Studio Tour - Steve Vai's Harmony Hut

www.premierguit... PG's Jason Shadrick is on location in Steve Vai's backyard inside his personal recording studio dubbed the Harmony Hut. In this segment, we get to check out all the gear, speakers, EQ devices, and rackmount gear guitarist Steve Vai used to record his newest album -- The Story of Light.
Be sure to check out all of PremierGuitar's 1700 other videos online at www.premierguit...

[@steveforwarduk]

an interesting fact. Steve Vai wanted all this great gear, but couldn't afford it, so he started his own equipment rental company. he now owns every piece of gear you could want. whenever I watch or listen to Steve Vai, I look past the guitarist, he understands the business of being in music, and what it takes to formulate ideas and plans and follow them through.

[@crimsun7186]

I believe he still owns The Mothership, which is a large professional recording studio.

[@studioheathco]

Yes, this is exactly what I was thinking while watching this. People are really missing the depth of his insight when they solely focus on his guitar playing.

[@Catbus-Driver]

@@studioheathco Which people are apparently missing the depth of his insight....?

[@studioheathco]

@@Catbus-Driver It's just a general statement, not aimed at anyone specifically on this thread. Growing up listening to him, he was often pigeon-holed for a good long while as someone who was just a "shredder." People missed that he has so many other facets, from composer to engineer/producer/studio owner to label owner to music/self-help guru.

[@lueyteledeluxe7457]

You can't lose when you're one of the greatest, and jn-demand guitarists in the world at the time (and all time, imo), and every company is throwing theor gear /services at you, just for the honour of him having used it! Royalties keft right & centre...not hust fir Jems ...but for Ibanez's biggest seller, the RG... Aswell as royalties from music from several streams...other gear he endorses/ lets them slap his name/logo on... Not to take away from him, hes a legend, and well within my top 5 players... but he was too big to fail. He would beeded a drug addiction, and crippling one at that, on order to offset the gushing torrrential river of success he was riding... And even then, it would be 50/50...a lotta lesser artists survive addictions, and retain their careers...

[@MatthewMacFarlaneMusic]

Steve Vai does some of the best interviews. Interesting guy and great musician!

[@TheRealHucasys]

+Matthew MacFarlane Yeah, dull interviewer though...

[@MatthewMacFarlaneMusic]

Apparently bona fide guitar heroes have a license to wear sun shades anywhere any time : )

[@maninthecrowd5076]

@NicWithoutaK the first thing he learned from Joe Satriani was to string a guitar and wear glasses all the time.😎

[@AdamSpade]

I think I must have watched this 2 dozen times by now.

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

It was almost 4 o'clock :-/

[@overdogg74]

I have never been so fascinated and so clueless at the same time. I know nothing about gear but to hear Steve talk is like listening to poetry. Imagine being a world class musician and having such an encyclopedic knowledge of the recording process to boot. Some people are just gifted beyond all measure.

[@christianconnett]

The guy doing the interview had no clue either. It's ok - I even got lost a little along the way... It's a VAI thing. LoL

[@josd6387]

Steve Vai always has so much patience with people. It's great to see someone so genuine make it to the top of the heap.

[@dapperdanman1956]

Vai is one of the most stand up guys in music ever Just a great, sharing personality. I tuned in Around1983, and the licks from Steve will penetrate The musical minded like nothing else. When I put on vai, I am fed a large dose of I Can,playing with confidence and no doubt. Steve shares readily, his techniques with enthusiasm. Also his comrade, The great Dave wiener with so much musical intelligence And a great personality. And would not fail to mention, the great Tony mcalpine, Who is a walking shred fest. From classically trained piano, by six yrs his first big recital, so impressive and another great personality. Unselfish with there knowledge, Really stand up humans.

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

"I only collect guitars that I actually use." - *Has a thousand.* That's what we all claim, Steve. :P

[@YellowFruit01]

Every time I listen to a Steve Vai album, I am left without a doubt that he has given his very best, even when I don't like some of the songs. His approach to self-development and not settling for mediocrity is inspirational.

[@kanaK2Nakal]

Such a funny and humble dude. respect

[@thexspyder1]

lol he's funnny, but humble? nah not really you should watch more videos of him talking guitar, designs ext ext

[@vickydomino9120]

I think you’re confusing arrogance with intelligence. He did go to Berkeley for crying out loud

[@IlIlIlIlIllIllII]

He seems like such a down to earth guy. Definitely a chill dude.

[@goognamgoognw6637]

Mr Steve Vai, just a class act. To the point and interesting to listen to.

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

What a gorgeous studio... I don't usually fall for the vintage gear setups, but it's hard not to love a place that meticulously assembled. And it just looks so damned relaxing.

