Rig Rundown: Mr. Big's Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan [2017]

Full Rig Details: bit.ly/PaulGilbertRig
Subscribe to PG's Channel: bit.ly/SubscribePGKZbin
We catch up with the virtuoso pair to talk about gear, three-string guitars, and how they dial in their legendary tones.
The mind-blowing, face-melting, sultans of shred, Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan (above right) of Mr. Big, met with PG during a recent Nashville date to talk tone.
#guitar #mrbig #paulgilbert

[@themaggot8]

Paul Gilbert, the only guy who can inspire you and make you feel frustrated at the same time.

[@kevinbates7161]

Well said

[@gustavopicinin1828]

Yngwie Malmsteen too hahahaha

[@Labyrinth1010]

Totally!

[@javierparisi4323]

Hahahaha!!!

[@Loko-kk7tl]

I once met a Porn actor that caused the same emotional rollercoaster for me.

[@chasingvenusfilmarts]

say what you want about John but he helps the artist feel comfortable and I feel they end up offering more information and it makes for a good interview. After watching many of these I've noticed he's just an easy going person, sincere person.

[@Slears]

John does a great Job..mostly it is not an Interview..it is a "Hey Buddy..how are you doin...show me what you`ve got" I like it

[@alexsims4079]

If im not mistaken he's also a pretty solid guitar player as well

[@axnjxn91]

I totally agree. He seems a little over the top and goofy, but he gets the job done and is LISTENING. I've grown to like him and always respected his guitar playing. He's a great player.

[@kahmhalen4094]

I’ve seen the interviewer shred on KZbin. The dude can play! He knows his stuff.

[@MrDeaweber]

John has become the face of rig rundown and It would be hard to watch without him .I like that he's damn near as big of a dork as I am - and Paul Gilbert seems like he's a contender for nicest guitar giant.

[@seanyarbrough452]

Rig Rundown is so much better with the artist than the tech. Especially when the artist plays. Keep them coming.

[@tysonrinker5958]

i like the artist ones to . especially the one that tell stories

[@FrejaHedeAnd]

"I've got a high E, a middle E and a low E." "WOW"

[@Renato4546]

"And it's Purple!" "yeah, yeah yeah*"

[@bobayersquebec]

haha

[@mojopin70]

Lol he's never heard of three Es before.

[@nicholastotoro7721]

“So this guitar has a neck? Killer!!!”

[@luminositymusic3810]

Petrum Slamrot amazing. Any ruts one my be in , Solved.

[@jemanalo__]

"Oh I'm still a kid" You will always be, Paul.

[@biffmcarmstronge5853]

No one in their right mind will buy an ugly ass guitar like this one. Anyone can play non musical scales super fast on any Ibanez.

[@janigi8378]

I remember Paul Gilbert playing this riff with the other guy as a human capo and the guy is moving his hand from fret to fret? it's such a badass intro I just can't remember what the song called kindly anyone please help if they know the title? :(

[@biffmcarmstronge5853]

Joem Manalo is the guy that have Paul aids!

[@wonnie]

@jan igi Get Out Of My Yard

[@MrVirtsu]

He sure is .... Nicest guy in biznes 😍❤

[@jasonbrooks633]

I would say 80 percent of the people that leave negative comments about John do not realize how good he is. He downplays what he knows for us and to make the artist not feel inferior. If he did say everything he knows the 80 percent of y'all would 100 percent say he is cocky.

[@kma5699]

So he is secretly a genius. Wow man, Totally! Ya ya yeah!!!!

[@sleighte]

Oh..yeah! Totally

[@wittvonwitt4403]

John is a legit guitarist. He knows his stuff.

[@davidallen346]

Yea I think he only act happy toward the players he likes I've seen him be serious talking to Bonamassa and such lol

[@Monsterdrumma]

Jason Brooks I am a drummer but a gear head and I really like John and his enthusiasm! Who wouldn't be excited as a guitarist interviewing guitar legends, of course he is enthused!

