Rig Rundown - Deerhoof

Article and photos: www.premierguit...
Enter to win some Catalinbread pedals like on Ed's board: www.premierguit...
Premier Guitar met with John Dieterich and Ed Rodríguez of Deerhoof during the Nashville stop of their marathon tour. Dieterich and Rodríguez blend their diverse styles and tones to create something that sounds bigger than two guitars, demonstrating that one does not need a lot of gear to conjure up a wealth of odd sounds and blossoming dynamics.
John Dieterich tours with a single mid-sixties Gibson Melody Maker, which was chosen not only for its tone and stability but because it’s very light. This well-worn Gibson features a Lollar Melody Maker pickguard, two Lollar P-90 pickups, and a TonePros wraparound bridge.
Like his bandmate, Ed Rodríguez travels with one instrument: an Eastwood EEG Deerhoof Signature. This model features a master volume, a low-pass tone control and a high-pass tone control. Both tone controls are push/pull: one switches between single-coil and humbuckers while the other works as a phase switch. The P-90 pickups are stacked and set at a reverse angle.
To continue learning about the band's gear, visit: www.premierguit...

[@joerogers5704]

All the old guitar center employees commenting on this post makes me really sad. "Why do a rig rundown of these guys?" Because they have several albums worth of amazing guitar material released and have a signature Eastwood coming out. That's why. They're a young, unique, and talented band. To have so many people react negatively to pg covering someone unique is really lame. "Give us more AC/DC, Eddie Van Halen, and Steve Vai for the 5th time!"

[@Jacobus0070]

I dunno who those negative guys are. Me, I'm 65, I remember when Elvis was famous the first time in the 50s, and I've listened to a LOT of music in between then and now, much of it Alt-whatever. I love Deerhoof. They're unique, creative, not a clone of a clone stuck on Repeat. Although, speaking of repeating, I have used Tears many many times to get me through repetitive computer work. And never really tire of it. And I dug this. These guys are specific about what they're using and why, and how they've explored what their components can do, and they're great at explaining it in conversation. Now they need Satomi and Greg on.

[@stephentanner9767]

Joe Rogers gore and beans

[@colin0630]

Right on-except 5^100 time ;)

[@croatoansounds]

I do find it kinda interesting to imagine being a kid learning guitar in the late 70s/early 80s, nerding out over what Van Halen was doing, probably was a lot of fun. I can imagine not having internet, and only a few guitar magazines, and trying to listen to something like Eruption with your friends and having NO context or point of reference, not even being able to imagine that a person with a guitar could make these sounds haha. Now that I’m older myself, I definitely am glad I kept my interest in new, boundary pushing bands and artists. Don’t think it was an intentional choice entirely? But I definitely knew I didn’t wanna become the old dudes who would tell teenage-me the bands I liked were less wow-inducing or unique than what they grew up on. Whatever the reason, I am glad that youthful excitement still hits me with new music! I can still love classics, or what I grew up on, but definitely always enjoy hearing new stuff, and checking out what the young’ns are doing nowadays.

[@sickpanda9367]

This is the only rig rundown that I've ever been able to make it the entire way through. So good.

[@kipponi]

I too maybe because I am a guitar player. They have mini van guitar gadgets.

[@WaRLoKWYATT]

Dumb. You have no taste.

[@kevinguzman8155]

Same same. Didn't want it to end.

[@croatoansounds]

Yea some of these (even when I love the band) just aren’t very fun to watch haha. They’re not un-fun lol, but sometimes they feel kinda too dry. I do enjoy the rundowns where band members have no idea about any of their equipment outside of brand names and the fact that they like playing them (deerhoof isn’t an example of this hehe). Especially when they have like, 1 or 2 pedals max haha. The poor interviewer always tries to dig in more, asking about speakers in their cab, or some specific guitars pickups, and the player has nothing to add haha, just that they like the sound.

[@FunkyCrime29]

lol so many old geezers on here who can't handle non-classic rock or anything new. y'all have no idea

[@philz_corsia]

people who only enjoy classic rock can be very annoying. classic rock is fine, but its not a standard for every other kind of music

[@ultramouse]

Remarkably simple for a band that has a lot of variety of sound. 12's though?? holy cow. Also: these guys have been making great tunes and playing incredibly good live shows for more than 20 years. Big ups to PG for doing a rundown on a creative band who is living in objective reality where you can't pay a full time amp guy to have 27 redundant 1959 Marshalls rebuilt every night. But lemme know when the Eastwood "KZbin Jockey Signature Model" guitar comes out, I'll check it out.