[@InsertName125]

He's giving a full tour of the studio I plan to have for myself, just as soon as I win the PowerBall.

[@TimScottGuitar]

Man, this is some of the most amazing racks I've ever seen anywhere, in any studio!!!! Awesome stuff Mr Vai :)

[@warnerww83]

My favorite line from this whole video regarding his eq board "That's the way its always been done, that's my cue to change it" Explains a lot.

[@ramzes0205]

amazing collection of vintage gear.

[@nativejimmy4036]

Very inspiring and just an overall great guy, Very humble too...

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

I second the comment about Steve doing great interviews. He's always enthusiastic. He's knowledgeable and comes off like he enjoys giving them and speaks like an instructor to a class. Knows his schitt and has a great sense of humor.

[@nox3335]

I understood the words, guitar, speaker, aux and pan but still fascinated and in awe!

[@FrameData1990]

Whether you like his music or not,he is a man who has honed his craft to every reachable corner,and attained an understanding that I deeply respect

[@SixStringHarmonies]

Absolute musical genius. Steve possesses an extraordinary depth of knowledge, and has an amazing ear to match. In the modern "pre-packaged", "paint-by-numbers" music industry, it's refreshing to see someone with such an incredible passion for composition, tone, and the audio experience overall. There aren't many popular "artists", if any at all, that can compose, perform, record, mix, and master their own art at such a high level. God Bless you Vai! Wish there were more like you! Inspiring!

[@section8usmc53]

He has the coziest studio. I love the lofts too.

[@randysemenak2439]

Steve Vai loves to talk about gear its cool PremierGuitars rep let him talk instead of bombarding him with inane querys

[@callumvernon7053]

This is the meaning of perfect man cave. I want it. I want it all right now.

[@boynamedlen]

I just watch these things because I find it relaxing to hear him talk.

[@jarrodg70]

I was waitin' for Steve to say, "This one goes to eleven."

[@nicholastotoro7721]

“I only collect guitars that I actually use.” Which is why he has 263 guitars, naturally.

[@Account3of7]

What a beautiful place. Brilliant!

[@hooliStudios]

The board was amazing! Cool stuff!

[@johndoe6460]

He's so cool. What a setup he's got there!

[@JoanatanRichard]

I learned a lot, really cool gear!! Greetings from Brazil!

[@AdamDallas]

I knew Steve was into his production, but I had no idea he was so knowledgable! Gained a lot more respect for him watching this video.

[@mikedegroff7766]

The 500 series modules are really great for creating a home studio imho. I've seen a few guys using the 3 and 5 space "lunchbox" chassis type for home and mobile recording and getting awesome sounds out of them too. There's a bunch of modules, stuff for EQ, dynamics, DIs, re-amping, effects, etc. and it definitely beats spending $10,000 for one rack unit...

[@jouebien]

The EQ is on the top because that is where its wired post Gain+Insert and Pre AUX+ Master - you go shifting that and you then have to find a way to rout the signal from every channel down to the EQ and then back up to your buss sends. That factor adds unnecessarily to the cost and RND time. Another reason is that the physical layout mimics the input and routing chains.

[@crimsun7186]

+JOUE BIEN TECH Not when the physical position is the only thing you're changing.

[@dressedtosmellgood]

also back in the day, the mixing engineer had to sit in the sweet spot while riding the faders during the mix.

[@Luk4zguy97]

I love the contrass between the sizes of your glasses, very cool effect! 👌

[@drummerjeroensimons]

Great to see Steve has got his own place to create his great music in for years...:) Cheers from The Netherlands, Jeroen Simons (Independent/ex-EPICA)

[@DJDDT]

I'm blown away!

[@christianconnett]

I am fascinated with the Hooka on the top shelf...

[@XMetalChefX]

I love Jason cause he marks out so hard over the artists. But hes GOTTA DIG ON THIS stuff. Go down the rabbit hole man the internet has enough capacity to keep going. Dont trim this content I would happily pay for it.

[@petercarlson811]

Listen to him speak. This is a role model for young men entering the music industry, or young men in general.

[@Quinkermarine]

Cool yea, quite agree. He's such an intelligent musician both with his mouth and his hands. One of the greats.

[@jesse_cole]

"And this is called a lunch pail." Nobody calls it that, Steve.

[@Wizardofgosz]

I appreciate the tone of your response. So many people are quick to want to fight in these forums. I am in the business. I am a professional recording engineer, and in our analog studio, we have a lot of the same pieces of vintage gear that Steve does. EVERYTHING that he showed, that "he had made" is off the shelf boutique gear that ANYONE can buy. He threw around a few technical sounding words like "standing waves," "no phasing" to sound impressive.

