Rig Rundown - Four Year Strong's Alan Day, Dan O'Connor, and Joe Weiss

Article and photos: bit.ly/4YearStr...
Premier Guitar hung with Alan Day, Dan O’Connor, and tech Patrick Benson of Four Year Strong before their ear-crushing set at Nashville’s Exit/In in early January 2015. Still shaking off the cold after their Canadian tour, these Worcester, Massachusetts, road dogs go for a loud and proud setup.
Alan Day’s current No. 1 is a battered and bruised ’90s Fender Fat Strat that his parents bought him when he was 12. The first good guitar he owned, this Strat is stock except that the pickguard and knobs have been changed and the middle pickup cover is removed for aesthetic reasons. Also, Day eliminated the bottom tone control so the volume knob could be moved farther away from his bashing right hand.
Day’s No. 2 is a stock 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom he purchased on eBay. He also carries a Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster with a stock neck pickup and Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge position. Day tunes his tour guitars down a whole-step to D standard and strings them with custom Ernie Ball sets, gauged .060w, .052w, .036w, .020, .014, and .011. The entire band uses InTune guitar picks and Mogami cables.
Day goes with a purple 100-watt Soldano Avenger head powered by four 6L6s.
For more info on the gear being used by the gents in FYS, visit: bit.ly/4YearStr...

[@cshades8026]

We need a 2023 updated version

[@nickhughesorlando]

They just released the new album they need to have them on asap

[@liorauf]

Totally agree!

[@traynorf.5417]

"Cool! Yeah! I like those too! Yeah, I've got that too! Guit-fiddle! Chill! Bro! Tight! Some sustain on that bad boy! Look at these bad boys! Let it roll! Chill! Noise sesh! I love that! That's a sick head!" I'm learning more and more about Premier Guitar's staff every rig rundown.

[@sam127001]

lol !

[@guitargeek1984]

ADD :D

[@scampoli25]

Traynor F. Funny but the guy is trying. I'd prolly say some stupid shit to act confident if I was interviewing Alan Day

[@chrismontgomery8278]

scampoli25 Trying way too hard and everyone can see what a poser he is immediately.

[@zachparker3994]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ChadAnthonyTheReaper]

When I saw them live, not only were they unbelievable musicians but they had the best guitar and bass tones I've ever heard. And they were all perfectly in tune.

[@asecretninja]

Alan's got them crazy eyes

[@brandonbryson3317]

Lmao he honestly does.

[@tazmon122]

Anthony Leal you've never been to Worcester before...

[@Guenter34]

@Bodybuilding ASMR I don't think he is. I think he's always been like that

[@lukaspatrick8811]

Interestingly enough both Alan and Dan are straightedge

[@gageadams8864]

I have thought that since I started listening to them in high school. He looks so intimidating yet he has such a soft voice lol.

[@scampoli25]

Please do one for The Story So Far

[@tacobear82]

So nice to actually hear a little of the guitars and pedals for once. More of that please!

[@EnterAnders]

Please have the artists demo the sounds more often like Alan did in this video!

[@usaflagraybans]

"Pretty stock, we just put Seymour Duncan basslines in it and gutted the electronics."

[@allstopblue5717]

Goddamn that made me laugh haha

[@usaflagraybans]

Thanks man. I just thought it was funny too. "We kept it stock, but we switched out the pickups, gutted the electronics, removed the finish from the neck... repainted."

[@nicolasbrunelle2189]

What string gauges?? ...105...ohhhh pretty heavy....😅🤔

[@kevin.waldron]

@@nicolasbrunelle2189 lmao i thought the same thing, 105 is pretty standard

[@PedalScience]

Respect for admitting to purpose relic'ing. Respect lost for purpose relic'ing.

[@poterpls]

Finally, the question of whether or not FYS uses drop D or D standard is answered!

[@AdrianDX]

pstrand64 - Hahah this was answered back in like '07. But I'll bet they will have to keep saying it😅

[@AndresMedina1]

3:41

[@joeblow966]

I get really excited when I see them interview bands that don't use a Fractal. And that's coming from someone who owns one haha

[@ClamsAnonymous]

I don't know what they've been told...but Fractal Axe FX aint got no soul

[@JonsKitchen]

well im half way there, Blackstar ID100 tvp head :-)

[@captainproductions1]

Alan's speaking voice does not match his look lol I expected a deep voice to match his lumberjack look lol

[@chrisnagy1429]

Perry is the best interviewer. "If it isn't fixed don't break It." Love that dude.

[@lawdyitsjordy]

"If it ain't fixed, don't break it!"

[@CornPaws]

"I'm an idiot"

[@schizophrenicdolphinz9822]

dont fix it if it hasn't broken yet

[@brokenonsite]

Do a rig rundown for YouPorn - I'd like to know the effects used whilst shooting some adult scenes. Thanks!

[@FrostByte_AC]

Host needs to smoke a joint.

[@chrismontgomery8278]

FrostByte Or 50 joints and get laid. Dude is on one and annoying AF in every video.

[@EviLxClan]

I love that they actually played to show the sounds, exactly what i want from these rig rundowns

[@jks2]

7:31 well let's take a look at this. yeah! nooo...

