Steve Vai's Guitar Rig for Metropole Orchestra Show 2023

[@DesertDweller1]

My Steve Vai story: In 1999-2000, while I was in high school, my older brother found a CD on the ground in a supermarket parking lot. It was The Ultra Zone by Steve Vai. He said he listened to it, but it wasn't his thing, so he gave me the CD. That CD lead me on a course of discovery from Vai's time with Alcatraz, to DLR, and Whitesnake. Almost 20 years later, in 2018, I got to share the stage with Vai in a 4 person jam that included Larry Mitchell at the Jam-a-thon in Hollywood. This was pre-covid, so I even got to hang out backstage. It was surreal. -Peace, Love, and good happiness stuff.

[@Twobarpsi]

Cool story 🤘

[@robb4340]

Beautiful Story and Experience.

[@DesertDweller1]

@@robb4340 Thank you.

[@MusicByDamienA]

What kind of horrible human being would leave a Vai CD on the ground in a PARKING LOT 😭😭 cruel world

[@HarlanHarvey76]

Ok... this guy has been around Steve so much that his voice timbre and cadence have morphed into an image of Steve himself😮. I swear the first 30 seconds could have convinced me I was listening to Steve...

[@docdaytona108]

I was about to post effectively this exact same reply! It really is remarkable!

[@carstenaltena]

I thought "oh fun, the guitar tech is his son or nephew" or something.

[@andycummings-music]

You think that's something? You should hear Doug play 🔥

[@larsheuker]

Its a weird phenomenon, but this is how accents, language and culture develops

[@docdaytona108]

@@larsheuker No question. Still, it’s kind of amusing seeing such an immediate, blatant example including two unrelated people. It almost comes across as a perpetual impression!

[@Carlos-v8m1k]

I will tell a little about my experience yesterday at the metropolitan theater...Absolutely everything was amazing, every song was unreal, truly amazing. After the concert I went with my best friend to the back exit of the Metropolitan Theater hoping to see him one last time after for the love of god...however Steve had a very nice surprise for us...even after the show, his incredible tour and even after giving his all on stage He stopped the transport and went down to greet us, hug us and sign shirts, guitars, guitar back covers (my case... and he also kept my bookmark hahaha incredible)❤ ...beyond the figure he projects as an artist, he is a loving person, very humble and wise...that is what has made him go so far accompanied by his incredible talent and virtuosity...That's Steve vai... Thank you very much teacher *we'll see you in Berklee*

[@BenJeva]

He looks like Steve and even has some of his mannerisms. You can tell they spend a lot of time together.

[@andycummings-music]

You should hear him play! He sounds like a cross between Steve Vai and Jeff Beck.

[@RichardGarcia93]

When you’re around Steve so much that you even start to speak and have mannerisms very similar to him. Love it.

[@andycummings-music]

Nobody will believe Doug talked like that long before he met Steve 😅

[@walterevans2118]

@@andycummings-music Where I come from in the UK with 6 years of English Private Schooling EVERYBODY talks the SAME. Like some idealised character called ‘LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY BUSTARD BRAT’ where everyone sounds soo ‘FRAFFLY WELL SPAKEN’ and sounds like they were born with a silver spoon in their mouth (or with the boarders up their ass)

[@walterevans2118]

You just cannot IMAGINE how much I hated the English Private School system in the 1970s.

[@zekejeager2451]

Bro, even the way he walks and his hands move while doing and walking something. Damn.

[@RichardGarcia93]

@@walterevans2118 do tell?

[@frankierodriguez8661]

This young tech is a great addition to the team. Well done Steve, young blood as you were with Frank back in the day !

[@danielluna1818]

Doug is such a nice person ! He gave me Steve’s set list from the Vegas House of Blues show in September! Didn’t get the set list from next night in Phoenix, but I tried . We hung out and waited for Steve cuz he told us Steve would come out and say hello before they left . Nice person for the tip and list .

[@rpproductions4445]

So cool! I absolutely love rig rundowns like this

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I wish this was filmed as a sequel to Visual Sound theories! the DVD that made me play guitar :)

[@Jmilillo]

This is gold. Thank you for sharing this with us, Steve!

[@Boldaslove71]

Maybe it's me but Doug almost sounds like Steve when he speaks.

[@DesertDweller1]

Yes, you're not crazy, his mannerisms are similar too.

