Steve Vai Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour [2023]

[@premierguitar]

Steve Vai Ibanez UV70P - sweetwater.sjv.io/k0JonM Ibanez JSM100 - sweetwater.sjv.io/ZQYykR DiMarzio Evolution Pickups - sweetwater.sjv.io/EKRZnX Ibanez Prestige AZ2203N - sweetwater.sjv.io/jrJONa Synergy Vai Signature Preamps - sweetwater.sjv.io/3emd6A Synergy BMan Preamps - sweetwater.sjv.io/Pym6Jq DigiTech Whammy DT - sweetwater.sjv.io/anrWvq Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Wah - sweetwater.sjv.io/k0MGAv

[@slrasnake]

Great video. Thanks for the pic outside the HOF John!

[@sharktroubles]

This tech has adopted many of Steve's mannerisms. He's like a mini Vai.

[@RamyMosbah1001]

I was actually thinking that too xD

[@normalwhiteguy1555]

Same, bro sounds just like him 😂

[@KowankoMusic]

Absolutely.

[@sharktroubles]

@@normalwhiteguy1555 Yeah, also facial and body movements.

[@lesjuly]

This is exactly right.....and kinda scary.

[@BoyAditya]

Man. Steve really scored big time! He found amazing guitar tech.

[@premierguitar]

Right?!

[@TeleCaster66]

He was mine, now he's gone...

[@joesatchton212]

A second amazing guitar tech. Let's not forget the legendary Thomas Nordegg XD

[@joerobinson2538]

Yes! His tech even talks like Steve and resembles him. I thought surely it is his son. Wild

[@strings31]

For real, how’s he not his son? He sounds just like him. And looks like him a bit too.

[@NormenHansen]

Guys, so awesome. No ego, no bullshit, just two guitar nerds and their passion. Soothed my soul.

[@gtrmusic69]

Full of ego. Always referring to himself. Never stops injecting himself in almost every dang sentence

[@andycummings-music]

See what jealousy does to some people?

[@worldofootballfc]

@@gtrmusic69cry more 😂😂. Doug has achieved more at 24 than you will ever in your career 😂

[@SteveFullerBikes]

Thomas Nordegg is a legend among Vai fans. Doug MacArthur is going to be in that same spot. After listening to him talk and explain Steve's rig, I can see why Steve selected him to be his next tech. Dare I say, he sounds a bit like a young Steve and displays a bit of the same sense of humor and lightness?

[@worldofootballfc]

I’ve listened to Doug play, sounds like vai, man can even play teeth of the hydra like Steve

[@KarlKarsnark]

his tech even has Steve's mannerisms and speech patterns.

[@Dptransom4u]

Right?! I was about to make this exact comment. He stands like him. He speaks like him. He makes jokes like him. He looks at the camera like him. It's apparent that he has been studying everything about him for years. It's a little creepy, honestly. I literally started the video over to get his name - I thought he might be one of Steve's sons.

[@KarlKarsnark]

@@Dptransom4u it's a bit uncanny, really. I guess they just spend A LOT of time around each other, but he said it's only been a year and half. also, he looks twelve to me, so I know I'm now just really, really old :)

[@megsrini5013]

Ikr !

[@susancorgi]

movements too

[@SeeMick1]

Steve managed to find a guitar tech who's as big a geek as he is

[@andycummings-music]

Dude you have no idea 😅

[@ApexChrisHansen]

I saw Steve play in a 300ish seat theater in Bar Harbor last summer. Doug is a cool guy. As everyone was leaving after the show he was tidying up on stage and took the time to ask how the show was. I ended up asking for Steve’s printed set list that was taped to the floor in front of him while he played and Doug peeled it up and gave it to me.

[@Yoni168]

I love these rig rundowns, they introduce me to great new up up-and-comers like this Vai fella

[@markdoolan3424]

That bloke Slash is coming up fast haha!

[@joshuajamesmusic]

Yeah, gotta give these no-namers a chance.

[@kiezersosay49]

ENOUGH! A real forgotten Hero is Roy Clark. Dude was a monster... check him out.

[@Noisehead101]

And that new Django guy with 2 fingers, he's still a bit underground now but no doubt he'll be a big name soon

[@christopbutto]

Isn't he in that band called The Three Steves with Steve Vai, Steve Morse, Steve Lukather, and Alex Lifeson?

[@monkeyfinger7949]

Man! I learned so much from this tech! He knew the history of everything. He knew the tech specs. He refretted the guitars. He planed the necks, He made the pedal boards and the racks. This kid has some serious tech skills, and even though I have been messing with this kind of stuff for decades, he took me to school..