[@croatoansounds]

That’s sort of how I would describe their songwriting/songs too, but flipped around. Remarkably complex and varied for a sound/style that is sorta simply catchy and fun. Like, you can totally just dance and casually enjoy anything of theirs, but then also nerd out over how many parts, progressions, changes, etc they can pull off hehe

[@ultramouse]

@@croatoansounds that's a great point. and that combo makes it really enjoyable for an audience while probably keeping them from being bored night after night.

[@louderthangod]

The blooze dads and leftovers from the hair-metal rapture aren't going to like this. Back when they all lived in the Bay Area I used to see Deerhoof all the time, great live band.

[@Jacobus0070]

Don't be too quick to assume. I listen to almost everything, including blues, blues-rock, hair metal, and? Deerhoof for sure. Love Deerhoof. BTW, I'm 65.

[@louderthangod]

Jacobus deRottmann I'd say that makes you the exception rather than the norm.

[@pedalfiles4441]

Its all about the Bay life

[@timbulb]

These dudes are actually punk. The true nature of punk.

[@philz_corsia]

damn right

[@IAmJKey]

These "punks" love in a gentrified area of a destroyed township.

[@brickchains1]

@@IAmJKey They live in different areas what are you talking about?

[@IAmJKey]

@@brickchains1 you know exactly what the f*** I'm talking about.

[@katielowen]

@@IAmJKey clown🤡

[@MartinCliffe]

Great to hear someone so wonderfully cheerful about their life in music. Really interesting interview.

[@croatoansounds]

Totally! I love bands/artists that are able to have this much fun, not take themselves or their band too seriously, but also push their songwriting and playing as much as they can, always trying new things and never just resting on their laurels. Some bands that “push themselves” can feel so serious, sort of like it’s a competition or a sport. But these guys definitely found that middle ground, where you can aspire to be great, play great, break new ground, explore new ideas and also enjoy the process and realize that being a musician is a fun thing and privelage, so why not enjoy every moment!

[@dugmccormack2544]

great seeing a rundown with dudes who just like tones and wanna play what they enjoy. thanks for getting out of the usual comfort zone. keep up the great work @premier guitar

[@hivemonkey3]

I keep coming back to this vid. SO refreshing to see how purposeful and utilitarian these guys are. They've got their gear down to a place where they can react to every stage, play every song, and get it all to fit in the back of a minivan. No excess, but not compromises. Absolute legends.

[@croatoansounds]

Totally! Definitely seems like (whether intentional or not) sort of the bands overall ethos. Definitely see it with Greg’s drum set up as well, totally stripped down, yet the stuff he does within that “simple” framework is FAR from simple haha

[@ultramouse]

it's such a goal and you can only get there after doing it a ton, seeing every possible venue and living through a lot of horror stories.

[@phnelson033]

Love watching unique musicians trying to convey their expressive approach to guitar playing. All the the common schlock guitarist idioms don't readily fit in with a band like Deerhoof. I sent this vid to a few friends. Might have some new subscribers coming this channel's way.

[@thewretchedexcess3203]

eds a total guitar bro. he loves the axe and baseball. johns a scientist, he probes alien worlds with a piece of wood

[@croatoansounds]

Yes hahah perfect description. A strange combo, on paper maybe doesn’t seem obvious, but they are great together

[@jimsy5530]

12s on a Melody Maker is less crazy than it sounds - it's a shortscale guitar, and wraparound tail piece/bridge, so the strings aren't under as high tension as a more modern guitar.

[@someguynamedrob581]

If anything the Melody Maker was probably designed for 12s.

[@jenniferfedorink4130]

YEAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! JOHN DIETERICH is a great great guitar player. LOVING THIS! thank you!!!.

[@RUGBYmusic]

So many negative comments from people that have no idea what Deerhoof's hyper intelligent, multi dimensional, experimental music even is. They pretty much have broken every musical rule there is. It's hilarious reading this stuff. These people have no idea what there talking about. Haha.

[@LfunkeyA]

that's the problem with Deerhoof, you need to spend some time with them to really get what they're about. It's something said about many bands, but really holds true for Deerhoof.

[@monodream5167]

more pretentious shite please

[@ampcruz2540]

Fact still remains tho bro ,,, even if some people understand what their music is about n stuff ( MULTI-DEMENSIONAL ) And I understand it but I dont like it much ,,but I can appreciate what they are doing none the less ,, it's just not everyone's cup a tea ,,, people like different stuff and me to ,,,I'm here for the rig rundown part of it anyway

[@tps1020]

Gear snobs hate this kind of band, great tones and music from cheap nothing fancy stuff

[@ErikApsyl]

14.26 - Wild Satomi appears!