[@robertdyerofficial]

Paul Gilbert: [Adjusts guitar strap] Interviewer: "Oh...WOWWW!"

[@martianshoes]

"THAT...is too cool..!" This goober is like a Quaalude with legs. He sounds like a stoned fanboy.

[@maverick_trail]

Premier hires some real douchebags. The only decent "interviewer" was Rebecca mostly because she was decent to look at.

[@davezee5513]

Myea....Hopefully John Bohlinger stopped wearing those skin tight, 2 sizes too small tee shirts for good. He's a talented guitarist in his own right, but the Cheech and Chong voice of his really starts working my nerves within 10 seconds of every interview he does. That said, on his instructional video's and product demos where he's by himself, he doesn't try and sound like he just got done filming Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure!!! WHOAAAA, Excellent dude!!!

[@sharper9009]

Yea he’s a huge goober for sure

[@Juaniguitarra86]

i like this dude, he seems like a a real fan of most players that he interviews. Like any of us, really

[@shellbournian]

Interviewing Paul Gilbert is probably so easy... "hey Paul, talk about guitar for a bit" "Sure man I love guitar!"

[@sashingopaul3111]

shellbournian You should see Michael Batio. He goes off to the races when you say “geetar”.

[@Wynorrific]

Interviewing gear geeks is the best bc they'll go on for hours about every piece of gear they got

[@DatMetalBoi75]

That sounds fairly accurate

[@DiscGolfNerd]

Paul and Billy are both monster players but still so humble and down to earth.

[@Nubias]

Yah,they are I used to converse with Billy online on a media page,in 200 ,he was totally down to Earth,and treated me like I was a old friend. I was impressed with him as a Human being! he is a class act.

[@mojopin70]

They really are, i met them in 1991 i was just a teenager but the band in fact left a lasting impression on me. Such nice people, i sat opposite Pat Torpey on their tour bus after a show in the Newport Wales U.K May 1991

[@tomsfruitstand6821]

Wow, man! Yeah! Wow!

[@sikkinixx75]

I met both of them and played with Paul once. He is super super nice and friendly. He makes you feel very comfortable so that you can play very well, like you're playing with your band mates. Even better. He's soooo nice. I met Billy few times at clinics. He is a great musician and salesman.

[@DanyNMacF]

I love how the guy reacts to Paul - it's great: he's so positive and happy and enjoying the conversation. Great fun to watch

[@shredderhector9261]

Paul Gilbert is unreal. He seems so down to Earth and humble

[@dadude7]

Bollinger is a legend. Such a nice guy. Great video.

[@chrispfeifer7628]

As a guitar guy, I had forgotten how freaking great Billy Sheehan is. What a pair of musicians!

[@redskullz1249]

Before he mentioned the bit about the Boss pedal looping I thought he was playing so fast that the speed of sound was still catching up with him every time he took a break between arpeggios. xD

[@Bradp18]

Paul's love for the instrument is incredible. He makes you want to grab your guitar and go crazy! Such a humble dude for someone who can literally play almost anything in any style on request. Billy is in a world all his own, and he also has such a love for his craft it's contagous. They both appraoch life/music with such a humble, lets have a good time attitude that it makes you really want to watch them and then go home and play your ass off. Great rundown!

[@cool555breeze]

On the flip side, he makes me want to burn mine lol...

[@insertgoodname4809]

great comment!

[@waterwoodguitars6871]

Paul Gilbert is the nicest guy in rock n roll. He’d be a cool dude to hang out with.

[@Monsterdrumma]

Adam Bickers I watched an entire kings x concert with him and Pat Torpey for hours who happened to be in the crowd as they were also playing the venue the day before or after I can’t remember. We all talked often and they were both as nice and cool as can be the entire time!

