Rig Rundown - Brad Whitford and Derek St. Holmes

Article and photos: bit.ly/Whitford-StHolmesRR
Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent) and Brad Whitford (Aerosmith) carve out some time during pre-tour rehearsals at Nashville’s SIR to talk reissued Les Paul gems, British tube-amp goodness, and the minimalist stomp stations that fuel their tried-and-true blues rock.
Derek St. Holmes-best known for singing alongside Ted Nugent-is also a bona fide gearhead. He loves to strap on guitars, especially beautiful Les Pauls like this Gibson Collector’s Choice #15 that’s based on his friend, The Kentucky Headhunters guitarist Greg Martin’s ’58 burst.
Brad Whitford is known for Les Pauls during his long tenure rocking with Aerosmith, but for this project his likes the contrast Strats bring to the group’s sound. Here is a Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster.
Click to learn more about their live setups: bit.ly/Whitford-StHolmesRR

[@GTX1123]

Saw Derek w Ted back around 77. It was one of the best shows ever. Derek is just phenomenal, one of the most underrated rock singers of all time and a really good guitar player to boot.

[@citizensmith7759]

Derek is so great. Wish he was going to be singing at my upcoming Ted show, but he does great work with Brad. Rock on Derek.

[@RyanHarmonMusic]

Derek's an absolute sweetheart! No other word to describe him. I interviewed him on a podcast years ago, and he was so gracious with his time. He was at his daughter's soccer game, and where most people would've just blown me off, he talked for half an hour, and answered every question I could think of. Not to mention, he's my all-time favorite rock vocalist, and one of the most criminally underrated guitarists ever! I could never say a bad word about the man! So glad to see he's having so much success with the new record! Note: If you're a fan of Derek, check out the song "One In The Same" that he did with The Paul Reed Smith Band. Incredible tune!

[@aschule5684]

Derek is someone I can tell I'd like very much to know he's a very humble down to earth guy, not mention being a great guitar player and a fantastic vocalist, he's in his 60's now and his voice has lost "nothing" he sounds as good if not better than he ever has, and he's not tuning down a step because his voice is completely shot like most his age that just can't sing anymore due to waaaaaay to much cocaine, smoking and whatever else. Rock on Derek 👍🏼

[@flockoglock]

Both of these guys are some of the nicest, most down to earth people I've ever had the chance to meet. They both have incredible tone and absolutely love to talk about gear, as well as their respective histories, with the coolest not public stories ever. I really appreciate their contributions to rock n roll.

[@mikebrown3662]

Hell yeah Derek St Holmes, he's the best underrated guitarist of all time!

[@J._Campbell]

"I like when guitar sounds like a guitar" - great words! Old school rules! Thanks, Brad!

[@charlesdjones1]

Saw DSH in maybe 1999, somewhere around Atl with a good friend of Derek's named M. Welborn. He came over and drank a beer with us, and I will never forget how humble he was. His setup then was just a delay and chorus, maybe a little distortion, a 3 piece band, but it all sounded amazing.

[@lmfs4032]

Brad is so underrated in Aerosmith.

[@0sumgamezzz435]

No he's not.

[@jamiewatkinson5427]

Any1 that knows guitar knows Brad's brilliant

[@rooster4906]

Wizz pickup ist from Croatia !!!👍👍👍

[@muhammadsteinberg]

Joe gets all the attention, but there would be no signature Aerosmith sound without Brad. He also has written many of the bands songs. Excellent guitarist and appears to be a great guy from what I've seen.

[@matthazelby506]

Another underrated comment. It's like you've just discovered what it means and just had to say it? Brad is known,the world over to be an intrinsic part of the guitar chemistry in Aerosmith.I guess to you Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page,EVH are underrated too? 🤡

[@mookytc]

Loved both these guys when they were doing their thing in the 70's. Still going strong! Derek seems like a real cool dude.

[@douglasrich783]

Yeah, Derek does seem awesome, real down to earth.