[@Thomasanphoto]

jens knapper i barely noticed that. Good catch

[@Aphelion_Music]

Damn... How tall are these guys ?!

[@nickhughesorlando]

We need four year strong again let’s get it going guys come on

[@colinbodine9426]

this dude is by far the best rig rundown guy

[@RoqueHead]

Another Lumberjack band

[@LeeronCarbuncle]

I believe their known in some circles as "trendy assholes".

[@LouSassles]

Reece113 Actually FYS are the ones who started the whole lumberjack/beard thing

[@880HelioProductions]

Reece113 this first guy seemed pretty nice though...

[@ColeFleming]

***** Yeah straight up. These guys started this trend. And one of the guys in this band actually owns a logging company soooo.

[@tazmon122]

no one in this thread including RoqueHead have ever been to Worcester before (say "Wooustah" as in replace the first R with an upward inflection on the end of the O/no CH sound/soften the last R with your tongue and elongate the tips of the E. ER suffix is softened naturally, no emphasis needed)

[@peanutbutterisfu]

2:27 First guitar I bought new was a strat same pickup configuration like this and also would hit the volume lol! I took the pickguard off tossed it to the side, got a new pick guard with just a cutout for a Humbucker, one volume pot ( love the EVH pots) and that’s it. If you don’t use the tone or any other pickups you get a hotter signal not having them wired in. Some people talk crap about not having a tone pot and just one pickup saying you can’t play as dynamic, you can’t get all the different tones anymore. Those arguments are hilarious to me for one the guitar only needs to work for what you want it to do and secondly I could name a ton of famous musicians that play guitars like this but the most notable would be Eddie Van Halen he used his fingers to make the tones not 15 different guitars with all different pickups

[@guitargeek1984]

still waiting for that Slipknot Rig Rundown fella's ...

[@Kimmocheck]

One of my favourite bands of all time. THANK YOU premier guitar for getting these guys!

[@Bossmetalzone]

A Day to Remember please!!!!

[@tazmon122]

no.

[@joecooper8115]

4.35 when he says do you always run into the high gain, ah yeah!!!

[@jamsandwhich12]

why the guitarists like 7 foot 11

[@Germinator182]

please do sum 41! :D

[@YuhChorp]

U realize sum 41 is just getting back together right

[@Germinator182]

I do. That's why I'm naming the band, so they can interview them in future shows =)

[@jackalfox332]

Orange Thunderverb 200 (200 watt RMS) through a 2x15 (2x300 watt Celestions). Jesus Christ! I've gigged with a Thunderverb 200 and those amps sound absolutely huge and at 200 watt RMS, there's an significant amount of headroom - I gigged with this amp plugged into Orange's cab which was designed specifically for this amp, the PPC-412HP8, HP for High Power, and it was absolute killer. There was a few nights where I max'd the volume and while it sound great, it was just overkill. Too painful! Hehe.

[@Diegochsmile]

whats the name of that bass amp? ive seen it alot but never get the name right

[@coltonfrausell9047]

+Diegochsmile its an Orange AD200b Mark 3 through an Ampeg SVT cab

[@thebestcoolcat666]

is it me or did alan seem like shy in this interview,like i dunno. He seemed weird, but dan was all for it.

[@johnnyway8667]

Finally a rig rundown for this band. I just wish they showed more of their guitars( other les pauls and sg's) and I really wanted to know which bareknuckle pickups they use. I know they used bareknuckle the mule and holy diver on ES SEMI Acoustic, but what about les pauls..

[@Treggify]

I disagree that wound strings are harder to bend. I have had the exact opposite experience.

[@006sick]

I don't like how the guy from Premier Guitar is like in a hurry all the time, chill out man! if you do, most likely people you're interviewing would be more confortable and talk more

[@tolucalake]

I just laughed so ridiculously hard at "if it ain't fixed, don't break it!" 10/10

[@jconner3891]

Anyone ever see one these run downs were they have no clue about their own gear. Craziness

[@8Junio76]

.105 pretty heavy? Geez. For drop b i use .135

[@Leadmetal300]

do a Rig Rundown for the band "GET YOUR GUN" :)

[@joshuacells3286]

Both Alan and Dan have the most calm and softest voice xD

[@coopers1716]

Dan really knows his shit- I love it.

[@Ben.Morrison.]

Friendly blokes :) good stuff

[@withoutthestatepodcast4989]

“It’s bass”

[@T-Hawkeyes]

Does 2 amps always have to make noise?

[@binmanart]

"If it ain't fixed, don't break it." BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I lost it when he said that.

[@theGIGINIband]

Not my favorite band BUT that might change, I loved everyone's set up in this band

[@maxondavis4739]

he has the craziest eyes I've ever seen

[@wiseguy9202]

Hipsters with soft hands!

[@Ian_97]

Unearth rig rundown!

[@bebenavole2179]

do Mike Love!

[@tazmon122]

RIP Polar Bear Club

[@inkusaido]

''gotcha''

[@thiscomputerkills]

The host/journalist is absolutely terrible. Jesus.

[@robertsparling917]

0:38 Worst crowd-surfing attempt EVER!

