & this sounds a lot like it...very cool....you can get that vintage tone at a fraction of the cost of a real vintage amp

[@ErikZmusic]

Cool tip! It's a great amp on it's own, but it can be tricky pairing pedals or other effects.

[@johndough-]

I have one....just so great can't complain

[@coolmixes]

looks like the 7100 pig nose although id think as a stomp box id want the bypass switch a bit more away from the on/off vol control. never the less id be interested in seeing your video. I've now got 6 of the 7 100 amps 3 being USA and I am finding a difference. I think the model's from Japan are a little better than the ones from China as 2 of mine are from Japan. I have done mods on some of them, maybe do a videos well. I found a great mix of sounds with 3 of the 7100 amps open to different diameters locations and level's . I was thinking of also posting a video on this. works for a live setup or recording.

[@ErikZmusic]

It's just a normal 1/4" input, so you can definitely use it with bass. Although I'm not sure you'll get a great bass tone, unless you like your bass on the "fuzzier" side.

[@SteamAllchill]

Guitar center has em for $74.00! Think I’ll get 2. Still as cool today as back in the 70s

[@Krabadaque]

Yes. I love my Pignose!

[@misterknightowlandco]

These things are loud as fuck. I just dimed one at a store, before I bought it, and damn it if everyone didn't turn around lol.

[@ErikZmusic]

It was made in California. The sn# is in the mid 15,000's and it was purchased new in 1990. You should check out the pignose link to my website, I have more info there about it's history.

[@ErikZmusic]

Obviously the Pignose has it's own unique "Pignose" sound, but at the end of the day it's still just a fuzz tone, so I'm sure if you played around with enough fuzz pedals you'd be able to find something somewhat similar.

[@36742650885]

it essentially turns it into a mini modeling amp with the line 6 software,

[@heartbeat204]

this isn't a tube amp though right? I just ordered one.

[@ErikZmusic]

Correct, it is a transistor based amp.

[@rastamon5969]

You bought it and didnt know if it was a tube amp??

[@andydunn5673]

Mike Stacker Stack not a tube amp but a fantastic little amp loved by the pros at a fraction of the cost

[@2n918]

This is a first rate demo! You know your audio stuff and are a bitchin' axeman. I am amazed at the smooth tone and the fuzz. Thanks for posting.

[@ErikZmusic]

Thanks! Although it's actually a mahogany bodied HSH Warmoth strat, with series/parallel/single coil wiring on both humbuckers and a Wilkinson VS100 2 point bridge.

[@googull271]

Awesome demo!

[@Mark70609]

Thanks for your reply, at Musician's Friend the Pignose is $75 while the Lunchbox JR is $149. This isn't the point I wish to make, this amp is being referred to as an iconic amp. I think it's day has come and gone. If I had to chose between a Fender Champ (or Gibson Skylark) style amp and a Pignose 7-100, no contest the Champ wins every time. In saying that, the Champ is a primitive amp as the Pignose is, but the Champ sounds better. I'd like to hear a comparison between Ge and Si Pignose amps.

[@coffexbreath]

Just ordered one from Guitar Center 👍🏻

[@ErikZmusic]

It's a USA model from about 1990. So I wouldn't exactly call it vintage like the original ones from the 70's, but it's not one of the new ones either.

[@jiayouchinese]

The Newsboys used one of these for many of their songs on their Step Up to the Microphone album.

[@axelalbelo7376]

Great Review!!!!! Awesome tone

[@CaptainRon1913]

Agree with others, very nice review. Thanks for posting

[@jerryyeaaah15]

the post 80s model do have a constant layer of fuzzy back drop to it no matter how clean u set it

[@newgunguy4176]

It'd be cool to see a USA vs China Pignose comparison.

[@ErikZmusic]

Its funny you should say that. I just got the Piggy in a Box (the stand alone pignose pedal/amp) a few weeks ago. It's the modern chinese version too. And it honestly sounds almost identical to my old USA 7-100. (Actually it sort of sounds better since I was playing it through my 4x12). :-) But.. yeah... whatever circuit they're using is pretty much spot on to the vintage ones. At least imo. I'll have to do a do a demo of it one of these days.

[@newgunguy4176]

Erik Z With all the internet talk about how much better the USA version is over the Chinese, I'm surprised there aren't any videos comparing the two. Another practice amp that seems to be mostly absent from KZbin is the Randall HK15. One that caught my eye is the Blackstar Fly 3.