[@frankie28web]

I've seen Derek in the mid seventies with Ted Nugent. Back then I really thought these guys wouldn't get very old. So I like the fact that he's still around making music and playing the guitar, looking better and healthier than ever. I guess he's been to the gymn one or two times ;-)

[@paulgeorgia8013]

Just saw the Whitford St Holmes show the other night Derek blew me away and was so friendly after the show Just a great cool guy

[@keviniverson]

My favourite kind of rig rundown, really simple, class equipment. Great players/musicians. Brad’s pedalboard alone with those pedals is a lot of money. Would love to plug through all that 🎸⚡️

[@flrpitflrp1965]

One of the best vocalists in rock. He should be bigger than he is. So soulful and smooth

[@evanmiller4006]

These guys are so freaking nice and great players!

[@joemasse4568]

When all is said and done, nothing really beats a Marshall and Les Paul , that’s rock sounds! So many iconic classic songs done with this rig , can be equaled, but not beat!

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I love Derek St Holms's voice, what a great singer! If I could sound like any rock singer it would be him!

[@yellerdogdog]

Derek is just a class act ! think hes one the best singers ever . Hes from my hometown riverview michigan . Brad is also a class act these guys ARE classic rock !

[@kellymichaels9379]

Derek is my all time favorite singer / guitar player. If I had a fantasy band he's my #1. Hands down !

[@FloridaCatholicGuy]

I love Joe Perry, he’s one of the coolest guitar players ever…but Brad can play and Brad is responsible for some of Aerosmith’s best songs and solos.

[@BladeHudson]

BINGO

[@antipsychosoup6709]

Joe is awesome and has the flashier chops, and everything about his look is quintessential rock star. But Brad has the tastier TONE!

[@vincedobilas]

Awesome - love Derek St. Holmes!

[@benlogan430]

These two are some freakin cool guys for certain. I’ll be checking them out for certain! Thank for the rundown PG!

[@JaxGuitarPlayer]

that was very cool! two killer yet simple rigs.

[@BozJust]

I like Brad. He sounds modest and just loves to play. He has also co-written some good songs and can play.

[@Aceroxx02]

I hung out with him in Boston a few years ago. Such a nice guy!

[@ericpresley7527]

Boz Ajanovic Yes and his written Aerosmiths best song by far Nobody faulth and the solo he plays in that song blows away anything that Joe Perry has ever done and he knows it.

[@rebelwithacause3574]

Last child my favorite Aerosmith tune.

[@MisterGuitarItalia]

I dig these 50+ rocker dudes.

[@HexxHenderson]

You mean 60+

[@sealevelcain4664]

HeXx Henderson Sometimes 70+

[@Nicko30able]

I wish it was as much fun being one....(:

[@TWTexasA1]

I love Derek’s outlook about pedals and amps..a few pedals and a Marshall will do everything you need to play Rock n Roll….🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@Roadking26]

I saw them with Derick a few years ago. Was just as good as when I saw him in the 80's 3 times what kills me is that Derick sang all the big hits like strangehold. Derick said one time a guy came up to him after a show and said" its too bad ted wasnt feeling good enough to sing, but you did a great job filling in. Lol. My first concert was ted nugent in 5th grade

[@samohtdivad]

great rig rundown....derek a great guy..everytime i met him in atlanta he was good to me..

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

Stuck Mojo...

[@TechMetalRules]

I love the look of those Lava Ultramafic patch cables.

[@davebertoletti]

Mr. St. Holmes is such a nice guy. Also like his down to earth, stripped down approach to gear.

[@keithgarreth1386]

Saw Whitford St Holmes back in the day with Foghat and BOC. Whitford St Holmes took the show

[@bronsonosborne2064]

great gear talk from the masters really dig brads style and layed back attitude

[@themodsify]

I love how the interviewer lets them talk.

[@matthazelby506]

It's impossible to watch a Brad Whitford interview without smiling at the screen.

[@impalaman9707]

I fully expected Derek St Hubbins (I mean "Holmes") to illustrate how the dials on the amps all go up to "Eleven"!

[@philipharrauer9103]

When I did have that for a garageband that would be phenomenal!!

[@nazmoking3171]

Just saw Derek last night in Buford, GA. Looks like he is still using one of the amber Les Pauls and perhaps the 3 Monkeys head. Had a good tone overall - heavy chorus usage (perhaps to thicken the 3 man band sound). He stuck around to hang with the audience after - good guy!

[@patmcgroin9848]

I saw Brad on the experience Hendrix tour, Great underrated player.

