Rig Rundown - Mike Stern

Article & photos: bit.ly/MikeSternRR
Mike Stern is a legendary musician who has worked with Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, Blood Sweat and Tears, Eric Johnson, Pat Metheny, and David Sanborn, not to mention hundreds of other greats. To this day, Mike Stern, the cat that brought the Telecaster into the jazz world, constantly tours and records with no end in sight. Stern did a pre-gig hang with PG’s John Bohlinger before his sold-out show at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley.
Mike Stern tours with one guitar: his now ancient and well-played Yamaha Pacifica 1511MS Signature model loaded with a Seymour Duncan '59 pickup in neck position and a Hot Rail in the bridge.
Mike Stern uses D’Addario nickel wound strings (.011-.038) and covers his Planet Waves 1 mm pick with wig glue to help keep his grip.
Continue reading: bit.ly/MikeSternRR

[@charlesduckettjr.800]

I had never heard of Mike Stern until I enrolled with Berklee music school in Sept. 1979. The first week I was there, I heard about him, he was playing regularly in nearby jazz dives. I was mesmerized by his playing and sound immediately first time I heard him live. He was doing things I had never heard (age 20) anyone do, playing vigorous adventurous straightahead jazz with horn quartets, top of the line players, using a solidbody. I had never heard a guitar player use a stereo sound like that. Back then Mike used two Acoustic amps, and spaced them as far apart as he could manage. With an MXR stereo chorus which was always on. Also he had Boss octave pedal & DS-1 distortion pedal, which he used sparingly. His main sound was a rich full totally clean sound that was room-filling yet not "loud". I don't remember him using echo in those days, if he did it was subtle. He used a white strat. Stern was a phenom then. Many of his biggest fans were horn players, keyboard players, drummers. Not just guitarists. When he got the gig with Miles a couple of years later, it was a time of celebration for me & my music friends around Berklee. He deserved it, and did great with it. I have seen Mike play live countless times from 1979-early 2000's with a huge variety of great players. He would always wave & say hello, even though I am sure he forgot my name. I bought a Polytone minibrute from him early 80's. I never knew that he was a junkie until a few years later. I did notice that he drank a lot, but it didn't seem to mess up his playing skills. He is a great success story. He has retained that same sound ever since I first heard him, no matter what equipment he uses. Stern's thing is not gear. It is music shedding. He is a lifelong music student & practicer.

[@gerrycoogan6544]

Great comment.

[@jaysteeleMB7]

Yeah everytime I saw him out in Boston (mostly cambridge) it's like he remembered you personally more than a nod or wink he would just light up when he looked at you. Mike Stern emits pure love his music is just a reflection of that.

[@johncruz9357]

You’ll are lucky!!!! I’ve only had the opportunity to see him live once in my life…. I’m in TX not much fusion down here….

[@blastsucarta1068]

Well most people hadn't heard of Mike in 1979

[@jazztitch8286]

15:24 - "You've been playing through Twins like forever." I remember around the early 90s in a gig somewhere in Europe, as valves came back into fashion that Mike was still using the discontinued Yamaha 212 transistor amp he'd toured with for years, and said to me "Why do they stop making the good stuff?"

[@augustusbetucius2931]

Canadian guy = Ed Bickert. I've known of Mike Stern and his music since the 80s. This is the first time I've actually *heard* him in an interview. What a great, humble and down to earth guy!

[@seemeeseeu]

I saw Mike with Jimmy Cobb, George Coleman and Ron Carter. Miles' alumni in Seattle in 2011. 4 generations of Miles. What a great night and wonderful players. We had the pleasure of meeting the band after the gig and having some drinks and just great conversation with Jimmy Cobb and Mike Stern. Definitely a high point, especially since Jimmy Cobb has passed. Mike has a great touch and great intuition about music. What a Gentleman of the highest order.

[@gianni.chiarello]

still to this day MIke Stern Trio with Dave Weckl and Jeff Andrews in the late 90s is one of the best gigs I ever saw. Incredible energy! I think there's a full set of that trio on YT somewhere.