[@guitar19971]

I’d love to sit down and have a beer with him

[@alonzotanner1226]

I’d say it’s a toss up between him and David Ellefson of Megadeth.

[@rickthelearner5631]

I've always loved John's interviews. Nice. Friendly. Relaxed.

[@MajRatbag]

Both these guys are so nice, so willing to talk about how and what they do. Paul and Billy are both amazing musicians but still come across as great humble guys. Steve Vai needs to take note ;)

[@Dcat75thunder]

Not a fan of Mr. Big but I love Paul. He seems like the nicest and coolest dude in rock.

[@elibreeze1312]

Dcat It's because he is lmao

[@Monsterdrumma]

Dcat I hung out with him and Pat Torpey from Mr. Big not knowing them at all prior but we all watched Kings X together and they were the absolute nicest guys man!

[@JedNadin]

How can anyone not like Mr. Big?!! The only songs of theirs I don’t really like is To Be With You and their cover of Wild World.

[@harrysachs2274]

@@JedNadin because their music isn't that great. Paul's a great guitarist but I agree the band Mr.Big sucks.

[@intrsoul]

Came for Paul, stayed for Billy. I'm not a bassist but wow, what a master class on wood/electronics/signal path. Awesome.

[@MichaelD8393]

As a guitarist, watching Billy makes me wanna try bass too.

[@mikef6307]

I was fortunate to see Billy play every week when he started with Talas in Buffalo..

[@Franyjoss]

Paul Gilbert is as awesome and as inspiring as always! great rig rundown as always!

[@cannibalisticzombie6663]

you sir, i like your profile pic, sir!

[@Franyjoss]

thank you man, i like yours too haha

[@KalleI260]

Like yours too! :D

[@serginhosena]

Defenetly a great profile pic! :D

[@brentj.peterson6070]

Billy is so cool. Not much he can't do!

[@mrcommonsense9145]

To everyone hating on the interviewer think about this: this is his job, how happy and fired up are you at your job? Exactly. Dudes happy, feeling great, loving what he does, rock on. 🤘🏻

[@milesconnell2686]

what a gentle guy that interviewer is.

[@eviljester1169]

This is the only rig rundown I've seen where everyone is genuinely having a good time and laughing.

[@PabloLaFrossia]

These cats are so amazing, but what makes it even better is that they're so humble about it! I love PG and Sheehan, just wow!

[@duranjerome]

This man has the greatest bass tone pallette of all time

[@revsharp777]

Doesn't get any better than that. 2 amazing musicians & just as cool as ever.

[@mattiv1]

John, you make it so much easier for these star-players to show their rig. Great job!

[@thehandseesall]

this is a really enthusiastic rig rundown. Paul Gilbert looks especially happy to be talking to somebody who cares as much about gear as he does and Billy Sheehan seems just as happy which is really cool. I don't even follow Mr Big at all but the energy seems like they must have a lot of fun in each other's company and that's such a good thing.

[@daverandolph1245]

hands down my favorite guitarist! his attitude is the correct approach for playing music. oh, billy sheehan is great too.

[@Kouta2243]

The gary Moore song is "over the hills and far away" Fantastic run down!!

[@richpeltrick1492]

That's what I thought also. :)

[@IcedDemon666]

was scrolling to see if anyone got it. nice!

[@strazburg]

nightwish did a cool cover of it too

[@toby1kenobe]

'Out in the Fields' solo has a similar harmonic whammy thing too

[@kma5699]

When he said an Irish Folk song I'm thinking something more like "Oh Danny Boy" no?

[@billgibbons6925]

John: "Wow, yeah man, totally. Thats sick man. Yeah, wow, alright man." God I love John!!!!!! He has so much fun in life!!

[@johnhruby6205]

this guy should do all the interviews

[@jcoulter43]

2 of the coolest guys in music! Great Rig Rundown. Bolinger you are awesome too! I never get tired of your reviews and positive attitude! Keep up the great work.

