Rig Rundown - All Them Witches

Article and photos: bit.ly/AllThemW...
PG’s Chris Kies hung out with Ben McLeod, Charles Michael Parks, Jr, and Allan Van Cleave of the All Them Witches at Soundcheck Rehearsal Studios before they ventured on their biggest European tour to date.
Guitarist Ben McLeod travels light and lean when the band tours. He only brings two guitars and neither one of them are backups for the other. His main squeeze is a Les Paul Traditional that he’s modded by replacing the plastic nut with one made of bone-he says it not only helps intonation but gives the guitar a silkier sound-and swapped out the LP’s stock Classic ’57 for a DiMarzio Super Distortion. He landed on that particular pickup after dressing up as The Sword’s guitarist Kyle Shutt for a Halloween show and used Kyle’s guitar. He was so impressed with it that after the show Kyle’s tech gave Ben a spare Super Distortion for his Traditional. And one last aesthetic tweak to his guitar was the removal of its pickguard because he is such a big fan of Duane Allman and he didn’t feel like covering up the full burst anymore.
This particular 6-string uses a set of DR Strings Pure Blues .010-.046s and is typically tuned to drop C.
Bassist Charles Michael Parks, Jr uses an amputated 1972 Rickenbacker 4001 for most of the night. The guy he bought it from was left-handed and so he had chopped off the upper bout, slashed off some of the headstock, and flipped it around to play lefty. So Parks got the bass super cheap and had set it back up to play right-hand, reworked the electronics, shaved the bridge and moved it back, and then outfitted it for the proper stereo jack. And it usually has D’Addario Half Round .050-.105 strings on it.
To continue reading about the band's gear, visit: bit.ly/AllThemW...

[@LukewarmBong]

"This is the only bass that you tour with?" "This is the only bass that I own" Hahaha that's fucking great. These are guys are too real I love it (23:43)

[@wayfaerer320]

I can't stop laughing - I keep watching that part over and over...

[@killianbrown7280]

The funniest part; "I couldn't find a power supply, so..."

[@frequencyhunt4882]

@@killianbrown7280 can only relate :D

[@davidbetts2980]

Love this band, always been in my top three and after watching this their now number one for me.

[@BenFairbank]

I like that he actually demoed his pedals. I hate when guys talk about the stuff but we don't get to hear it

[@iwillnevergetone5]

+BenFairbank truth

[@OniDasAlagoas]

We need another edition of Rig Rundown with ATW.

[@sandrinerobadeyhuback9255]

Yes! Please, guys!

[@JedrekVRoscoe]

Agreed!

[@kevmanjones121]

Your wish was recently granted.

[@yumadapaka]

This is a realistic rig rundown! I absolutely love every minute of it! I like that all of their gear are not out of reach as far as price range like the big rich rockstars with many expensive vintage guitars, tons of modded amps and boutique shit. Sometimes seeing simple gear and making it sound good/making it work for their sound is much more interesting to me.

[@ChrissRoss1]

Do keep in mind that this is a gig setup, so you wanna keep it simple and easy to operate in order to not messup the song, I'm pretty sure that at his home Ben's got a whole bunch of pedals

[@hasheeshian840]

Allan has gotten back with the band as of a few days ago. All Them Witches is whole again

[@tillsteinbacher3195]

Almost all of them Witches period coming to an end

[@marinsincic9897]

YEEEEAAAAA

[@HereXEG]

But why do they all quit then come back

[@RoryGFan-39]

Once again, All Them Witches is Some of them Witches because Robby decided to leave the band a few days before the new tour and Christian Powers from Fortune Child is filling in for the time being.

[@theGIGINIband]

all them witches has become one of my favorite bands

[@Rexcarsalot]

Me too man, they don't get nearly the attention that they deserve, especially after their last album.