[@catboyzee]

When I start feeling inadequate about my gear, effects, and amps, I look to cats like Mike Stern. To hear him playing mind-blowing Jazz/Rock licks on gear that's 'real world' attainable helps to put things back into reasonable perspective. It also reminds me to focus more on HOW WELL am I playing before worrying WHAT GEAR I should be playing. Thanks Mike.

[@warshipsatin8764]

you need someone else to remind you of that?

[@nbeutler1134]

“Gear” is a footnote in the Bible of music

[@davidhadley370]

Mike and Leni are the nicest folks I've met in awhile. Leni is a world music expert and I was impressed watching her... She's fearless...A great, great couple...

[@ThreeChordGuitar]

Maybe Bollinger's best interview/rig rundown so far. Great job. And Mike Stern, man, what can one say? Genius. Huge fan. And a great story teller!

[@TheElrondo]

ThreeChordGuitar For me it's John! Very settle and relaxing Rig Rundowns and very patient, not interrupting the artists.

[@stephenowen3383]

ThreeChordGuitar Yeah you could tell he massively respects this guy.

[@YaoEspirito]

I had to laugh when I saw 'Rig Rundown - Mike Stern'. Yamaha Tele and chorus pedal, of course! Great Rundown, folks. Thanks as always.

[@froter1]

Yeah , it was real good

[@slowdownabit3343]

Nope definitely. Bollinger even didn’t know about Mike’s injury... And Stern’s rig, well, old school. The real sound is in his fingers. One of the best itw he did was with The Edge during a backstage concert. Search for it just to glance at the Fender and Gibs line !!

[@jammergreg]

Mike Stern gave me some advice when I met him in Pasadena in 1996; if you can’t figure out a solo, play arpeggios over the cords! Then a solo becomes easier .

[@kylec2761]

Pat Metheny also demonstrated this on "James" in the Rick Beato interview

[@JacekDubowski]

Wspaniały człowiek i muzyk😂

[@Csar-wj3od]

14:30 " How are you going to give up music?" Beautiful line...

[@abradfordajb]

Mike Stern is such a beautiful person ..... just a huge heart, and shares good tidings with anything he does. His musical presence is, of course, legendary. He's had pain in his life, but rises above it all to give us lovely music. As an aside, I didn't know about that Boss Multi Overtone pedal ...... excellent thing, and that's where he gets that beautiful, lush chorus-on-steroids sound of his. Thank you, Mike, for making our musical lives fuller and rich.

[@GS-uy4xo]

Just reading all the comments about Mike’s demeanor and personality, we can’t emulate his playing but he actually inspires a positive outlook and that’s something to strive for. Side note: Mike came to a friends house to record on a project and all he wanted was the Yamaha unit and a simple amp - he didn’t know how to connect it- “that’s not my thing” he said. Then he played his ass off!

[@sandrosadhukhan]

Robben, Mike, Herbie all have these amazing and funny stories about Miles Davis, he was one unique character!

[@fizikfizik]

25 years ago, I asked for the pick after the concert and got it. I was very happy, but I wanted to play the guitar with that pick and want it to inspire me like that. I didn't want to hang it on the wall. Sadly I lost the pick in the end, but I'm happy to have been playing guitar with a Mike Stern's guitar pick for a while. He is a true legend with everything. His music, technic, history, and character. I really hope i will see his live concert again.

[@marknason4572]

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike (and buying him a cup of coffee) in January when he worked with a bunch of students. He is a such a humble and positive person.

[@karlsalocks]

Absolutely. I'll always catch him when he is in town because he is a palpably great human being.

[@lpjbird]

I have to agree with the others who believe this was one of the BEST interviews Bollinger has done. Mike Stern is amazing and I could listen to him talk all day long, and a master at playing. Great, great, 23 minutes...