[@jobckts682]

Likes Tube Screamers too. Slightly open.

[@gtar5191]

This is better for Busking .though would do for studio and small club gigs with right pedals

[@serc_]

At 3:40, you can hear the exact sound of Iommi's SG records, not even with an SG! Then, at 4:00, it turns into Page's Tele records. This is just amazing that it sounds pretty much close to the studio records.

[@yan-yin]

Great vid! Explains a lot bout this little amp.

[@thebrutalpostman]

Great review!! Thanks for posting!

[@zappainfrance]

Zappa recorded all Zoot Allures solos on this Amp !!! ;-c

[@MrJadePinwheel]

A lot of stuff on overnight sensation as well

[@ChanceEvans777]

Excellent Vid! Just picked one up...

[@Iggytommy]

great demo btw. thanks. :) I have a pignose 'piggy in the box' pedal/preamp on the way. :)

[@skaboosh]

@taez555 cheers, that's greatly appreciated....yep, one of these is now creeping it's way onto my wish list...very cool vid, thank you.

[@lobato87]

my 1976 pignose doesn't distort. It gets "crunchy" when I use a buffer and the volume is maxed on both the amp and the guitar, but not close to the fuzzy sound these amps are famous for.

[@1monki]

Let me guess, stratocaster with a vintage, floating bridge? They do sound nice. Great demo.

[@MrLuca89or]

From Dusk Till Dawn Scott's amp

[@ErikZmusic]

Yup. It's also in a bunch of other stuff too. Ralph Macchio used one in the classic guitar movie Crossroads. One of my favorite old SNL sketches from the early 80's with Eddie Murphy where he played a reggae singer at a VFW talent show who wanted to "kill the white people"; the guitar player had a Pignose slung over his shoulder. The thing is a classic.

[@JL-bu8bz]

Great work

[@zappasmustache]

Ahh nice little Paranoid drop in there!!

[@SonicProvocateur]

Thanks for sharing!! Great video!

[@palm429]

awesome! thanks for the advice man.

[@ErikZmusic]

Haven't tried them. Although I'm definitely intrigued given that the one pedal is both an preamp/amp and a pedal.

[@Mark70609]

Hi Erik your demo sounds great but it is enhanced with reverb. You have fiddled with the tone of the amp. I'm fixing my friends Pignose (battery leak) and I find the clean tones suck, there is a fuzziness in the bass which is down right annoying. I did try your tip about using the front pickup with the volume rolled down and I had the same tone. I'm not writing this to flame, but to put up another point of view if this demo were to result in a purchase. My advice look around, there is better.

[@diggdogg5378]

i have 2 of them i love them so much.

[@rosshall312]

Dam the whole Layla allbum was recorded with PIGNOSE amps !!!!! And a Lesley speker

[@ErikZmusic]

I'm curious about that. I've heard it was used on the 461 Ocean Boulevard, but didn't know about Layla. I know Pignose started in 69, but the amp didn't come out till 72, so if they used one it must have an early prototype.

[@ErikZmusic]

I love that Zappa emoticon!

[@bcguitarteacher7328]

I'm genuinely surprised with how good the clean is. Is there a bigger wattage clean amp that you think makes a similar tone?

[@skaboosh]

Nice playing...you've shown me that these are very cool...nice demo! Do they eat batteries or do they last a decent while?

[@NassosConqueso]

Great job, that helped!!

[@Rouxloubac]

J have often used this amplifier for outdoor play rock with a friend who plays bass. the sound is very round. the speaker is very large.

[@wlentz1]

I had one for years with my Vega guitar It was awesome but unfortunately finances forced me to sell my set-up :( wish things were better I would definitely get another one

[@utooberblooper]

+wlentz1 if fiances forced you to sell a pig nose and a vega guitar i feel very very sorry for you my friend. im guessing you are on welfare,you dont work or if you do,you make under $2 an hour.these are about $100 and a vega guitar is even less.you could sell a toaster and get more,ive found more change than that in my couch cushions,lol you might want to continue your education,there are jobs that pay WAY more than the value of this amp and your guitar per day....

[@wlentz1]

As For the Vega it was a pre-japanese model worth 1200.00 and the rest of the slams about my education go fuck your self I am a gunsmith,a mechanic and a retired truck driver so again fuck off