[@patoapu]

I saw him live here in Argentina.. he walks just like Steve too! 😅

[@millerbeer01]

Hey Guys, Doug here... Is this the love child he has with Schwarzenegger? 😮

[@andycummings-music]

​@@millerbeer01 < not Doug.

[@dougmacarthur]

You guys are cracking me up! 😂

[@Zerback]

I don't t think there is a more beautiful guitar that a jem floral pattern blue

[@geezberry8889]

3:29 i know steve doesnt like noise gates but the FM3 has a really good one that would eliminate that hiss and not choke off notes.

[@oneboyband6554]

What a legend. One of the reasons i started playing guitar🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@Pat54guitares_Uku]

Impressing ! I think the sound engineers and all the technical musical staff are as talented as the musicians because they do much about the show for the sounds, the technics to perform well, the instruments, the lights, and so on... Added of being musicians too.

[@atomnater]

Dante: look at my cool multi effect pedal!!! Doug: OUR multi effect unit ;)

[@babybluesky9238]

I think it's amazing that Steve is playing with these guys again

[@francesco_generali_guitarist]

I love that Steve Vai always surrounds himself with young guys and always uses new technologies and how he helps all those people introduce themselves into the music business.

[@walterevans2118]

Did you mean with his FAVOURED NATIONS label ? …yes, that’s how I discovered Mattias Eklundh,,,Greg Koch and Andy Timmons.

[@walterevans2118]

Yes it’s nice to have a musician friendly label….Yes.

[@jassguitarvideo]

​@@walterevans2118 me too, first i Discover Devin Townsend, wich change My life entirely, and then, other great musicians, like Zappa, Mike Keneally, Billy sheehan, Mattias Ia Eklundh, gregg bissonette,...

[@walterevans2118]

@@jassguitarvideo yes. I discovered Devin through the Sex and Religion album…When I heard his VOICE on that 1993 recording I literally could not BELIEVE what I was hearing.

[@walterevans2118]

@@jassguitarvideo Mike Keneally I first saw LIVE at the G3 concerts in 1996 switching from keyboards to guitar and choral sitar. I was totally blown away by his live contributions to the Attitude Song….Billy went right back to DLR in 1986 although I was aware of his writing in GP Magazine in 1985 and supporting VH in Talas in the early 1980s. Greg was mid 1980s too. Mattias’ FREAK GUITAR albums were just BONKERS good. As is his stuff with Freak Kitchen.

[@gUstavoaNDrees]

Tech de steve vai !! Tech del mejor guitarrista de la historia de la.musica ❤🎉

[@kimr45]

Awesome video! I've been out of the Vai loop for a minute, did Thomas retire?

[@rafaelaferreiradefreitassi6592]

I would like to see a video playing with the BFP 77, it's beautiful, I haven't seen it in Steve Vai's hands yet.

[@mrtnsnp]

The rig may be simplified, the concert was absolutely fantastic. Wonderful experience.

[@KSaw777]

Awesome!! I can't wait to see you guys again in July!! \m/

[@isaaccaravaca6467]

Yeaaa Steve

[@EricJMyrick]

Go Steve!

[@ronnieparfait]

Doug has Steve’s mannerisms and demeanor, it’s kinda freaky. 🤘🏼✌🏼

[@raymond2795]

Cheers, excellent video!

[@SeanCrowleyMusic]

Awesome, love what you guys do!

[@Pat54guitares_Uku]

Oh I won’t miss to watch it ! 😍

[@stanpacault93360]

Yeah 🤟 awesome rig !

[@uncleremus64]

That's the same green on-off switch (above the volume pedal) that I use on my Christmas tree.

[@edge3220]

Rigs and setups go way over my head, but it's still fun to hear talked about.

[@manongdimboi]

the one and only!!

[@jlgomezmarquezmusic]

Master 🤘🏻🎸 Steve Vai 🤘🏻🎸 🇻🇪

[@one8s7n]

The white jem7 ibanez sells is my dream guitar. One of these days I'll save enough to buy one

[@ReVeRbx-fe5wr]

The JEM77-FP2 is one of my absolute favorite JEMS!

[@nickcabrera3982]

So much gear... couldn't find a lav mic. ;) Great video!

[@andycummings-music]

Fun fact: Doug's all time favorite movie is Cape Fear starring Robert DeNiro, it's his Citizen Kane, his I Ching. Literally, he carries a copy of the script with him. So if you ever run into Doug, lay a Cape Fear quote on him and just watch his reaction ❤

[@andycummings-music]

@@dougmacarthur I learned that trick in prison, ya like?