[@techmiker]

one of the best live bands I've ever seen. thank you for having awesome taste premier guitar!

[@joshuapocalypse]

Seriously. Hands down one of the hardest working touring bands around and best live shows!

[@croatoansounds]

I missed them a few times here unfortunately. I Was either working or out of town, bad timing. They’re def one of a couple bands at the top of my list of groups I still need see live at some point

[@iiiphase4606]

never heard of these dude but gunna look into Der stuff after this cool interview. thx for posting👊💪👊

[@SuzanneNuttall]

Two super-cool guitars and very interesting conversation! Love the talk about embracing a minimalist approach to gear. Thank you, Deerhoof, for being so generous sharing your musical approach. Thank you for a great video, Premier Guitar!

[@SuzanneNuttall]

That pink purse, tho. ;-)

[@impascetic]

don't know why somebody say that much hate words. they're really massive band. their songs are really fresh and unique. i love this interview, its really show what they play and what they do along the tour. c'mon guys, they take tour like this or a very long time and still have that much passion. very underrated band.

[@croatoansounds]

They are a great band. I love that you can just dance and singalong with them, so catchy, but also that they do super cool, complex stuff within that. The song Milk Man is really what sucked me into the Deerhoof world, so many incredibly varied sections, awesome unique harmonic choices and progressions, fun catch Choruses… Deerhoof gives me both the fun of being a theory nerd but also just sitting back and vibing to great music. Which isn’t an easy thing to do! A lotta bands that I enjoy for theory nerd reasons arent bands I could put on at a party, or a road trip, to just singalong and have fun. And other bands that hit that fun, catchy vibe don’t also embrace the complex facet. Which is cool, I love bands that do one or other, but doing both like Deerhoof makes me love them all the more hehe

[@ianshorthose5041]

Good interview. I don't really know Deerhoof's stuff, but enjoyed listening to their approach. I'm going to check them out.

[@Charlie-jt5cx]

This is great, very interesting, to say the least. Both John and Ed's playing never ceases to impress me, even their Colossamite and Gorge Trio stuff is fantastic!

[@hangedups2608]

🙏

[@cj.lambert]

didn't know about those projects, thanks!

[@enz7300]

I recently discovered deerhoof and its the coolest most amazing thing I have ever heard

[@dadaarmada3073]

YUSS :D deerhoof are my fav

[@rabokel]

Very pragmatic, down to earth setup. Love it

[@laurenmeritt8016]

One of my fav rundowns. Didn't even know the band. Just in my wheelhouse. Guitar nerds doing what they do.

[@MindlessTurtle]

I love Ed. I'm so glad he turned out to be awesome after joining Deerhoof. I love Deerhoof.

[@veerchasm1]

Wow, for a band with such a unique sound I expected more gear. Imagination goes a long way!

[@jaybaker9248]

I was at that show in Indianapolis. It was one of the best shows I've seen. I had no clue who they were. They made a fan for life.

[@andreisidro6544]

Do Neutral Milk Hotel. I heard Jeff sends his guitar through a 4 track recorder to get the tape distortion sound he has.

[@rstuartcpa]

What does Deerhoof have in common with the Minuteman? They “jam econo” and are extremely cool!

[@phnelson033]

Maybe they also go drink & pogo.

[@premierguitar]

Our magazine interview with John and Ed: www.premierguitar.com/articles/24633-super-colliders-deerhoofs-ed-rodriguez-and-john-dieterich

[@BenLubin]

Should've talked about Ed's outfit.

[@premierguitar]

He told us off camera the getup is the complement the signature Eastwood and he's been wearing it on every performance of this tour.

[@martydurlam]

that cocoa puffs shirt is legit

[@jonesisdying]

Luckily I came late to this particular RigRundown party and missed all the dunderhead reactionary comments that people bemoan in this comment section. They've been buried in an avalanche of positive vibes from fans of new music (not that Deerhoof are exactly 'new'). But how REFRESHING it is to see a band who care more about the MUSIC they make rather than obsessing over gear. This is how great new sounds emerge. Old (and young) snobs who moan about lack of technique/knowledge about their gear etc etc are completely missing the point and maybe (just maybe) should rethink WHY they play guitars in the first place. Is it to REPLICATE what's been done a million times before, or is it because the power of music is a mysterious and all-encompassing part of the human experience? If the first: fine, but don't expect the world to stand still. If the second: then all and any type of music, from the primitive to the complex should offer something to you.