[@TWTexasA1]

I love D’Addario strings…and when they came out with a 9.5 gauge high E string I switched every guitar I own to them..👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Bruningable]

Derek St.Holmes! I like that dude!

[@cnemi22]

Love Rig Rundown. Wish though(I know I know, never good enough) but if the rigs were played, right then and there. Yeah, we can search for live videos, but just the guitar player, mic'd up and showing a few things...but for now, this works too! haha

[@markbarnaart2381]

Great guitarist saw him 3 times in Michigan him and Ted were awesome!

[@VultCult]

Les Pauls and Marshall amps ... works for me! Would love to check their show out ... wonder if they're going to hit the PNW?

[@JimMartiataka]

I LOVE Brad's idea of "on a budget garage band"!

[@TheLochs]

Derek rocks, love his voice

[@frontillylockentosh1139]

20:56 Good tone tap on the Marshalls.

[@MrSonooneknows]

That 30 watter is huge!

[@DatMetalBoi75]

Derek Just seems happy to be talking about his stuff

[@mudshark6666]

Great nod to D. Allen by Derek for the pups. David makes an amazing product.

[@NoCoverCharge]

Great to see Superstars just using regular everyday stuff... good vid

[@mikebaliya8051]

brad does at least 60% of the solos in aerosmith

[@gfgranja]

I've seen them live, and Joe does the majority of the solos

[@nathanbutler9962]

Um yeah, no lol

[@zacwright1060]

Nathaniel rateliff is at the ryman in September please do a rig rundown!!!!!!!

[@frankrandolph1507]

I have David Allen pickups in a Epiphone Dot....and they are next level AMAZING !!! Derek knows his shit !!!

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

Derek is right about the Les Paul's... Anybody that knows anything plays Les Paul's...Cool dudes and great video...

[@AlexRoxjar]

that EKlein guitar looks exactly like fluxwood guitar. Even the same headstock. Did they (Eklein) buy the company or license? What's the deal with those?

[@tomireunanen8033]

Flaxwood sells unfinished bodies and necks, it seems like some guy put those together and put his own name on them... lame!

[@endezeichengrimm]

How many times did Brad talk about reinventing?

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

that's the way it's done...😎👍🎸

[@jonwarner1762]

Derek could teach a master class in giving rig rundowns. Concise without glossing over details, anecdotal, friendly and talkative. Just don't let you necklace rub the mic, lol

[@ChristopherHolmgren]

No mention of the bridge on Brad's EJ Strat?

[@KoolKatDave]

Man, Derek had some cool parents!!

[@PS3271]

I loved to know how brad uses his eventide H9. In front of the plexi or in a w/d setup with a loop or something for the delay ?

[@jpp2422]

Look at the cable It's straight into the 30 Watt, most likely WD with the JMP 50

[@NickMass35]

Its in front.

[@NickMass35]

And he only used the 30 watter

[@stilllife4u]

Down to earth . Real .

[@nicholaspoupore1779]

I've played Greg's Les Paul too...

[@slowflowlowlow]

slash amp case at the back?

[@TheOneAboveAll]

Derek's an awesome guitarist.

[@joe4joy]

Since when have Flaxwood Guitars been called Klein? Cool rigs and informative video, thanks!

[@tomireunanen8033]

Flaxwood sells unfinished bodies and necks, it seems like some guy put those together and put his own name on them.

[@nikdsh]

Yeah looks really fishy to me :/

[@ak1969]

Yep. I was wondering the same. I have a Flaxwood too, which is from the early days. It was one of the prototypes and it was Mr Eautia’s own guitar. It has a grey body (is it the only one, i don’t know) and two P90’s made by Rautia.

[@GeorgeHeil-ch3ro]

Mr St Holmes seems to be a "real" guy ... refreshing indeed in the never ending flood of needy artieests.

[@philipharrauer9103]

Derek is cool!!

[@oblivionmyth]

How in the world did a Oblivion Myth road case make it's way into this video?