[@dadude7]

What a nice guy. In 40 years none of the guitarists of the day will as humble as this. He’s just such a down to earth dude. Awesome.

[@fastjazz]

Man, JohnB is the BEST serious guitar-playing interviewer on KZbin - so freaking humble and clearly so deep into both the gear and the players! Makes every player super special. What a treat!

[@axelytreberg5427]

John is just like a little kid meeting his greatest hero, so happy and curious. Mike is so cool and conversational as well, this is just great!

[@zzkeokizz]

This guy is so humble, it’s like talking to your neighbor. It’s great to see.

[@Seaker24]

I have seen Mike at 55Bar in NYC often over the years where he gigs often. He even recognizes me, a fan, and we would casually chat even if seen on the street. He is a class act, very humble, very cool, always smiling, and extremely talented. Mike’s a treasure.

[@williamwalsh6282]

He’s the best... I was lucky enough to see him many times when he was in Boston I think in the late 70s early 80s and he was smokin back then.

[@DavidCruz-yn6se]

That "Canadian Jazz Guy" who plays a Tele is Ed Bickert. Hands down one of the best jazz guitarists of all time, though not very well known outside of Canada. Jim Hall loved Ed's playing as did Paul Desmond and a lot of other cats. Bickert played with Miles in Toronto on some one off gigs too.

[@yebdox]

I've met Mike a couple of times, last time after his fall and he had just started playing again, was clearly upset about missing his fast runs. So great to see that he has it worked out. He truly is a humble, genuine and sweet spirit and it's nice to see a comment section that recognizes that, instead of tearing a great talent down for his gear choices. He is one of the greats and deserves mega respect (along with millions of dollars!)

[@CCSimmons]

55 Bar on Monday nights. Those were good times.

[@mrufino1]

Yes they were! Mike Stern, bass ale, and the 55 popcorn. I was sad to hear that it closed, even though it had been a while since I’d been there. The best night I heard was a trio with Mike, Chris Minh Doky, and Dick Weber, probably around 1993 or 94. But every night was great there. I wish I still had some of the cassette recordings from those nights.

[@DaveStejna]

One of the few artists who's kindness matches his brilliance . What a humble, treasure of a guy and incredible player. I saw him play with EJ on their last tour and it was such a fun show.

[@salvationbyjesus]

Dave Stejna Same tour same experience 👍🏽

[@greatgooglymoogly]

Glad to see Mike is doing ok ! Broke my heart when I heard what happened to him. Used to see him and Bob Berg and Michael Brecker. So many great shows.

[@avg1974]

Saw Mike playing at Ronnie Scott's in November with the glued plectrum, and he was absolutely smokin'! Best gig I've ever been to. So glad he's able to play after the accident and keep producing such incredible music.

[@basildog007]

PRIME human being this Mr Stern!

[@MrUltraworld]

The greats don't need a lot of gear. The sound is truly in their hands. What a humble guy.

[@matthoward1174]

When PRS came out with the McCartys in the 90's, I was working on Staten Island , so I stopped by Mandolin Bros. They had a nice sunburst one hanging on the wall. Me and the guy that happened to be standing next to me were admiring it. I said "Nice, huh? I'm thinking of selling my 70's Les Paul, and upgrading to one of these". he said "Yeah, its nice. I prefer playing jazz on a tele though". Right then I realised I was talking to Mike Stern. We both started laughing. He pulled it down off the wall, ripped on it for about five minutes, and said, "Yeah,.. it's a good one". I still have it.

[@waynedent5559]

What a super good human Mike Stern is! For all of his accomplishments, he remains a beautiful, thankful human being!

[@BabisPlaysGuitar]

Every time I hear Mike talk it puts a smile on my face. What a great guy!

[@alainrosso568]

Yes He is.

[@jstample]

I wasn’t familiar with Mike Stern until today (I’m just getting into guitar). I saw a comment about an old Yamaha amp he used to use and someone mentioned his name so I looked him up. What an awesome dude with some really cool stories.