[@zachtheguitarmaniac]

Doug was awesome. Best rig rundown I've seen in a long time.

[@premierguitar]

thanks!

[@Iam_Dunn]

Doug, I know you stated you weren’t going to read the comments … but… :) If you do see this, I want to thank you for the tour of Steve’s rig. Your knowledge and very evident, passion for your craft is awesome! Steve is blessed to have you in his corner watching his back! :) ❤ from 🇨🇦 :)

[@dougmacarthur]

Aww, that’s so sweet! Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed!

[@andycummings-music]

​@@dougmacarthurDude this is surreal 😅 we used to talk about PG RR all the time!

[@Tabrez79]

Doug is a mini incarnation of Vai, a very sweet and humble chap, met him in one of the evo experiences, great musician and guitar tech, all the best to him!

[@worldofootballfc]

Have you heard him play? I asked him to play for me last year in vegas. Man sounds like vai 100%

[@migueloscar]

What a cool kid, I thought he was Steve's song at first, anyway he seems like he has accumulated great knowledge.

[@josearjona3728]

This man will remain as a legend forever

[@buckdancer421]

Yeah this tech is next level

[@endezeichengrimm]

Do you mean Steve Vai or the other guy?

[@pabloveloso5790]

Thomas nordegg will be a legend

[@allendean9807]

As always, John is the man. Best gear breakdowns in the business….

[@隠れた花]

I agree the breakdowns from them are the best but as far as host this is my least favorite, he just seems fake to me and he doesn’t even really listen to the techs, he just says “right” “yeah” then asks the next question and also misses great opportunities to talk about interesting subjects. Seems to make the techs and musicians uncomfortable but that’s just the vibe I get

[@CedricsSpecialLP]

@@隠れた花 Go watch the Uli Jon Roth Rig Rundown. For most of the Video Uli is talking with John mostly standing beside him giving a few remarks from time to time. I also don’t think he is acting fake, he’s probably just an overjoyous person.

[@Jukalvez]

a man who loves his job! so nice to see it

[@andrewpappas9311]

Steve’s first RR is still one of my absolute favourites so it’s definitely cool to see another one from him after so long, dude is undoubtedly an absolute beast of a player and seems like a genuinely nice guy from all I’ve seen and heard with him

[@obsidian7644]

I've watched all of the rig rundowns and John is the best, the man knows his stuff and asks great questions. The man is always happy with good vibes. Kudos to premier guitar 👏

[@TerrapinStation]

That guitar tech is amazing. Good on you man, congrats on an amazing gig.

[@wesdavis8797]

Saw Vai / Satch last night. Vai had one of the best guitar sounds I've ever heard. So well mixed into the band and cut through when it needed to. Really god stuff.

[@billzakill1257]

Doug seems like such a great charismatic guy. Reminds me of Vai so much and steve really has found the perfect guy to take the reins from Thomas.

[@scottbookman]

The tech is a mini Steve.

[@vayabroder729]

Absolutely!! The way he speaks and his mannerisms remind me of a younger Steve!

[@cesarurbani2294]

This guy has so much passion for his work, I believe Steve found a great one to work with. Love to hear him.

[@MauiBoyTrav]

Why does this feel like Steve Jr. talking about Steve Sr's gea? I love it. Nice work Doug! You had huuuuuge shoes to fill and it looks like you've gone above and beyond.

[@jeremylive31500]

Thank you for this delightful moment! I really enjoyed our conversation; it was informative, interesting, and fun. Doug is the man 🤘

[@HiOctane62]

Doug is a good friend of mine and has put a few of my guitars together and also done all more guitar work before he got this gig. Doug looking forward to you getting back and hearing the stories. Shawn

[@larryrock11]

Doug is such an incredible tech, and a genuine nice guy! He answered every question in amazing detail when I met him in Charleston last year! EVERYONE on the Vai tour is over the top awesome!

[@reverb508]

Steve managed to find a tech as charismatic as himself. Great rundown!

[@supersonicej]

I nominate this guy for guitar tech of the year!

[@kma6658]

Dougie!! So proud of your accomplishments. Miss you back home buddy!

[@findJLF]

You tell tell 'why' he is Steve's tech. I just is a "do" guy - he does the work - can create the stand and gets the "see more Vai". ,,, really nails it.

[@phillipjennings963]

This is awesome! What a great guitar tech Doug is. Fantastic interview!