[@stangetts3204]

Greatest interviewer for this as he always acts intrigued and makes the subject feel at ease

[@SleepingSaturnIncorp]

I could listen to Paul & Billy talk all day; their love, passion & dedication to their art reverberates through every word.

[@SaintFredrocks]

Two of the coolest guys in one room talking about gear: it doesn't get any better than this.

[@Nightingale1887]

One simply can't get enough of Paul Gilbert

[@castleanthrax1833]

One?? What ru royalty? 👑😂😂😂

[@castleanthrax1833]

One?? What ru royalty? 👑😂😂😂

[@Quicksilver_Cookie]

Every bit of interview with Paul Gilbert is a treat. He's just such a likeable person. It's like I'm having a conversation with a good old friend, even though I'm not even part of it :)

[@timothycormier3494]

All the interviews I’ve watched with Paul Gilbert. He seems to still enjoy every second of playing guitar. So many famous guitarist come across with this ( I’m so good that I’m bored) attitude. Paul is always the most enthusiastic guy when talking guitar. Not to mention. He absolutely rips!! Every time I watch him. He inspires me to be better. Thank you BIG

[@johnthelesserofthethirdoft863]

Paul and Billy are like the nicest most humble uncle's ever.

[@paqman78]

Mr. Big have got to be the nicest band in history. All 4 of them just seen to be really friendly guys who are always smiling and have all the time in the world to talk to as many people as possible. What you see is what you get. Doesn't matter if you don't like their music, just appreciate the fact that 4 extremely talented musicians who are also very down to earth are together in one unit.

[@BobGrimminger]

These rig rundowns are great with engaging interviewees. Sometimes you're almost happy to see a tech rather than the act, but Billy and Paul made great conversation with John.

[@matthalo89]

Saw Mr. Big in Dallas this past summer and they killed it! Fantastic show.

[@jamesraward]

Every time I see Paul interviewed I like him more and more. He seems like such a nice, genuine and honest guy, and is (rightly) confident with his utterly immense talent. He was the first shredder that I actually enjoyed listening to (appreciated the speed and talent of the others, but never really liked the music - except A Train of Angels). I aspire to get anywhere near his ability.

[@johnparsons661]

Billy could give a seminar on this stuff. I like the fact that he knows everything about his equipment.

[@Medyo]

I am still a kid. a deaf kid. ----> such humbling to hear a super talk and look at things in perspective. Keep up the music, PG!

[@paulsimmons5726]

These guys put out one of the best debut albums way back in the 90's, incredible! I'm glad to see they're still enjoying themselves. Both Paul and Billy are monsters but they can groove also! And apparently violin fills are not immune from the fun times either, Billy's a riot!

[@IwoIwanov]

What I like so much here is that Gilbert is talking about ergonomics quite a lot. It is actually important to feel good with the gear; this makes it much easier for a good sound to arise. - Many thanks for the rundown. You can tell that Bohlinger is genuinely amused and informed.

[@veerchasm1]

There was almost a Chris Farley moment in this interview “Awesome! Remember that time...”

[@gametoppler]

Host is a charming guy. Smiling and easy going, respectfully interviews everyone, never imposes his opinions. Cool guy. Keep it up. Respect.

[@philf4086]

Lots of talent and creativity with both Paul and Billy!

[@lordsoup4287]

I love paul gilbert

[@michaelcard9382]

I love that Paul went back to "The Source" of rock n roll simplistics but LOVE his regular speed,string skipping arpressio stuff that I see lately he's been getting away from but hey..Paul knows best.... I like to hit it hard!! Plays same lick n used same example as his VHS instructional video from 20yrs ago I watched a million times lol

[@c3920]

Paul Gilbert is the coolest and most down to earth shred monster out there, you can tell how much he still loves playing just by listening to him. Thanks for posting this PG!

[@luzier13x]

that "anything for you" intro is soooo refreshingly cool!