[@madmac66]

Same hear. Just heard/watched a live set on KEXP and fell in love with them. Where have I been, how did I not hear of them. Been hunting down every ATW video on YT can’t get enough. So good

[@jaimecucalon2804]

Same. Not a single album has dissapointed in any way; they all have been superb. Super underappreciated and Ben has become a fav guitarist for me too. Talented af

[@adumb6674]

It’s good to know I’m not the only one stoked about these guys. The only band that can pull me away from TOOL.

[@parkerhatcher224]

My god. I literally was watching this. Heard the freeze pedal. Paused it. Hopped on my power chair, and wheeled myself down to the music store and bought one. Thanks! I've been trying different ways to get that sound from my flashback delay and it just got weird. But this thing is the answer to everything for me. And then arrived home an hour later and un paused. Love you guys!

[@letsgooo1637]

Parker Hatcher would love to have that kind of experience too

[@Anonymous12465]

16:50 PSA

[@frequencyhunt4882]

well it made me jump on my poor old Westfield entry-level Precision Bass replica and dismantle it completely and get rid of those pathetic pick-ups and eventually the whole interior. thanks ATW!!!!

[@lastni]

When i saw them at the Roxy, Chris broke a string right before the climax on "Charles Williams" and the whole time Allan was just playing bluesy chords in the background and I could hear him play that fucking keyboard the rest of the concert and be completely satisfied. Really a cool moment Allan had a big smile on his face the whole time

[@premierguitar]

+TheSownReaper1 You probably meant, Ben, Chris works for PG.

[@stevekim4162]

One of best rig rundown Loved the way he played while explaining what he likes Very simple gear but love the tone

[@renodavid]

These guys have to be the coolest dudes around. I love how they use their effects in such crazy ways, but they always seem to end up sounding totally organic and toneful. And it’s great to see the Rhodes used like this. They’re really a special instrument. I’m wondering if it has survived the years since this video was made. Also, it’s interesting to hear heavy musicians like these guys mention people like Peter Green, Chet Atkins and Duane Allman. As an old guy I like to hear musicians in touch with the roots. 😉

[@rhllnm]

Never heard of them (I'm old), one reason I like rig rundowns, I learn about new bands. Got here from 5 Watt World Rickenbacker episode. Just down loaded Dying Surfer. I like their minilalist attitude.

[@methyod]

God damn the riff at the end of the Talisman guitar solo gives me goosebumps every time I hear it

[@atthegates92]

Such a great band.

[@CosmicFuzzFM]

Incredible live show. Their latest live album release is one of the best live albums of all time

[@Malstrom100]

One of the best rig rundowns I've watched so far. Just a bunch of down-to-earth guys and all their gear is tasty, but simple and sounds great. So is their music.

[@AdorableDEMON1]

Parks voice DOES things to me

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Great tone and immaculate player. More proof you don't need to play super fast to be good.

[@jmartin67]

This is such a GREAT live band. Great REAL road gear! Nice guys as well! You get a chance to see them, do it!

[@scottcooneymusic6736]

what a great band. Their self titled record is incredible.

[@bengalvin9932]

A TWIN FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY WHEN YOU WERE IN 4TH GRADE!

[@decacrimie]

+ben galvin I wish my dad played guitar.

[@wanjamuench7287]

+ben galvin it did the job tho

[@calebneff5777]

Dang I only got a Pro Junior for my birthday in 4th grade.

[@matthias8404]

+ben galvin i started using my father's one like if it was mine as i was even younger ;)

[@MrBingping]

+Joseph Merrick 2?!?! What the fuck are you complaining about?!

[@smiley4288]

I freaking love this channel, you guys introduce me to so many cool bands that I've never heard of!!!! Rock on!!! :)

[@premierguitar]

+smiley42 Hell yah!

[@CosmicFuzzFM]

If you're into All Them Witches you should definitely check out my radio station - FuzzFM.com :)

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Good to hear those nice clean tones being demonstrated on the Les Paul here.

