Rig Rundown - The Bouncing Souls

The seminal East Coast punkers prove that some beat-up guitars and undeniable hooks is all you need to tour the world for over three decades.
Watch the episode: bit.ly/BouncingSoulsRR
Don't Miss an Episode: bit.ly/RIgRundownENL
Before soundcheck, PG’s Perry Bean dropped into Nashville’s Exit/In to spend some quality time with hopeless romantics Pete Steinkopf (guitarist/producer/engineer) and Bryan Kienlen (bassist) who were touring in celebration of the band’s 30th anniversary. The duo shows off the gnarliest instruments, road-tested tube heads, and a few key tone tweakers that bring their punk-rock tales to life.
D'Addario Micro Tuner: www.daddario.com/MicroTunerRR
Since 1989, if you’ve seen cofounding guitarist Pete Steinkopf onstage, you’ve most likely seen him joined by this 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom. Minimal things have been done to his No. 1, but the battered stage soldier recently did receive its first refret and the original bridge pickup was rewired by Russo Music in Asbury Park, New Jersey. All of his 6-strings use Ernie Ball Slinky .011-.048 strings.

[@premierguitar]

Watch the episode: bit.ly/BouncingSoulsRR Don't Miss an Episode: bit.ly/RIgRundownENL

[@williambieber8885]

Pete always seems so uncomfortable having attention be on him. I met all the Souls walking on the sidewalk of Asbury a couple weeks back. Honestly the most chill and welcoming guys ever. Stopped what they were doing, took pictures and talked to me. Not a “for a fan” chat but legit stopped and talked to me and hung out. Never miss a show when they’re around. Much love for the band and each of them! Solid dudes, all of them

[@JP-kq4jr]

@William Bieber The Souls were the last non-local band I saw before everything went to shit a year ago. They were on tour with Strike Anywhere and Bar Stool Preachers, and I caught the Boston gig. UNREAL show. I'm 35 and the Souls have been one of the only truly constant things in my life in the last 20 years. And I LOVEEEEEE the combo of Pete and Bryan''s tone. Their sound is one that can't be replicated.

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

I think he has a stutter, I remember my friend meeting him and saying he does

[@RushMayhemIV]

This dudes gear gets transported by pirates

[@artkeelsme4710]

Finally!!! Great band, fantastic sound. How I spent my summer vacation is soundwise one of the best punk recordings in my collection.

[@Chucksguitargeekery]

This makes me so happy. Pete's Les Paul is the punk version of Willie Nelson's Trigger.

[@lptomtom]

Can't believe he's never broke the headstock

[@peterross8610]

​@@lptomtom the late 70's gibsons had a extra piece of wood called a a volute, which is a"bump" on the back of a neck, usually right at the nut. . they use a diamond looking piece of wood that is not "removed" in neck shaping. but, it's a bump, that adds a little extra strength in that most vulnerable area of the neck (the headstock/neck transition) by adding thickness. it helped neck snaps from happening. cheers!

[@lptomtom]

Ah yes, the volute, I heard that name in Norman Rare's Guitars videos!

[@HalJikaKick]

So true!

[@patmccrotch5373]

I met 'The Pete' back in 2001 at warped tour, and what a sweet dude, he took 10-15 minutes talking to me, he understood how big of a deal it was to me to meet one of my influences and was insanely kind and open. I will always love his work and personality towards fans.

[@StringBender567]

Being in the pit at this exact show, that wall of amps was one of the best live tones I’ve ever heard. No question.

[@gazzy_burns]

Thanks for covering a cool punk band. Punk is still my favourite type of music. More punk bands please.

[@leftfordead8336]

How I Spent My Summer Vacation was one of my first intros to punk music, these guys are the music they wrote holds a very special place in my heart. Every time I spin that record it takes me back to being a teenager with no care in the world

[@aaron4241]

Bryan's bass tone sold me on picking up bass as a kid.