[@strandednseattle]

Paul Gilbert is the kind of guy you just want to have a beer and chill with.

[@milanpolak]

Great rundown! I think the Gary Moore song PG is referring to is "Over The Hills And Far Away" off the Wild Frontier album...

[@niptodstan]

I'm drooling watching this. Two of the best muso's ever.

[@shearn666]

50 years later, an old (reissue) plexi still gets unbeatable tones. Another great video, John, just took me a while to find it...

[@BallisticKnifeJesus]

I like how most people making fun of the interviewer probably wouldn't be able to speak English around some of the artists he meets. This is also the equivalent of listening to someone ramble on. Of course you're just going to say "yeah" over and over. He's not here to talk about himself, he just needs to get the artist to talk.

[@RoccoPezzin]

awesome

[@losrogers13]

I'm having a blast watching this.

[@Labyrinth1010]

Man, Paul’s just the best. Immensely talented and just so cool and chill. He’s like that in every single interview. Always smiling, always having fun, always generous with his knowledge and talent.

[@JV-rx3ov]

As Paul gets older, his voice sounds more & more like David Letterman.

[@kma5699]

Jon Vecellio and the irony is at 20:01 Billy Sheehan has a dead on impression of Johnny Carson with his facial features and body language as well as his vocal phrasing when he says "but the night is young"

[@Slappaccino]

He's Letterman and Jeff Goldblum combined.

[@alonzotanner1226]

Shit I didn’t realize that until now wow

[@keirlawson4733]

I’d watch The Late Show with Paul Gilbert anytime.

[@GarrettPaimon]

Holy shit. Welp. Never gonna unhear that one

[@eggshellalien]

The MXR phase 90 is my cheat box. LOL. He’s got it all figured out!

[@78tag]

I just came here from the Sweetwater Josh(JHS)-PaulGibert interview because I was so impressed with Paul Gilbert. I'm embarrassed to say I never paid any attention to him. I've been missing out. Josh and John are the best people to have interviewed him. Another very good show John.

[@Itaivarochik]

What a great guy! Got to love PG❤

[@kpag3030]

Good effort, interviewer guy. I’d be excited too. Lol. Paul is always awesome

[@dougmacarthur]

Loved the funny little story Billy told about the rotosound strings...Thanks Premier Guitar!

[@PhilWalkerGuitarist]

Another great rundown!! Thanks Premier Guitar.

[@gitarmats]

Absolute legends both of them!

[@TDOVmusic]

billy is on another level with tech, wow

[@KeeperOfPoops]

it's so much cooler when the guitarist/bassist knows almost everything about there gear more than their techs

[@theycallmejpj]

i believe billy has always been his own roadie

[@Djarra]

Even Vai acknowledges Billy's skills, way back when Billy suggested the mods to Steve introduced him to Larry Dimazio and the rest is history.

[@garylankford9306]

Billy is the reason I started playing bass.

[@svendtveskg5719]

The O-ring thing is great. :)

[@Kipas_Maspoin]

One of my favorite guitarists in the world, and he's so humble! nice

[@vaheica]

Great run down for Billy and Paul. Too gentlemen in music. Love how Paul threw in the Mama Im Coming Home lick on the 12 string.

[@zues2013]

Paul Gilbert one of the few guitarist who don't bullshit Plays his actual signature guitar for 2/3 of the time unlike every other famous guitarist who never touches their signature models on stage

[@killerwowmaster]

syn gates also plays nothing but his sigs on stage

[@SirPhilMcCrackinVonBeggington]

To be honest, Paul could play anything and make it sound awesome.

[@tempuramonster]

Uh, which guitarists would those be?

[@mrmuscle4815]

zues2013 that's probably because he gets his signature guitars built to his ideal specifications

[@scrollkeeper6636]

Yeah, if you look at @Testament @AlexSkolnick - he has a Heritage guitar in his hand most of the time but yet is a GIbson endorsee and has a Gibson usually sitting somewhere behind him :)

[@sportsportsport]

Love that he mentioned the master, Gary Moore!