[@ruggie.74]

Vai must absolutely love this kid. Lucky to have him!

[@handle433]

Can’t wait to see this gear on the next G3 tour!!!! Roll on 2024!!

[@CesarHuescaMusic]

GREAT rundown!

[@chrislancaster7162]

This is the best rig rundown in so long. The fella is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the gear. If this is one end of the spectrum then the Clapton one is the other end. 🥱

[@Big_betty2]

Got the pleasure of being there and meeting the guys from the crew and from premier guitar. All such lovely people.

[@BigPerm2004]

Small correction, the Jem was released in 1987 😂. But all jokes aside, this was a fantastic and informative rundown. This young man is awesome!

[@andersestes]

Q: What do you do for a living? A: I'm a gitar tech/comedian What a nice and funny guy, Vai surround himself with sweet people

[@ryangunwitch-black]

What a great idea for monitoring guitars on stage. We always insist on big amps on stage so we can hear because we don’t love the sound of guitar through regular monitors. The drummer gets a little in a side fill next to him but for the most part he wants to hear my amps. Wedged guitar monitors with proper amping and speakers! What a cool solution. Maybe one day we’ll have money to do that!😂

[@LRstrat]

HEY! I was at that show, freaking great 4th time seeing Steve Via. What made this show better was I got to meet Mr. Vai afterwords.

[@michaelbrunetto4491]

I don't listen to Steve Vai ever, but I love Steve Vai because he is an unapologetically ridiculous person, and I love him for that.

[@chrisbarclay]

Can’t wait to see him again. Such a giving virtuoso

[@CoveredByKyle_]

On top of being on top of it, Doug is also a truly sick guitar player!

[@jorgeocampo1794]

Top-notch interview love that you went through his stuff in the guitars. Excellent job.

[@mayhemmm]

It happened in Ankara -the Capital city of Turkey-. I was there. Thanks for the great show and performance🤘

[@theariesexperiment4642]

Passion & Warfare changed everything for me as a player. Now this is no exaggeration. I started dissecting P & W in 98. I'm 48 now and I'm still working out Alien Water Kiss. Lol

[@ambc38vsxn]

What an incredible video I have just seen! Visited Steve’s concert some months ago and still have this “touched the legend” feeling. What a great time to be alive!

[@DarrenMatthes]

Listening to these guys talk about music and gear does my soul good.

[@pkdude5334]

this tech is awesome, he's so excited about this gear and willing to share

[@RolanTHUNDER]

Doug is in such a privileged position! I'd love to have his job 😃I did not know that Evo has a bridge Evolution turned the other way around for coil splitting reasons. Very clever. Thank you Steve Vai and thank you Doug for being such a good tech for Steve to rely on 🎸

[@myopicautisticmetal9035]

I, too love the gold frets, just something about the gold fret wire, it just feels like I am playing on melted butter without the grease!

[@smartrn1]

Literally no human on planet earth has better posture than the interviewer.

[@JAFOpty]

Feels like Doug was hired specifically to do Rig Rundowns! great presentation!

[@cogee89]

"it's shockingly loud" I saw Steve in August, and loud is an understatement... it was awesome

[@RicShaa]

Went to a steve vai show about 7 years ago. I’ve had tinnitus ever since

[@cogee89]

@@RicShaa worth it?

[@dylannolan2000]

@@RicShaasame.

[@RicShaa]

@@cogee89 thats a tough one, but I would have to go with no 😂

[@AngryPeasants]

Thanks guys! Awesome.

[@VPB1218]

God I’m so thankful for these videos. I nerd out to this content every time I see a new one.

[@DevouredByADream]

What's wild is how much this guitar tech and Steve's new rhythm guitarist BOTH look like younger versions of Steve.

[@liamdeery4067]

Yeah and this Guy SOUNDS like Steve when he talks. The cadence and speech pattern is the same to my ears!

[@DevouredByADream]

@liamdeery4067 yeah it's similar. Could be potentially am artifact of working closely with him for an extended period of time too.

[@cogee89]

Dante is so good too. Matches Steve's stage presence, and plays like a beast

[@BUNKERJR53]

Vai's tech knows Steve's every move. He will be around for years.

[@admbrnk3665]

This may be a weird way to compliment a guitar tech, but this guy is a good public speaker.

[@Sconzanator]

Ive been waiting for this one! Got to do the Evo experience in Tucson this year. Had such an amazing time checking out the gear!! Thank you Doug for your time and thank you Premier Guitar!!!!