[@brockvond1967]

If it ain't broke, don't replace it. These guys are still my heroes.

[@JP-kq4jr]

I *will* go down to Jersey from Boston to get a Bouncing Souls tattoo from Bryan before the end of 2022.

[@changeforgood100]

This guy seems like the coolest, nicest person ever. Love the played to death gear too.

[@floridapunkarchivist]

Was fortunate enough to open up for them once....super nice guys...love seeing punk bands on this

[@svtbass]

Glad you got the Bass Guy too. He was cool and informative. Thanks

[@jeremyrafuse5330]

The bass guy? 🤦‍♂️

[@svtbass]

@@jeremyrafuse5330 YEAH. The Bass player guy. I have no idea who they are . But this interviewer is the worst. He never gets the Bass player and drools like a wet panty groupie over redundant guitar crap that goes nowhere. Finally he did something right here.

[@jagermeister830]

Jersey Strong!! Go Souls Living legends Thanks guys, much love❤️🤘👍

[@veerchasm1]

I feel like I need a Tetanus shot looking at that rig. 👍🏻

[@user-kq2gt6eh9d]

Bryan’s basses 😍 The wear on the front of his #1 is insane!

[@jasonbruce8200]

Pete's shirt looks like it's as beat up as his guitars (said most respectfully). Seriously, Bouncing Souls has got me through some tough times. This bands attitude and demeanor are a great examples of how you young punkers should carry yourselves.

[@BucsRaysBolts]

One of the best rhythm sections in punk

[@clicheguevara9917]

bouncing souls and millencolin. so underrated!

[@robjgolde3221]

I’ve seen the Souls at least a dozen times, and their live sound is just killer. I swear Pete’s Les Paul and Bryan’s bass both sound a little bit better with every chip of paint that comes off.

[@BucsRaysBolts]

Pete is THE guitarist I think of when I see a Les Paul Custom

[@brandonrook9062]

The place in "Cleveland" is actually in Cincinnati "Mikes Music" is right next to Bogart's ...the vintage collection at Mikes is awesome

[@Benny_Howie]

So sick! I've been waiting weeks for this haha

[@markkassabian7171]

Thank you guys for a huge part of the tunes of my life...keep on rocking

[@maddydamian7194]

i've got the same svt3, and i fully agree, perfect sound for recording

[@louie9373]

Ampeg crushes all other bass cabs. You can literally play dead strings into em and they still have great tone.

[@TheNelsonfromnelson]

The secret of my "tone" :)

[@matthewheinecke2621]

Nothing beats a sealed 8x10. Unfortunately, my old ass back can't handle them anymore.

[@the_end00101]

this was awesome. love the bouncing souls. Rock Stars !

[@OhanaFilms]

This is the most Rig Rundown looking thumbnail that has ever existed!

[@brianbeattie4358]

10 on 10. More bands like this, please!!

[@groovyhippie1165]

Great Rig Rundown!

[@xVANIDOSx]

Good episode, but I wish The Pete play his guitar every single amp one at a time, to hear the tone and difference. Same for Brian, even though I'm not a bass player. Thanks for talking to my favoirite band! Please do The Menzingers!

[@NickMass35]

I believe Mikes Music is in Cincinnati next to a venue called Bogarts. Its a 3 story building and its an awesome shop.

[@codyfoster17]

Mike's is here in Cincinnati! Right next to Bogart's. Mike is a good friend of mine and is an awesome guy. Great dealer and knowledge!

[@rooftopboxer5970]

LOVE THIS BAND!!!!!

[@testbeeld2877]

Lovin the bass shots

[@franckydookie]

So cool !!

[@pittbrat7963]

Marshall should give him a medal! Just shows how fokkin reliable these amps are(even reissues). Eat that Besa Moogie!

[@proudflesh100]

the store bryan is talking about is mikes music in Cincinnati! right next to bogarts! its where i get most of my vintage gear now

[@JakesPhoto_]

Mike's a great guy! He did a appraisal on my Les Paul custom!!