[@SkvvintZ]

my favorite rig rundown

[@zut25]

Ghost Relic same dude! these guys have a great sound with so little gear. amazing

[@thricerighthere]

These guys are so chill. So down to earth. Great rig rundown

[@thdef]

We shared the stage with them yesterday - really cool guys

[@JDhomieG]

Wish I could have heard the tone of that cheese biscuit.

[@montal1409]

Love Charle's voice. It's like the male's voice's definition.

[@frequencyhunt4882]

real uncanny, first I was looking around like "did I say this or what"

[@michaelkosciesza645]

Allan is such a stellar guy!

[@igotabsyouprobablydont6085]

"So how'd you come across it " "im from st Augustine florida"

[@8BALLJOHNSON]

Holy shit I was at the Halloween show when they opened for The Sword and he dressed up as Kyle. It was my first concert and it blew my mind.

[@decacrimie]

Seems like some cool dudes. Definitely gonna check em out.

[@joaoreis5050]

The guitars and bass and all of that, cool and stuff.... but that Rhodes sounds is so great

[@davidkern442]

They are a fantastic live band ... they create a fantastic athmosphere live.

[@bluegreenface1193]

Haha the basist one the Nobels pedal; "I think this one's from the seventies" :D It's from the 90's made in Korea by german company Nobels. The original odr-1 goes for overblown prices on ebay just because some Nashville players use them.

[@COBHC8890]

This rundown got me into this band!!!! Such epic music!!!! When god comes back, and voodoo chile is my fav!!!!

[@jacksonkirkley133]

All them witcheeeessss!!!! Great interviewer, loved how Ben played all kind of riffs from his songs. Amazing video.

[@ShaneStoneOfficial]

This band and Slift are my favorites right now

[@jdebney]

I love this episode because he actually plays and demonstrates everything! More players need to do that on here

[@markferguson3745]

These guys are no BS, pure talent and inspired ideas. So much of the guitar sound is just that Fender amp; 85% percent of the time, when I hear a guitar that I really respond to, it's one of a couple Fender amps; they are, according to all the techs I know , - just plain designed better.He can use generic pedals because that amp is great. The decibel limit is def the newer, big consideration.Got to have that late stage drive ,crank the amp, and keep the level on the pedal down, - still keeps the tubes cooking without all the total output. Bass players take notice; since the day of Peter Hook, it's a dominant instrument.Play out of the box. Usually, I'm not a fan of keyboards in Rock, but this guy-

[@jaimecucalon2804]

I love that Jerry is one of his favorites because both of them are in my top 5

[@GothicXlightning]

perhaps almost the most humble Rig i seen in a wile

[@markferguson3745]

Good way to assure your kid becomes a professional musician,- get them a Fender Twin in grade school. You can't lose with the Boss BD; not a huge Boss fan , but it's a great circuit, like the DD7.But plenty of Fuzzes do not lose volume; needs to check out Analogman or Crazy Tube Circuits.Or get some really raw sh#t out of the Color Box, or Hudson Broadcast. Having said all that, he's totally right about keeping the guitar straight into amp at the front of your mind.Great player, inspirational.

[@jacobneal2853]

I love this band! They do amazing Hendrix covers. So glad we got to check out their gear.

[@leevitalone]

I have only recently came across ATW, and to listen to these musicians has been inspiring in so many ways, greatly enjoy their music...

[@MiriusTube]

Love that you included the Rhodes in the rundown! I was inspired by the Yeah Yeah Yeah's rundown to run my Micro Korg through some pedals and have had great results! I sounds bigger and cuts through the mix better with it running through an OCD into a guitar amp

[@dshrute6622]

17:05 literally going online RIGHT NOW to buy a Freeze pedal. Thanks for the great demo and the great rig rundown as usual, I'm a few years late on this one, glad those pedals are still out there!

[@57ebartley]

What refreshing rig rundown.. Guitar player s pedal board. Nice and simple, just like mine. What a gnarly sound he gets with a blues driver and twin. Adding the cocked wah to the mix..