[@amm5534]

Watch Brad's part of the interview ar 1.25X speed. Found it easier to watch.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

After I was possessed In 1986' , (besides Eric Johnson) I can 'hear it' too! In early-mid 1987' , amp guru Frank Levi III was my room mate ( at 1550 N. Bronson Hollywood,CA apt. 2C)). One day, like Christmas morning, Frank's work ( Ocean Way Studios 6050 Sunset Boulevard) drops by our apt. with BRAD WHITFORD'S GUITAR RIG for Frank to work on! His vintage ( then known as 'OLD') MARSHALL PLEXI HEAD(100w), [MARSHALL UPPER 4x12"w/ 'checkerboard grill cloth"], and Whitford's 59' Les Paul! Enter the 'possessor'...Santa Claus!!! [ see, Frank couldn't play guitar, but I could:-) I had attended GIT in 84']. Naturally Frank was very protective right off the bat. I still don't know why they brought to our apartment, but at some point I finagled Frank into letting me play it. Not wanting to push my luck I settled on 30-40 seconds of just some 1/2 volume power chords, palm mutes, blues riffs. Frank was trembling with fear the cops were going to show up and take the equipment because he knew I had a warning before. So i was trembling too, but with excitement! I had played many nice rigs before that, and since...in fact I've owned many a great amp, even a 74' Les Paul, but that Aerosmith rig? Mind blowing! I remember that 1 minute of playing to this day. At the time (1987 mind you) I was working on my Dallas Arbiter Sound City 120R in the kitchen. I knew the 1969,1971 Marshall plexi schematics by heart, as well as my Sound City's, with it's 'active' tone controls. I bit the bullet, stripped the 14yr old, 1973 'Sound City and rebuilt it as a Marshall plexi ( reusing the precious, even then, German radial 'mustard' capacitors). I built a large sound proof box big enough for my 4-12' cab, and put a mic in it. The Sound City 120R, with it's 6-EL34's and Partridge ( as used in Hiwatt) Pwr/OT [transformers]. Sounded great...very raw. Basically the AC/DC High Voltage album tone. I played several guitars/pick-ups into that amp. Even PAF's...but just average great...because I'd been possessed by the Whitford Rig see.

[@RussCottier]

Finding these rig rundowns where they talk to the camera more a little uncomfortable...maybe that's just me....good vids though.

[@mikespillman3075]

no, its not just you...the way St Holmes was almost totally ignoring the host was noticeable......but still worth watching.....i just wish he would more detail which axe he used on which songs....would like to hunt them down and listen to them after hearing the interview...

[@KevinHughes-k5n]

Derek St. Holmes kicks asssss

[@Donhoooan]

I had no idea Adam Savage played guitar... Go figure!!

[@TheSonsofHorusx]

fedora gentlemen

[@m.hughes2521]

I love Nugent. He is what he is. Right?

[@adrianlee3497]

Are they going to make another rhythm guitar album??? The first time I saw Ted reunited with Derek and the Free For All band I thought he was playing with the local Detroit Fire Department

[@adrianlee3497]

BTW reproduction of an actual Marshall tone is *extremely* difficult I have *yet* to hear *anyone* reproduce* one *accurately* I tried one of the new white hardwired Marshall for me...meh.

[@TheDogPa]

Try a Landry. Check out his youtube vids...best amp tone I've heard on youtube for sure. My tweed '58 bassman with a '62 4 ohm OT and solid state plugin rectifier into a 412 is the best sound ever though...now I just need a '59 Paul and fingers to go with it!

[@adrianlee3497]

TheDogpa Sounds like somebody I know lol :)

[@monmixer]

He knows how to look at the camera. Been there done that.

[@asermanka9746]

Brad is high like hell 😂😂

[@Justin-pq3rq]

What I was thinking. 😂.

[@ItsLomain]

Please to Sixx AM's Dj ASHBA. Yes I do understand that they have done his rig before, but it was when he was with GNR and not Sixx AM. His rig is completely different now.

[@judemisura4323]

There is one with DJ with Gn'R would be cool to see a new one though.

[@ItsLomain]

+locomotivebrain yeah I saw him live in Dallas with Sixx AM this year and they stole the show. The line up involved Shinedown, 3 doors down, Sixx AM, Collective Soul, Drowning pool, and others.

[@telecastersRthebest]

Derek sounds like Norm from Norman’s Rare Guitars.