[@MachineGunManUFMS]

Best Miles Davis impression ever HAHAHAHAHHA Love Mike!

[@projeKCtion]

includes a nice shout out for my old friend, drummer Ray LeVier. I spent many happy mondays at the 55 Bar watching Mike tear it up! Nicest guy you’ll ever meet. So refreshing to hear a guitar player who really does not care about gear beyond that it works for him. But ask him what to play over an altered chord and he’ll have plenty to say!

[@dahamus]

"Fatime, you gotta know when to leave" Ha, excellent. I'd love to see a book of Mile's quotes...

[@johnwhitla9191]

Just Saw Mike and band in Melbourne last night. What a fantastic concert and this morning really enjoyed watching this interview again. What a great concert, I am still buzzing and this interview is such a great conversation .

[@RakelaK67]

Canadian Tele guy = Ed Bickert ...... brilliant guitarist .... one of the greatest of all-time

[@ARawFueledLife]

And Lenny Breau

[@Earl00001]

Ted Greene?

[@xxczerxx]

Meera's Toned Glutes It is insane how unknown Bickert is.

[@jahjah67]

Meera's Toned Glutes I think you are correct.

[@chb8037]

yeah ed bickerts tone on tele is amazing!

[@moritzvdforst]

In the Nineties I had a masterclass workshop with him. He was brilliant and really sweet to us students. He just played through the amp of our conservatory and sounded like him !! What a fine day. Later that day he played a concert in a club in Amsterdam... this is one of the experiences that changed my life and perspective of music forever.

[@dennisp3314]

I remember back when Mike had to cancel a tour due to his accident. This is the 1st time I heard him tell it in more detail. What a terrible thing to have happened. I could see in the Rundown how affected his right hand is. I can really relate as I started getting a Trigger finger thing affecting both hands. Had 3 surgeries - which always worked, but it would start coming back every 6-8 months. It was coming back again, but I did not wanna lay cut open on a table during Covid so I went to a really great Bass Player buddy who I always knew was a Dr of Acupuncture. Went for about 8 months twice weekly & I would not be playing now if it weren't for him. Amazing results. Although I never quite got back to the level I was at. It still affects my Left pointer finger a bit as I cannot straighten it like I need to for anchoring my left hand on the neck. Had no idea Mr. Stern was using glue to hold his pick. Wow ! You could see it once he pointed it out.

[@donkkong5551]

Mike is a wonderful human being, I attended a jazz camp in the summer of 2022 and he was one of the instructors there his energy is so welcoming and he answers everyone's questions and spends a lot of one on one time with the students. Zero Ego and I didn't feel intimidated by him. Thanks, Mike!

[@graxjpg]

Jazz summer camp?? I wanna go!

[@briandarabaca]

John Bohlinger is the best when it comes to doing interviews with music legends and indie artists. I always look forward to his rig rundown shows, he owns IT!

[@fretlessblunder]

What a fantastic interview. Love how Stern is not reeeeally sure about how his rig is put together. At one point he seems to think that the size of the pedalboard is a limiting factor in how many effects he can run. That's what happens when the equipment is just a means to a musical end and not an end in itself. Bravo, Mike!

[@eastriverg3595]

"Oh yeah, by a One-Spot." "Yeah, one of those things. Whatever the hell they're called." I love Mike stern.

[@EnricoFarnedi]

Great storyteller, indeed, Mr Stern! I happened to meet and know Ray, the drummer Mike talks about at 14'00". We were both playing at this festival here in Italy, he was amazing, god bless the glue!

[@christopherhanna5754]

John always is a great journalist but you can tell how much respect and admiration he has for Stern. Superb interview.

[@jimraimondi410]

Stern and Robben Ford tell the best Miles stories

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

It's amazing that he is carrying on with the injuries. Mike Stern you're an inspiration.

[@mariussolbakken5043]

Bolinger is an Incredible interviewer. Such a sympathetic guy, and really knowledgeable! And of course Mike is a living icon.