[@walterevans2118]

That was a creepy remake of the Robert Mitchum one…Some of it made me feel ill.😢

[@WutipongWongsakuldej]

I'm surprised Steve still using the Gemini. When it firstly came out I thought he's gonna use it only for a few gigs.

[@Guitar-Ed]

That has to sound amazing!

[@mladen777]

Super cool video! But what is that SSL audio interface doing on the cab there?

[@karineribeiroribeiro7373]

Wow😍So much talent hehehehe👏👏👏👏🌹❤

[@steveweilhart2359]

very cool set up

[@gadymarcus2362]

Magnifico.💰💰💰💰💰💰

[@cortarelva]

What are the speakers in those "rented cabinets" and are they going to be used in the show?

[@walterevans2118]

They are MARSHALL 4 x 12s I think cortarelva.

[@Jordy666sic]

What's the song playing in the background? Sounds amazing!

[@driftstickrollinfs4117]

amazing bro ! 👍

[@jorgemeneses9768]

Esperando mañana Perú.😊

[@KKplaysit]

RG752AHM Royal Plum Burst in the backgroun there too =)

[@yoyoyuyu234476]

What's with the green guitar?

[@Takealookatmychannelhere]

❤Fractal nature of the universe and everything in it 😁💚😇🦄

[@philnicol8072]

Anything with a fixed bridge ? ( Highly unlikely ) 😁 *Steve has total control over the electric guitar* He can make the instrument do anything! 🎸 👍

[@Extremist1977]

Does anyone know what tubes Steve prefers in Synergy and in Vai -module?

[@jeremythornton433]

This makes me wonder why anybody needs a huge rig live.

Nice!!! ❤

[@Mr.Scary5150]

where is thomas????

[@wireman24]

I see the green Ibanez Ep7 acoustic in the guitar vault. Is Steve using that model again?

[@JeroenN657]

Steve wanted to try it and maybe use it for the Fire Garden suite, but he opted eventually not to.

[@paulbucci4126]

Doug, What are all those Blue Guitar Picks on top of the speaker cabinet ??

[@dougmacarthur]

We played around a little recently with going back to a lighter gauge pick, so I grabbed some of the 1.0mm tortex, for Steve to play with. At the moment though, we’re using a cross between his normal 1.5mm touring picks, and a custom Dunlop 1.14mm pick. Hope that helps, thanks

[@celiomanzanete9474]

S E N S A C I O N A L

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

✨🎸✨

[@firewalker6712]

How is Steve going to play in that little space? He likes to move around a lot when performing.

[@ElZorrotruck]

Thomas is still around, right?

[@Jmilillo]

I believe Steve just has two guitar techs now

[@Liam20067]

Retired I thought

[@JeroenN657]

Thomas doesn't tour with Steve anymore, that's now being taking care of by Doug, who was guided into this work by Thomas.

[@chriscarol4965]

I was also wondering…. Last year he has been on tour with Steve, but this year it seems Doug took over?

[@ダークキュゥべえ]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@randyhetlage9202]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@willpaulosilwa]

Very good

[@gab.lab.martins]

I’m really surprised Steve isn’t using the Morley wah anymore.

[@paki26th36]

Cool

[@tonyfernandez9188]

Awesome. I’m starting to really believe he’s not feeling the PIA’s. He rarely uses them live.

[@billzakill1257]

This was a small performance and o think he just prefers to play guitars he’s sentimental with like the bad horsie, Flo 3 and evo

[@kipponi]

The fan also plays an important role for the hair 😂😎.

[@quentinjorstad6211]

Lately, I noticed with Steve Vai’s set up he is using the fractal axe three with the FM9 which is weird to me because aren’t they both technically the same unit ? Is he just using the FM9 as a foot controller for the Fractal axe 3? Not sure what’s going on there.

[@JeroenN657]

It's an FC-12, not FM9.

[@quentinjorstad6211]

But I don’t see an FC-12 in this video

[@JeroenN657]

@@quentinjorstad6211 Sorry - thought you meant his regular touring rig. This is an FM 6 with an FC 6 (not yet in this video, it came the day after we shot this) - the FC6 was used by Doug to switch patches from his guitar Booth. No AxeFX III in this setup.