[@phillybri]

Anybody else mystified by the face that Vai’s guitar tech speaks EXACTLY like Steve? 😳

[@StratMatt777]

It's like an extreme form of calm and relaxation, no need to rush for any reason. I wonder if it has to do with meditation and all that stuff (that I don't know anything about)?

[@rlm4471]

​​@@StratMatt777In Steve's case, I think spirituality is a big part of it. I don't like to hold people up as heroes, but Steve is as close as it comes for me. He's a beautiful person.

[@HWMLND]

15:15 “You know it’s got the low-pro cosmo black tremolo.” Nice flow bro!

[@HWMLND]

And with the DiMarzio?! That’s one bad horsey, no?!

[@BillLarkinmusic]

The man behind the smoke and mirrors is a genius too!

[@tonedover]

kid has class. loved nerding out with this rundown!

[@handle433]

His tech even sounds like him!!! That gentrified NY thing haha

[@robrero]

It's like Steve made a clone of himself to handle the tech duties.

[@TheSnakelies]

The new guitar tech speaks and has the same gestures as Steve Vai!

[@Arpeggio3]

This bloke is very professional n passionate. What a great tech 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@FuriousMess]

really cool rig rundown. GREAT tech, just a treat thanks

[@SalvoVecchioGuitar]

I'm surprised that Steve doesn't use any Pia. The Jams last forever!!

[@vaportrails7943]

Assuming Doug MacArthur isn’t Steve’s son, it’s funny how much he’s absorbed Steve’s personality and accent. 😄 He’s like mini-Steve.

[@MrKevburg]

Another GREAT Rig Rundown!!!

[@andrewcorsini3423]

Really knowledgeable tech, great to see Steve picked another great one.

[@anthonyjohnson4734]

That young man is a genius no wonder he’s working for The Man. If I could afford him he would be my neighbor.

[@EthanCaouette]

Doug is the man and so knowledgeable he has worked on many of my guitars and is an all around great tech and dude

[@ManiacX-rf3nx]

I actually was wondering why evo had a low pro thank you so freakin much

[@MrWillyWonka]

"Take me through the whole enchilada" lmfao LOVE IT!!!

[@deano-uv6dr]

Really enjoyed this , thank you very much from wales .👍

[@miterbox7031]

Best rig rundown ever.

[@peteytwofinger]

saw the inviolate tour - it was like nothing i ever witnessed . i f you have not yet been to see SV perform put him at the top of your list . its incredible . i have seen most of the top name players including beck clapton malmsteen govan gilmour blackmore belew fripp ,and many more btw . vai is on another plane . it was like seeing a super hero . enjoyed this - Doug is great !

[@carliniguitar]

Between Doug, Steve, and Dante, this has got to be one of the most fun, high performance, technically proficient, but easy going groups anyone can work with.

[@Stratman5150]

John, these are always awesome! You always ask the right questions!

[@marcosovideo]

This guitar tech is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable! I wonder if he has a youtube channel of him just talking about guitars/gear/luthery... that would be an insta sub for me

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Awesome! Great stuff! Many thanks :)

[@ruggie.74]

"You could go have a bite." LOL love this kid

[@jcardpress]

Cool young dude, love this

[@Turboy65]

Do what AC/DC does. Their touring rig includes a large Kikusui AC power regenerator system and UPS that ensures that all the sensitive gear (And the stack of Marshalls) all get absolutely consistent power, on voltage and on frequency, no matter what the supply from the house is doing.

[@SnappyJCM800]

I saw Steve in St. Louis and loved it. His concert was load and awesome

[@emersonranara9124]

What a pleasure to listen to, this new tech. Cool guy!

[@heyjarrod]

The guy even talks, just like Steve, ha ha. What a great gig. He can go for a long time, like Norberg. 😝🤘🏻🎸🇺🇸

[@JohnGauge790]

This dude is a Jedi level guitar nerd. Impressive.

[@rareform6747]

This Tech pulling strings is SO COOOOL 💫

[@Gibfenez]

John, best hair in the business! Does the best interviews! Plays like a monster! Thanks John.

[@cato451]

Bought my G3 tickets this morning. Can’t wait!

[@TotesJustin]

Amazing content!

[@DarthDookie69]

That Strat-Jem even has the volume knob that gets in the way of picking

[@GerryBlue]

Amazing rundown, very detailed, thanks!

[@premierguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@methyod]

JB has good taste in JEMs, the OG floral pattern is one of the coolest looking guitars of all time.

[@russellward4624]

The blue floral is awesome as well. Only negative is it tends to go green. I think from the sun maybe?