[@co7013]

What a great guy and inspirational player. Also.. I know my left had is going to get worse over the coming years. So I hope I can adjust to that and keep playing as long as possible.

[@Rulon-bo1ig]

Love the whole minimalistic one guitar approach, humble guy. I discovered him through pat methenys music. I wish yamaha would make a stock version of that Pac tele, a cheaper non signature model would be cool. That natural ash body is beatiful but even an elder version would be fire.

[@revisionist3824]

An icon, as well a human icon. Fine, fine stuff of music. Just music, like his legendary guitar.

[@nickburmanmusic]

Absolute gold, here. And John does Mr Stern justice. Well done John. A classic.

[@bmphil3400]

As a guy with pretty bad arthritis this guy gives me a lot of inspiration to keep going.....so does Django....if a 2 fingered guy can do it I can. Tony Iommi with those glued on finger tips is an inspiring guy too.

[@MarvinSheats]

Mike Stern is one of the best and an awesome inspiration.

[@Marcus-jg4jb]

What a cool dude, and wicked player!! Would've loved to hear him just tell stories for an hour!

[@slimerandtheslob]

Mike Stern always plays his ass off! Legend 🙏

[@Shawn-hs8qk]

Mike's really humble and personable. What a great. Love his stories. Miles imitation too.

[@moshezarviv1252]

mike stern's smile hit the spot !! 20:54 "and then whatever input or something...." great guy !! seems that miles lessons got learned , not to be that much interested in gear but in music .

[@johncarusone5635]

I just love this guy. Down to earth, humble, and a great guitarist. Thanks Mike!

[@myvintagesunburst7418]

Mike is an American treasure . Funny , genuine , engaging , and immensely talented . One of my favorite R/R so far .

[@christopherhanna5754]

One of John's best interviews.

[@TheSpoonwood]

"Play like Jimi" lol. Great interview.

[@jeffwolinski2659]

The Miles stories were awesome!

[@drmarcfpelletier]

You can replicate the airy chorus sound with a Boss CE-3, which like a Jazz Chorus 120, has one clean channel and one detuned channel. The Boss Harmonist does it as well! Don't use the pitch shift but the detune setting on the Harmonist.

[@jorgesilva6454]

This should definetly be a 1 hour episode ;)

[@michaelb5451]

I've been a fan of his since forever. He always seems like the absolute coolest guy. So laid back. God bless Mike!

[@riniones]

one of the best episodes of RR! I love to hear such a great player talking about "that cat", the "souped up tele", things that are "a drag"... I mean... not even mentioning of all the great stories or super inspiring playing...what a treat... thanks so much for the interview!

[@rdmkeytohwy]

Absolutely loved this interview! Mike Stern is such a cool guy....lots of stories and lots of good tone tips and info. Jon did a great job here, too. You can tell there is a lot of respect and admiration and Mike seemed very appreciative and humble. I will watch this one multiple times. SUPERB video!

[@mogret7451]

Great interview. 😀 Sorry to hear about Mikes injury 😕

[@RezaKhan2024]

Such a wonderful human being. Stay blessed Mike.

[@brianorion505]

Wow great interview with John. What a overcoming spirit Mike Stern has! When he tells about his fall and breaking his arm I wanted to just hug him. Keep going Michael Stern. God bless you, thanks John

[@kor2112]

I got to run sound for him about a year after this video, super nice guy and I was amazed on how great he sounded on minimal gear. At the time he just finished a new Album with Eric Johnson which is great! We are in Austin and he wanted to get EJ to come out to the show but lost his number. Fortunately my old good friend Dustin works for EJ and we got him his number! I think EJ was touring at the time and couldn't make it, but he come to shows at our venue a lot.

[@stephanodsilva]

Mike offers so much wisdom about musicianship, all laced with humour and humility. You have to love him. And that's before he plays!