[@COBHC8890]

Chris Kies is getting bigger!!! Ive been watching PG forever. Great Channel. #1 Fav!!!!!!!

[@FreshKicksByJ]

Bluesy swamp doom, loved ATW since Our Mother Electricity. Good shit!!!

[@Jaggedlittlewill]

I'm obsessed with this band. This rules.

[@marknorris3769]

ben is a fabulous talent , without rr i never would have seen his skills

[@jimtroeltsch5998]

All Hail the BD-2. Such a rad pedal. Such a rad fuzz tone, really gritty, loud, and vicious. Love the sound of the bd-2. One for the ages.

[@riffmaker247]

I knew it!! Affiliations with THE SWORD, one of my favorite bands! Just found Witches today.

[@mgeeinc.4270]

hell yea me too

[@Snowy0123]

I love Rig Rundown..by far my favorite Playlist on the interweb.

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

NICE!! I hadn't heard of this band before. When he hit the Freeze pedal and started noodling it totally reminded me of some old The Doors footage, just mellow but trippy... hell yeah!! That keyboard stuff was sweet too.

[@alexmillar8242]

Their playing style is really cool, its like blues meets weird indie rock. Nice to hear the playing aswell as the explanation of each bit of gear

[@mikey41rules]

It's not indie rock it's called stoner

[@alexmillar8242]

+mikey41rules i agree there are definitely parts that have that sound but there are also a lot of elements that people would consider "indie/alt rock".

[@johanneszeiler4834]

I habe probably seen this rig rundown more than 20 times, and i love it every time!!! Best one ever!

[@sebastianarancibia2870]

So love Ben's playing! all band, but I am a guitar player and I can guarantee you will have a throne in history!

[@westingband]

Hear him here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epKZaaJ5ZtWCkLc

[@haakman123]

Yes, more keyboard rigs! Nobody does good keyboard rig rundowns

[@groovyhippie1165]

+Nick Haakman They could keep going and do all the other instruments too, I'd love that.

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Or drums

[@falfonsogo]

Amazing .. such an inspiration … an instrument is always special no matter when it comes from or the brand .. the history and story is special …

[@mgeeinc.4270]

love how he mentioned the sword and kyle! one of my favorite bands 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@guitarnerd1984]

This was a cool rig rundown. Love the fender rhodes!

[@Zwidawurzn]

hah 1 set of DR Strings for a whole tour, that's incredible. I also found that DR are the best strings for me but i usually change them each month lol and i use DR Jeff Healey for everything lower than drop-D on a Gibson scale guitar but it's nice to see DR getting so much love!

[@jarrahparry]

These guys are one of my favourite bands, great to see how they do it. Love from oz.

[@antonjohnsson679]

Love how the sm57 just hangs there on the twin :P

[@premierguitar]

Sorry, Anton, but the band didn't have any mic stands at their rehearsal space. Thanks for the input.

[@antonjohnsson679]

+Premier Guitar No worries 😊 Great rundown! Just looks a bit funny. I've encountered many situations were the sound guy does this exact thing😊

[@Notouu69]

I love that bass!!

[@jeremyfluff138]

Saw them in Bristol last week, they were great. But Allan was playing a Nord, guess the Rhodes didn't stand up too well to international gigging.

[@ZepIV]

"I really love this stupid, stupid bass." That's how I feel about half the shit I've ever bought. It was all just so. Damn. Stupid. But I love all the dumb.

[@captnzursee]

I know this is premier GUITAR but damn, the drums! Would love to know everything about it

[@kevmanjones121]

Heaviest riffage I’ve heard out of a BLUES DRIVER ffs.

[@N00dleBandit]

Ben's the reason I got one, and it's the reason I use two at the same time: one for low gain, and one stacked into it for high gain.

[@markferguson3745]

Dosen't get much dirtier than a cranked BD into a dirty amp, - before you lose any semblance of note definition.