[@thisperfectworld]

Phenomenal work; thank you, everybody!

[@chrisf6216]

Thank you PG/JB!! Fantastic uplifting inspirational talented greatness from the get-go! What an awesome opener... typical Paul doing something different, making it sound incredible, making it so fun even he has a big smile, then clearly explaining what is going on. Then the same from Billy. Over the top Rig Rundown by far. Cheers!

[@5urg3x]

Man someone tell me what drugs Bollinger is on, he's always super happy and laughing and smiling from ear to ear lol

[@ForViewingOnly]

As a guitar player myself, I'm always gonna be more interested in the guitarist's rig rather than the bass player's.... UNLESS of course that bass player is Billy Sheehan!

[@brianmccrory3778]

I am getting to really love Paul Gilbert interviews. He is such a great player and explainer.

[@blewers]

Love these guys - amazing interviews.

[@JohnDoe-pq8yw]

Billy should write a book called "The Greatest Rock Guitarist on Earth." There 's is no one more qualified to do this. Billy has been so blessed and is a great guy as well. One year he was playing the Erie County Fair and the next he was on tour with DavidLee. He has not looked back since but is still a humble dude.

[@scrollkeeper6636]

You mean rock bassist?

[@JohnDoe-pq8yw]

No, a rock guitarist book. He has played, recorded and toured with many of the greats of our time. He likely knows more about these guys than they know about themselves and can match anyone of them note for note.

[@JohnDoe-pq8yw]

Ultimately, he could write a bass book but he wouldn't sell very many compared to a book about guitarist. That's just the way it is. Billy got chicks in his day, more than any other bass player but the book is about guitar, not chicks. One thing for sure, he has more knowledge about what it takes to be great than possibly anyone and is a very well spoken guy. Especially for a guy from Buffalo, NY.

[@tremeloco]

I saw him with Yngwie at Centennial Hall in Mesa, AZ on June 18, 1985. Billy was in Talas, who opened the show but he came back out and jammed with Yngwie IIRC.

[@kahmhalen4094]

He’s played with them all. He would know. I remember him saying Ritchie Kotzen was the guy. But you know it’s hard to compare guitarists. They all have their own style.

[@pensnut08]

Gary Moore moment.. "Over The Hills"

[@salmonhelmet]

Nice seeing these older marshall reissues getting attraction again. My 1987x through a power attenuator is the best.

[@meanpicker]

Love this video! They are two of my all time favorite players, very cool to see what they're using!

[@riefkykc3003]

first time I've seen someone standing as tall as Paul

[@CBOrion21]

I miss Rebecca. So much. :(

[@badsanta518]

we all do...

[@martinnitschmusic]

did she quit?

[@KeeperOfPoops]

@martin nitsch yes, because of all of these perverted comments saying they wanna see her rig and shit

[@emidiojorge]

she's married with children now.

[@paulschneider7271]

Who is Rebecca?

[@fidelrivera2887]

To be so good yet so humble. What an inspiration.

[@Guitarmike]

100% Awesome. These guys are the best, Good luck on the new tour!

[@kristofkubina4105]

"I just got these, they grew that way" :D

[@RockyH.]

Lord have mercy I've always known this but, " Damn Paul is killer"!

[@bpabustan]

the fact that Billy and Paul are very humble guys blows me away.

[@zacharycollins6548]

Two of my favorite players... just seem like great people.

[@aclawrence]

I personally really enjoy this interviewer. I think he does a great job.

[@cast390]

That guitar is full size its just that Paul is REALLY BIG!!!

[@ESR66]

I remember seeing Billy at Rock n Roll heaven in Toronto, when he was with TALAS. Insane bass playing.

[@bobbyosborne2375]

Paul's personality shines straight through his playing. He's got to be a joy to be around.