[@lowrider950]

derick talks about hearing the difference , it also feels different if its hand wired i hear it , i am surprised he doesnt hear or feel it ,

[@jamesedwards2237]

Whitford St. Holmes album was a pretty good album.

[@Spaceman1968]

Greg got his Les Paul from Hank Williams Jr. I believe Hank gave him the 59.

[@monmixer]

I used D'adderio strings a lot in the 80's and earnie ball beat them with the slinky. Nice to know there is a new string out there even though this video is 5 years old. I want to get back into playing my semi retirement years. I have an entire great kick ass QSC PA system and LED lighting trees. My return to show business may be a little lack luster as in playing in VFW clubs and similar joints as compared to the packed clubs in the 80's and 90's but it will be more profitable because I do not need to rent any gear from anyone which I did back then as a starving musician in the band that is trying to make money playing and giving all the money to the sound and lighting company. No more of that. some things take time. I don;t even need a great band. Just an OK old school classic rock and country band.. Club bands do have to use effects because they can't crank the amp to 10 with out ruining the mix. I used a deluxe reverb and 4 pedals. BossCE-2 chorus, /ross comp issue 2/ Original RAT pedal similar to the KLON but pre klon/ Effectron ADM 256 for slap back verb and delay. I have a newer still old lexicon stereo that has tap delay. I may use that in the future.

[@judemisura4323]

I'd love to see Joe Walsh

[@TheDogPa]

It would be a great interview but you'd need a couple beers at least to make sense out of ol' Joe! There would be a hundred laughs if he was in a good mood...in fact it could be long...LOL! I'd love every minute of it though...great idea!

[@GravyHucker]

Search for the "Joe Walsh Gibson Guitar Set-Up Guide" and that's pretty much what you would get. I have a lot of admiration for Joe, but watching that video was, umm. It was an experience I guess.

[@kazhi959]

@@GravyHucker you the one from the 80s? Yup quite something!

[@GravyHucker]

@@kazhi959 yessir. Happy Christmas to you Mr. Yoshida.

[@lmfs4032]

Also since this is called rig rundown can y’all go through Steven Tyler’s mic rig? Like the mics he uses and his scarfs and wireless system etc

[@daviddennis6614]

#1 to anyone who knows anything😉

[@jamesgrobertson8024]

Is this who they based David St Hubbins on?

[@BenJBrandt]

LOL

[@TheDogPa]

They say they based the name on him.

[@akwabutra]

+locomotivebrain i don't hear hear anything

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

If you can turn this up past 3 and be able to tell the difference, your name must be .... Rick Beato!

[@utubehound69]

I heard some great guitar playing by Derek in the little town of Bethlehem.

[@Louister16]

Havent ever seen anything about those kline guitars besides this video

[@lucavasconcellos]

Ace straps still exist

[@dennisperin2989]

Much like Malcolm is really the sound of ACDC. Whitford is the sound of Aerosmith. Sure the crazy bends & leads are quintessential Joe, the sound of Aerosmith is Whitford & Hamilton...

[@krisscanlon4051]

If I was starting a professional super stupor group DSH be my first choice as an overall player.

[@JerryRiceBall]

00:30 i guess if you cant get your hands on a strat. 😎

[@uncleLes90]

sweet rolex gmt master II

[@markpappas]

Im partial to the Tudor Black Bay Black Derek has on. Same one I have on as I type this.

[@leeconnelly6364]

Derek st.Holmes is a GREAT player..he was fantastic with TED NUGENT...as good as TED in alotta ways...but TED is hard to beat and as he says...its TED NUGENT and im the "ted nugent guy". BUT derrek was great and has nothing to be ashamed of.guys like me know how great he IS !

[@user-pi2xl4jw3e]

"They're black so i've gotta be cool" i found this slightly humorous

[@philippherrberg]

Tuner as the last pedal in the chain?!

[@VinnieLeeStudio]

No, it goes from right to left.

[@frankie28web]

Yes, Derek uses it last in the chain. It doesn't really matter, as long as you don't put a Fuzz behind the (buffered) tuner...

[@sirgaryo]

It must be so annoying for an interviewer when the person they’re interviewing constantly looks into the camera and not them 😂

[@bashermax]

The point of this type of interview is to connect with the implied audience watching the program, not the interviewer