[@rogeriusrex1]

"Like one big guitar." I love it! I've never heard of these dudes, but just listening to them talk about getting sounds and achieving harmony between them is really cool.

[@26ruben1]

The last two minutes of this rig rundown is the best ever!

[@czechchap]

word

[@premierguitar]

Enter to win some Catalinbread pedals like on Ed's board: www.premierguitar.com/blogs/4-win-stuff/post/24630-pg-giveaways-catalinbread-pedals-courtesy-of-deerhoof

[@premierguitar]

Thanks, but we post/embed on www.premierguitar.com a week before publishing on KZbin.

[@premierguitar]

No problem - check out our interview with both guys in the next issue of PG (October 2016).

[@MrRenardbleu]

every time I imagine myself playing a guitar that's not my shity strat rip off it's something that looks almost exactly like that red one.

[@DoctorIntrepid]

The bassist too often gets ignored in this series.

[@Steepways.chadwick]

"... beating that guitar, like it owed you money.." classic line

[@watkinscopicat]

fun band

[@jaybaker9248]

3 years of drooling over Johns Melody Maker I just got a 65 and it came with the Lollars. Lol. This is still one of the best rundowns.

[@DeadWhiteButterflies]

I love Ed. His ridiculous pink guitar that he played when they were at the Marble Factory in Bristol (UK) topped with a coiled cable was hilarious. Really insightful interesting player.

[@CodyAlushin]

Not sure of their tour schedule, but if And So I Watch You From Afar rolls through, THAT would be a rig rundown for the ages!

[@theyearoftherat]

ed is so animated and refreshing. nice to see some people doing their own thing still and not on hype trains or trying to be someone else... and touring with a $300 head.

[@marknorris3769]

at 7:19, is he saying that he's using 3 gain pedals simultaneously , very cool rig , love the 65 melody maker with upgraded lollar p90

[@Dinkus324567]

I love Melody Makers. I have a 2008 reissue, single cut, dual pickup, 50's Les Paul style that's one of the best sounding guitars I've ever owned. You don't need a big, thick body to have great tone and sustain.

[@theartist124]

They both seem like pretty cool guys. I've never seen an armpit guitar before!

[@noi5emaker]

I love the 'using what works' ethic, with gear that they love, rather than looking as if they just went shopping one day with a huge budget! Very refreshing. Great video :)

[@benjaminfowler4513]

The pickup angle thing has always been something I've wanted to do for this exact reason. Cool to see that I am on the right track

[@jasonfifi]

cop a left handed tele bridge, in my experience, that's the biggest "oh shit" level of difference between "normal" and it makes the middle position sound incredible, the low strings are all a little tighter and the high strings have more "air" or whatever to them, it's real cool.

[@BDLGTR]

Its Dan Pearce... He was involved with the design of the Lab Series amps too. He went to ART and then Bose. I believe he passed away... Ronnie Montrose all used his preamp/amp...

[@omarmerle]

Allan Holdsworth also used Pearce amps.

[@vincevirtua]

Love this.. so unpretentious.

[@cafestudiosinc.1702]

Awesome Premiere and deerhoof. Thank you for so many smiles and for doing a show with band who plays gear I can actually afford.

[@odmenc]

have a drink every time John says 'very cool'

[@FeralStarRecords]

Pearce amps were made by a guy named Dan Pearce, not John Pearse who makes the guitar strings. Also, brilliant band, good stuff. Always been interested in their gear, but it changes what seems like once a week, hard to keep up.

[@revengeofthebrick9890]

Do a rig run down with The Brian Jonestown Massacre or The Dandy Warhols.

[@WhippJunior]

If I (or anyone!) ever sees a Rig Rundown where Bohlinger DOESN'T say everything is "kewel or very kewel" I'll stuff my junk in a food processor and upload a video of it!

[@Jonnyguitar1877]

Of course things are kewl don't be such a troll. Lol

[@WaRLoKWYATT]

He can fuckin say "awesome" or "Bodacious" every once in a while!!! GAWLLL!!!!

[@geecen]

That solid state amp sounds cool. Reminds me a bit of a battered roland jazz amp

[@AlabasterSmudge]

Best rig rundown!

[@JusAequum]

Their rig are so simple. Sound guy must love them.