[@quentinjorstad6211]

Ahhh gotcha good to know! I’m slowly putting together Steve’s rig at home just got Fryette 2/90/2 and Synergy Rack! Just need the Brains (Fractal3). Also planning to do the evo experience backstage and go through a guided tour of his rig.

[@bsjeffrey]

he sure uses a lot of music stands.

[@gunturpahlawan]

i think that's some important leaks 👌

[@gtrplyr67]

LOL 4:00 the guitar has a built in handle and he still grabs it by the horn 🤣

[@-plexico-]

Ah, would we share FM3 presets if we promise to like, share and support?

[@cdnpunk2270]

Is there a reason why he now prefers the Lo Pro Edge as opposed to the original?

[@TheGgreen100]

There's no way this isn't Steve's son.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The Rented Cabinets cried when he said they're not important. Lol

[@adreenal]

Yeah, but does it chug! 🧐

[@kingvkelly2313]

is it just me or is he like a young wise steve vai

[@davenelson8187]

…and I thought hooking up my 5.1 home theater system was a chore 😮

[@jhonemilecuriantun8360]

todavia no se que potes ponerle a mi POSITIVE.. !? se los cambie 4 veces.. ahora estoy con unos miniaturas chinos.. y antes tenia di marzio.. pero pierden ganancia.. esta todo soldado no falta nada .. en ( black box) .. pero los potes son malos .. a veces uno les pone marcas grossas.. pero tampoco sirven... te puedo mandar una photo de mi circuito .. !?

[@readygo6509]

Hi steve

[@MuadDib1402]

Look at the state Evo is in! lol

[@FrancescoCristian]

What about PIA?

[@JohnWiku]

Steve has run every rack effect and pedal in existence, still hasn't discovered noise gates 😂😂😂

[@andylaw4988]

Says he doesnt like them as they choke his tone. Also in a recent tech video, this dude said that all his subtle.nuances are lost of he uses a gate. I kind of agree that the gates are very much a choke

[@bsjeffrey]

i didn't know christian slater was a guitar tech.

[@SubhadeepDas]

Why isn't he using the new Pia guitars?

[@JeroenN657]

He is, on his regular tour. For this gig, he only brought two guitars.

[@markbirchette8740]

What gauge strings?

[@dougmacarthur]

9-42 on Evo/Flo, thanks

[@thembarrai8766]

1.1k 127 views We are in wrong era

[@PooNinja]

I use the same push button extension cord!!!!

[@PooNinja]

I’m pretty sure it activates the fan. 🪭

[@walterevans2118]

@@PooNinja ‘poo Ninja’ ? ….Is that ‘everybody was Kung Fu Farting’ ?

[@edhinoamusoffa4893]

Where's Thomas Nordegg?

[@sethkaicer319]

Steve Vai and I resurrect The evil Dead and make fun of them. 😂😂😎

[@walterevans2118]

I don't understand ?

[@dengrowsana4444]

Sampurasunn Vaii Idola gueee semoga mualaf

[@Cristiangioful]

what happened to tomas?

[@JeroenN657]

Thomas has retired from touring with Steve and introduced Doug to the Vai team. Thomas has s done a few short tours with Lindsy Buckingham but I guess his main focus these days is his 'exodus' to Vienna.

[@slapitman]

"...just some rented cabinets, not that important"....Ok so the stuff the sound comes out of after the amp produces it from the artists hand. Sounds kind of important to me, no?

[@Breegr]

He has the Vai mannerisims and phonics down pat. talk about an echo chamber...

[@gtrmusic69]

Very low volume in this video

[@tymanngruter1808]

Steve keep on innovathe, the music was that good, not of this earth!

[@dougckelly]

I see that you've solved the issue of losing picks... Just have a metric crapload of them on hand... problem solved!

[@damianneve]

Myself and others like me could really use help from legend like you. The system has destroyed my career as well as many others. Since 2000 I've hit every terrible issue the business could provide. Work stolen, socials deleted, cheated every way possible, the works. I was essentially an orphan so they got away with it. It doesn't matter if your a virtuoso in this age it only matters who is protecting you. If you heard my story you would be sick. There has to be thousands like me that need help. It would be great while you're still alive to organize those on your level to stop the abuse of those coming afterward. I got to play your guitar with your blood in it on this single I just released recorded at sound factory in nc, but I can't show anyone because they deleted everything my life again. All I have left is this account for work which is restricted and a soundcloud with film scores and some metal. That was my last push and the system has won. Please save the next generation. 🙏