[@EliseOfTheValley]

james poynter duuuude next time I’m at bogarts I need to check that shit out

[@brandonrook9062]

I Live in Cincy..my favorite place in the entire Queen City

[@eliwebster509]

In the words of Dave himself, "it's pronounced like Pause or Cause damnit. Also it's Men-zing-ers. Stoked for this none the less! Honest mistakes there. Thanks for this.

[@glassstooth]

“Produced some of my favourite bands!” *says Menzingers wrong*

[@louie9373]

Yeah I don't like the interviewer. When he isn't jittering all over the screen he's cutting people off mid sentence and it just seems like he needs to go do a line or something.

[@glassstooth]

That or he's just had one. Common thread in every rig rundown he does.

[@jimdown4374]

@@louie9373 I think he's always just genuinely excited to meet the bands and gets nervous. Id rather see someone stoked to be there than someone just trying to be cool.

[@jonorton4583]

And mispronounced Dave Hause's last name. (It rhymes with "pause")

[@ASM881]

Premier Guitar didn’t even ask “Who’s gonna throw the toilet off the roof?” Total missed opportunity.

[@DougCL781]

gotta do one for Hot Water Music.

[@allstopblue5717]

One day I will finally smarten up and stop reading comments on rig rundowns. Always full of some serious assholes. Love the content Premier Guitar.

[@AJbassist]

mike's music is in Cinci next to Bogart's music venue :) js I met architects boys there :) we go the same guitar shop for repairs

[@daviddutton9723]

big fan of Russo's! I'm closer to the Hamilton store now, but used to live by the one in Asbury. They have a lot of great stuff

[@DanLeRoy]

Nice shoutout for Russo’s, great music shop in Asbury

[@testbeeld2877]

COOLLLL!!!!!!

[@chrismonahan9988]

I'd skate NB in '89 and end up at their house on commercial. I wouldn't change a thing if I could.

[@fancykarlmarx]

Stickers on the bass neck

[@loganwright5046]

Please do Rancid!

[@MrJdatsun]

RANCID!

[@nimitz1739]

Dude must have acid sweat

[@jeffyeager6046]

Was hoping to see the Pro 4 settings he said he would show us

[@wolfey4138]

4.6 thousand views in 4 hours... that’s what beat up, road worn Marshalls and Gibson’s will do. Not this Kemper crap! RESPECT

[@andyalive]

Good...., human

[@MikeyVonSwank13]

If these rigs aren’t the definition of punk then I don’t know what is

[@Harford1171]

Millencolin rig rundown when? :-)

[@fabianschroter9071]

This Dude produced Dave Hause? He is GOD!

[@SilverandBlackLV]

The interviewer reminds me of Cody from Step By Step

[@adamwright7954]

I hate how the exit inn men's bathroom is literally on the stage and it's the only one in the building(including backstage).

[@jasonallwoodband6363]

Mike's Music is in Cincinnati, Ohio. Next to Bogart's

[@clintn6677]

Do you guys(Premier Guitar) read the comments? One thing thats consistent is people complaining about Perry's interviewing skills and rightly so. He needs to slow it down a bit and let the artists talk. I'm not sure if he is coked up, nervous, or ADHD. I'm trying to be constructive. Just slow it down and dont force it. You can be engaging without talking over people. These are some of my favorite videos on youtube but for the love of god get John B to give him some tips on interviewing.

[@wolfey4138]

Clint Norwood absolutely! Perry means well but WTH

[@clintn6677]

@@wolfey4138 he seems like a good guy he just needs to make some adjustments

[@powercourageandwisdom]

@@@clintn6677 - Perry really does need to change his habits. I hate when someone talks all over someone. It's really unprofessional. He comes off as a speed freak. At least that's what I think every interview video he does. And it sucks 'cause I really dig these rig rundowns. I'm almost afraid that if an artist knows Perry's doing the interview/rig rundown ahead of time, the artist might back out and not do the interview because the final cut is cringe worthy. I hope he changes his habits.