[@bmac8810]

@@N00dleBandit yea i think im gonna start using two the same exact way

[@N00dleBandit]

@@bmac8810 Thanks for the reply Ben! Huge fan!

[@kevmanjones121]

Ben McLeod next time you guys play on the west coast I gotta see the wall of blues drivers ! Nothing tops the mighty BD-2.

[@TomTom-kv5nf]

Brilliant, and I love how articulate Ben is....off to check the band out

[@gunghovagabond]

So thankful for this video.

[@amm5534]

Congrats on 500k subs. Long time coming...

[@OmriGrin]

All Them Switches

[@joshdupuis3575]

This makes me love my twin even more than I did before! Keep it clean and crank that shit way up......

[@markconnors8218]

Just stumbled upon these guys via a Facebook friend's post. And just found out they're coming to town on Sunday.

[@jeffloucks2120]

Mark Connors Be sure to go... excellent live.

[@timacann]

These guys need an Electro Harmonix sponsorship deal. Saw this. Bought Freeze immediately.

[@OriginalUsername]

That keyboard rig and sound fucking rule!

[@elliottsmith8636]

Rhodes guy is amazing. This whole band is amazing

[@jessebfly]

Such a f'n cool band. Love these guys!

[@Grungebobsquarepantz]

Can you imagine an 80 mm thick pick?

[@killbeers6890]

Brick pick

[@rusty823]

When Some of Them Witches just wouldn’t be enough

[@Nagaroon88]

Love these guitar sounds! Great job, guys

[@jereuter01]

Keyboardist Allan Van Cleave starts at 35:44.

[@crazyjoe1540]

What a band

[@1iRa]

17:05 holy shit

[@Tony-kg7bu]

Rig rundown with Portugal. The man, please!!

[@jesselawson224]

Badass EODM shirt!

[@xanders9261]

What great video. Makes me suddenly want to buy some many those pedals like Sonar like Michael have and Freeze like Ben have.

[@willbreza6659]

These guys are so inventive

[@mark7166]

I've got to be honest. After owning many boutique pedals, and regular off the shelf pedals, I just don't think boutique pedals offer enough above regular pedals to justify the price tag. I mean, there are obviously exceptions to that sentiment, but overall I just think they're a waste of money.

[@kevinlebrun2307]

Mark Lugg I agree. The best tone, to my ears at least, I can coax out of my setup is with a MKII Saffron squeeze, DS-1 and 535Q crybaby. Paid less than 200 for all 3.

[@gimmeeinboxback3860]

The prices aren't really based on their real world value. They are based on what the builder has to charge to make a living.

[@whoamIIamyou]

You should try a Two-Notes Torpedo Liv before you adjust your rig to accommodate a "decibel limit".

[@mrcsotomayor]

"Also, you can kinda play with yourself" 14:59

[@gatormcklusky5850]

when every guitar you pick up doesn't stay in tune you might want to look in a different area. just saying. I'd also be bummed out if my guitarist run the same strings for a half year, on top of it he sometime wonders why he has so much string breakage. I'm starting to think this guitar god is a few rungs away from touching the latter

[@gatormcklusky5850]

After all the mean shit i said above Man i really dig this dude guitar style. I do hear many Robbie K influences but hey that's cool he does it well The changes are what draws the folk in. I'm digging it sorry for being a dick before.

[@owenmaynard8192]

He's got a BEAST!!!!!!

[@christanehrhart8824]

11:30 You can hear one of their heart beats lol!

[@Natefunk49]

i could swear that was my old Rhoads that i bought from Greg Jackson of Zapp for $50. back in the late '80s and i got rid of around '05 or '07 when i moved to Savanah Georgia! Ha! made it to Cleveland.

[@bkul44]

such an bad ass band !!

[@prasinosmeouro]

waiting for a video like this!!

[@pensnut08]

I have no idea WhoTF these guys are... But I like them... Especially that last guy LMAO!!!!!

[@lemmingstv6273]

Really interesting run down, great interviews