[@billwilenski]

Mike’s one of the best I’ve seen them in New York many a time

[@richvanc100]

I have huge respect for Mike Stern😊

[@arnyarny77]

i didn't notice before his hand was damaged so bad well mike hope you heal more and more, you have a great positive attitude

[@jasonwilliamshuck]

Mike is one of my all-time favorite musicians, and always just seems so positive and funny and uplifting. just a cool person and iconic NYC guitarist.

[@robinjames29]

what a absolute lovely man who i have had the pleasure meet a few times so nice to see a simple rig but you know its him

[@slimerandtheslob]

One of the best rig rundown’s ever!

[@SlikkTim]

7:14 "Dassit !!" Mike's Miles impersonation is so spot on ahaha

[@jtm2763]

Wow!! Great interview & Stories! What a character! Great guy!

[@marcelosilveira.guitar]

Mike is the coolest cat out there. I saw him playing at the 55 in NY and he was such a nice person to me. I told him I like his sound since I was a kid and he asked "are you saying I'm old?". I said "yes" and he laughed so hard and just gave me a CD!

[@slimturnpike]

I saw Mike play with Miles in support of the album The Man with The Horn in 1981, at an amphitheater in northern California. I'd never heard of him before, and was blown away.

[@michaelstern864]

Being a guitar player myself with the same name as a famous guy has its ups and downs. I had just moved to Boston in 1982, and I got a phone call from some guy I didn't know. "Is this Mike Stern?" Yes it is (that is my name after all). "Oh man, I can't believe I got you on the phone! Do you give guitar lessons?" Now, when I lived in Philly, I had given lessons on the side, but it wasn't a big thing for me. I asked this guy how he had heard of me (happy former student?). That lead to a relatively short discussion where we figured out he was looking for THE Mike Stern, not me. He wasn't interested in lessons from me....

[@amundmlan362]

"I don't know the year. Something 50's something" honestly same

[@puremusic68]

real nice guy keeps it simple and honest great musician

[@DonaldSturgeAnthonyMcKenzieII]

I love Mike. He's such a wonderful human being. So much joy in everything he does

[@ericcarpenter3263]

Amazing Mr. Bollinger, simply your best interview. The legend that is Mike Stern. This may be the best Rig Rundown ever. Thanks!!!

[@TheThinker39]

Very enjoyable! Best wishes to Mike after that bad fall!

[@anthonysilva5312]

Great interview. Stern recently did a clinic and show in Toronto . Saw them both. He is super personable and a great player. Not just that, but he has an incredible story of perseverance. He had an accident and suffered significant right hand nerve damage. He remains positive and relevant . Inspirational.

[@Flornmonk]

Mike is such a great guy.

[@thesilverjedi9323]

Mike is a really cool dude. I would love to have a beer or 2 with him and listen to his stories.

[@tlep110]

Saw Stern play a clinic at AIM in mid 90s where during a particularly blazing solo he broke the B string. He immediately kicked it into a higher gear and really started jamming all while expertly skipping the broken string during his runs. Aurally one would have never known anything was amiss. It was a delight to hear and witness.

[@cerimccoy]

Mike Stern, You are so inspirational. Much love from Brisbane, Australia!

[@laboratoryrack6488]

Great interview!

[@seanjazzguitar]

Mike was in the jury for a competition I did in Europe 3 years ago. We had a long talk in the green room for the big concert/awards ceremony they throw at the end of these things and this was shortly after his accident. There wasn’t a hint of negativity on something which would have made most cats just give up and get really dark. We jammed, traded axes and licks and talked about life and music for an hour before the show. What a king. Mike is an example of the power of a humble and positive outlook.

[@KellindoParker]

Amazing legendary guitarist! I had the pleasure of seeing Mike Stern at an old dive jazz club in NYC back in the 90's. The only other guitarist I've seen use Boss pedals exclusively was Prince.

[@ronlevenberg2985]

What a pleasure to watch and listen to this interview with Mike Stern!

[@mantorandlannett...ourmusi604]

Mike Stern for president 2024! Epic Gear rundown Thank You John and premier guitar