[@clintn6677]

@@powercourageandwisdom in contrast John Bollinger(sp?) conducts these efficiently and respectfully. Perry has been doing these long enough that he shouldnt be nervous or have anything to prove. Some of these are painful to watch

[@powercourageandwisdom]

@@clintn6677 I am watching it for a second time right now and it is so uncomfortable the second time. I dont know of his sense of humor makes him say the things he says but he comes across as rude/insulting as well as tweaking his as off. It almost appears that there is mental illness going on as much as drugs(uppers). It's sad if you think about it. He is lucky to still have his job.

[@russworst]

Who are The Mezingers?

[@guitarpunkcovers]

Listen to "I don't wanna be an asshole". Great band!

[@hanmanhra13]

Best melodic punk band in the east coast. They’re going to change the world mate

[@russworst]

You guys are referring to The Menzingers. I was just being a troll when I heard him say "The Mezingers". My bad. I'll escort myself out.

[@jeremyrafuse5330]

@@russworst I caught it. Other people are just... yeah.

[@omarloera86]

I hate to sound like a boomer. But les Paul and j bass? The Led Zeppelin duo

[@barano9729]

looks like someone has been urinating all over the gear.

[@wolfey4138]

Barano definitely beer/urine

[@jeremyrafuse5330]

Nah that's just sweat from putting on a good live show.

[@adamwhatley4710]

Now how about a Hot Water Music rig rundown......

[@retardant8039]

Pirate Style

[@powercourageandwisdom]

Are they amping off their asses or am I just having an early 90's flashback? The only thing missing besides chain smoking is walking sideways, cuttin' lines, know what I mean..

[@AlanShortySwanson]

Iron Front* sticker ;)

[@redrum427]

You can play punk with a broomstick and a trash can lid

[@adamtylermiller]

Shenanigans. No one is wearing Adidas. :)

[@adamwitner4410]

Bryan has Adidas shoes on

[@pluna138]

I’ve gone to Bryan’s shop about 6 times now, every time I see him he’s wearing Adidas Samba

[@sollyharr]

that old cab would not have/still had vintage 30's in it...those 1960a cabs had G12T 75watt celestions ..i thought these interviewer guys were supposed to know their shit?

[@jeremyrafuse5330]

You can get 1960AVs or BVs that have V30s in the cabs. DERP.

[@christianfriisjensen2055]

Not familiar with this band at all, but my god this whole rig is Extremely My Shit™ in terms of how beat up it is.

[@veerchasm1]

This interview may have surpassed the legendary NIN one in awkwardness

[@eatonturduckin8074]

Just saw them at the pony, stoked for summer tour!! Man it was a family reunion and I hated leaving Asbury to come home. Btw this guy interviewing is horrible. He seams annoying and doesn't know what he's talking about. My best friend painted brians place 2 years ago. Great job on his anchor out front!!

[@eatonturduckin8074]

Russos is the best place!!

[@eatonturduckin8074]

Ernie ball strings all day!

[@leewestwoodmusic]

I'm generally not one to leave bitchy comments, but this dude always talks constantly over the people he interviews - very tiring, and probably results in missing loads of cool stories from the artists. Chris and John is where it's at, they know how to interview.

[@jeremyrafuse5330]

@Toxic Potato the other interviewers don't do it though. This guy is just awkward and all hopped up on something.

[@rollipollirock]

This dudes gear is fucked, lol fender custom shop should take ques to make the weathering on relic strats look more real.

[@berlin-west4651]

Der Typ links redet zu viel..

[@MrMotherfuck123]

Whats up w the Interviewer, calm down.

[@fergalholmes]

What the fuck’s up with that interviewer? Take less speed before going on camera, son.