[@kresimir1994]

12's on E standard... omg

[@JalenRawley]

Pearce Amplification is probably best known because of Billy Sheehan. He used their preamps for years and probably still has a couple of them around. He had a signature preamp from them for a while too and you'll see them pop up on eBay and Reverb from time to time.

[@thevoxofreason8468]

Very neat. Unique, interesting.

[@rgbofmaine]

Love Hoof. Cool piece. But when did Dane Cook start working for Premier Guitar?

[@DuskyElectronics]

The little cab looks like a Lopoline. They made great, really little, solid cabinets.

[@johnmulhausen2322]

I can't get over how Ed's shirt matches his guitar

[@kentuckychromedesign]

Bought that Quilter head based off of this. Super rad!

[@flagainst3]

Love love love love looooveee thiiisss!!!!!

[@gp937]

How many times did he say cool? .......

[@Soilwar]

Arcade Fire Rig Rundown PLEASE! It would be hours long, though. :D

[@sydneyshields9826]

yes please

[@wildbill7]

Super cool rundown, will check these guys out!

[@danielcabrona8035]

Deerhoof rules yes!!!!!

[@brianeharmonjr]

Still the best band on the planet

[@AwakenedSoad]

Awesome rundown

[@SmartStr33t]

The gap between me discovering Deerhoof and obsessing over them was a couple of days. They're riff-based rock but with an emphasis on drum-based grooves, so most other riff-based rock (like Gnome) don't quite scratch the same itch. I was wondering if this kind of rig-rundown video existed for them but then KZbin recommended this one. It's refreshing to see people who obsess about the songs but not the gear. "Whatever gear gets the job done", seems to be their philosophy. I wonder if the drummer feels the same?

[@johnnyfavorite3377]

Any chance of an Autolux Rig Rundown?

[@KowankoMusic]

Love this band. Great episode!

[@andningblodningchock4446]

Veeery nice and interesting! Love /ABC

[@666Eva]

Bro dude. Cool vid though.

[@thomasestrada5215]

I Getit!

[@TheBoondoggler]

I love how their quirky hodge-podge of choice effects and gear completely musically and creatively eclipses all the other bloated and over-engineered guitar systems so often promoted. I'd rather vibe with one of Deerhoof's rigs over 50 Petrucci-esque monstrosities any day of the week, hands down. Love these guys, they are so fun and engaging.

[@croatoansounds]

I am so glad I decided a few years back to check out Deerhoof. I knew of them, the name and that a lotta my friends loved them, but somehow never had gotten into them till a few years ago. The song Milk Man remains an absolute favorite, all the guitar stuff on that song is so rad

[@Thecrispito]

3:44! Johns face cracked me up

[@zlol_ssbm]

"Stuff like that is probably why I'm twice divorced. Ha ha. Ha..ha.."

[@BradyHammondsDrums]

The Funeral Portrait will be in Nashville tomorrow. You should try doing a rr for them

[@ww3lstep]

...42:16? Some judicious editing might be in order...

[@vince3804]

fuck you and your opinions.... lololol

[@vince3804]

im not actually an angry internet kid im just in love with every minute of this

[@kilgoretrout321]

yeah I love this band and like them as people so I don't mind hearing Ed meander a bit since it's all interesting to me. but, before I watched it, I was thinking it looked a little long

[@ibaldosid]

You DO know you can skip around KZbin videos, right?

[@thisnameiseitherrestricted6270]

Do Big Business, dangit!

[@lylecrilly]

I luv this one.... this band is LEGEND---and one of those bands you need to see live ...

[@SongwritingJoe]

I love Greg laughing in the background 3:42

[@kellter70]

ed's smashing colorful wares...incredible. btw anyone know if there is a rig rundown for drummers?

[@Oske.images]

Love Deerhoof. Too much use of the word 'Cool' though..

[@BenLubin]

Finally!

[@serenityjoe86]

Did he just say Greg's drum kit is borrowed from one of John's friends..?

[@fiveways]

Fairfield is Hull/Gatineau Quebec. The sister city of Ottawa.

[@bayougtr]

Those Pearce amps were amazing.If they came out today they would do well.

[@federicomenjurje]

MAXIMUM RESPECT

[@johnqpublic2013]

i think Ronnie Montrose used a pearce amp at one time...

[@salpuma9145]

Greg should do a rig rundown...hahaha....i don't think he has his own drumstool. Still love em....top shelf band for me

[@ultramouse]

I saw him guest with Xiu Xiu and he had the weirdest kit I've ever seen. inspired me to put crash cymbals on a high hat stand. I'm still not him

[@Smudgie]

Are these guys from Portland?