[@tMatt5M]

"Good lookin' dude!"

[@alienshoemaker]

Whats the song in the beginning

[@andyham6094]

Tread lightly

[@conorkane3018]

NICE!

[@CornPaws]

What song are they playing at the beginning?

[@benjabooty]

+Corn Paws Tread Lightly off their Go Down in History EP

[@CornPaws]

+Ben W Thanks! Killer riff

[@macdad159]

Amp setup is nice. Love the Black Market cabs

[@miloinxthesilo]

what shade of blue is that fender?

[@metalicacdc7]

It's between Agave Blue, Ice Metallic Blue or Lake Placid blue. I'm leaning more towards Ice Metallic Blue though

[@miloinxthesilo]

+Johnny Salgado thanks bro I'm trying to get a fender and do it in that color for my church

[@metalicacdc7]

+Emilio Barrera no problem, although Ice Metallic Blue is super rare so I'd suggest getting Lake Placid Blue it's extremely similar

[@miloinxthesilo]

+Johnny Salgado sweet will do thanks broseph ✌

[@devinwhite104]

its like strats arent meant to be palm muted. will from tssf took his top knob out too

[@PaulManningg]

Looks at wood, “do they have a CNC machine?” Lol

[@chrismontgomery8278]

Does premier guitar never check the comments? Every interview this guy does, the comments only talk about what a total poser he is. Wouldn’t you want the viewers to pay attention to the musicians and their gear? 🧐

[@tmmmedia731]

The bald guy that does some of the rundowns fits the part a little better this guy is just a little to peppy cocaine cough cough sniff nose rub

[@chrismontgomery8278]

I’ve never watched this guy interview someone who wasn’t extremely put off by him. Who does this guy blow for his job? Because he certainly isn’t good at it.

[@maxnormand4581]

do a rig run down of alter bridge, or slash or something cool like that

[@Mist_R]

talk about your sweaty beards in a rig rundown, cool

[@sgtwurstmesser]

Perry always sounds like he just did a big line of charlie during these interviews.

[@jeremyrafuse5330]

It's almost like he's excited to interview a band that he likes...

[@ezarariawan12]

What a beautiful strato

[@egcheeze1]

I'm not too sure that a tele neck can handle 60s, as long as it works

[@morphinglight]

Why wouldn't it? If they took care of the nut and bridge for it, it shouldn't be a problem.

[@olirichings1395]

Been waiting so long for this

[@olirichings1395]

Yeah why not?

[@olirichings1395]

Maybe they haven't had the opportunity? Also everyone already knows what their gear is

[@olirichings1395]

As is this

[@drewsmithbass]

4 years long?

[@TheIntermissionShow]

This was awesome.

[@lunawroblewski]

I'm a few years late, but, I was just watching around and noticed Pat. saw Pat with AM! last year and got excited to see him on here lol

[@omarmontufar5246]

You have no idea how happy I am, this made my day !

[@callumplaysguitar98]

That riff from Tread Lightly in the beginning is more than a riff

[@livesmalldreambig]

I got that EP signed the day they released it, they're such awesome human beings.

[@ethanchristensen5127]

Do a rig rundown on Black Veil Brides

[@JDhomieG]

I don't think thy actually play any music. They just look gay.

[@Thomasanphoto]

JDhomieG LOL they got cool guitars though

[@JDhomieG]

Dennis Nilssen I'm sure you would. I'm a great player. I'm far too busy with school and work to record for you though.

[@Hekkin]

Well, Then you shouldn't bash other bands ... unless you're a touring musician, you opinion doesn't mean anything. Sorry mate, none of of are in the position to say they suck. and don't come bitching about personal preference

[@psyhcoaid99]

JDhomieG As terrible as they look they actually write some pretty good riffs

[@giggs102]

no offense to this band, but I wish premier guitar did cooler bands/guitarists like they used to rather than all these post punk hardcore screamo bands...

[@strayfromlight]

The fact that you referred to this as post-punk, hardcore and 'screamo' in one sentence pretty clearly illustrates the fact that you have absolutely no clue what you're talking about.

[@dougjones6082]

bruh if you actually paid attention to their music you'd understand how much they rip guitar-wise

[@giggs102]

ShadicoTheHedgehog i didnt say they were post punk hardcore screamo, i meant 95% of the bands that premier guitar is doing now

[@ChikaraGuy]

they're ezcore lol stop

[@chhau123]

I hate those bands with a passion

[@tysonrinker5958]

Where do.these emo bands get there names from . They always have this emo name and you know right off the bat what they are gonna be playing

[@budgetguitarist]

Their music is painful. But I respect them because they're getting out there and doing their thing. But for the love of God, if you're interviewing someone, STFU.

[@jeremyrafuse5330]

Yeah totally budgetguitarist.com Can you direct me to your albums and rig rundown? Also when are you booking tours?

[@MrMotherfuck123]

"Gotcha".

[@KeeperOfPoops]

I like Joe Weiss's name, it reminds me of a character from RWBY, Weiss Schnee to be exact

[@MrMotherfuck123]

I only like their Song Stuck in the Middle.