[@ariefdsesprit3409]

.best studio tour ever..

[@dratband]

Hey, Jason! Good meeting you yesterday, looking forward to many more Rig Rundowns!

[@FLORIDAERO]

The man. Love Steve. Who doesn't love gear.

[@Jakexx01]

You have the right to your opinion. I can respect that. One thing you may have forgotten to address in your rant is that Via earned everything he has. He can spend HIS money as HE sees fit. I'm sure if you had more money than you do, you'd spend it as you see fit. Then some other envious person could deride your choices. Your green is showing , dude.

[@Frst2nxt]

Steve is a very intelligent man.

[@todbadman]

I just want endless Steve talking about studio gear

[@homomartian8691]

Steve is amazing, virtuoso guitarist and can inetersting talk about playing guitar, but now he show how interestingly he tell us abou whole the electronics. I am impressed how many knowledge he must have beside stricte music, abot the electronics to be able professionaly play and record. IMO he is very intelligent, nice and modest person and...brilliant guitarist of course.

[@thomascrow8289]

Very knowledgeable & Nice person a Great combination. Thank you Steve !

[@donrutter6765]

The words of a genius.

[@Hokeydokey29]

The knobs on the EQ at the top of the console this blew my mind away. The laws of statistics against random. The position of the ear of the listener the ultimate height angle positioning of equipment. against probability of the average person where there ears might be how big they are and what frequencies the average human enjoys. much respect goes out to the old sound engineers with the earliest equipment.to many producers now just rely on just concentrate on flashing meters. the ears surly are always the greatest tool. the input level well if it sounds nice and clean its right whom needs flashy flashing lights a good mix has a perfect balance of tones not lights ;-)

[@ELPLAK]

I really liked the pan knob at the top!! That is very true!!

[@DerekBallesty]

Yeah noticed it after watching this one! It is amazing.

[@DanielS-zq2rr]

Very informative tour, great guy.

[@Wizardofgosz]

Steve Morse is pretty humble. I've met him a half a dozen times, and I have never seen him behave otherwise in an interview.

[@afterdarktruestories]

This is just sick

[@rodsdaytona]

In my next life I want to come back as Steve Vai.

[@HarryVirtuoso04]

i gotta admit ... premierguitar is doin a great job.

[@marcoartime8324]

That console is so pretty cold, It looks like NASA stuff from the 70's

[@TeleCustom72]

Wow, that is some tasty gear he has there - I especially love the API gear too, it just sounds right without much tweaking.

[@MasterVoxRecordsss]

SUPER !!!

[@JudgeFredd]

GREAT video.

[@UnitedEffect]

That was fun!!

[@EtcEtcAndEtc]

Thanks for that, Steve...

[@tonecapone8392]

I've been playing guitar for 150 years and finally reached a Steve Vai level of playing. Now how long is it going to take to learn how to operate all of these thingamajigs?

[@johnlorken4854]

Grats man

[@juliusvargas3182]

Video would be nice 😆

[@dannyho6786]

so U think yur as GOOD AS STEVE MF--ing Vai !!! DREAM on buddy !!!

[@thegreenguy8837]

Not that long. If you know physics regarding sound, it is actually very easy to understand the basic principals. To get good at doing it is a whole nother thing tho.

[@tonecapone8392]

@@dannyho6786 yeah and I also played guitar for 150 years too! too bad you do not understand sarcasm or facetiousness

[@DerekBallesty]

This video could be 3 hours long and I'd still be fascinated. Brilliant but theres so much more I wanna see and be explained. Really wanna see a tour of the room with the Jems hanging on the wall at 6:08

[@BrunoWiebelt]

I like his design approach , very interesting there livs the quality ... special about the console

[@1969AmericanMuscle]

I knew an engineer (Joe Veers) spelling? that worked in Vai's studio years ago(for other artist/bands) and he said Steve is your regular guy. He also said Vai is very cool about his studio and usage.

[@MichaelUR1]

Steve is the man!

[@12x]

what a studio

[@frankemiliani1890]

Wonderful!

[@The19763]

i would literally never leave that place... i bet he comes up with some CRAZY stuff in there.

[@ChrisvonChamier]

fantastic vid you guys!!!! Steve Vai is the man!

[@BillLarkinmusic]

Amazing !

[@Preacher65]

Agreed. Also, there are tons of shops that do custom modding and tweaking to studio gear. I'm sure that when he says he had it made, he meant he had it sent out to be modified.

[@MisterTee]

Great video

[@got2chews]

@Bemis808-saying Steve knows his shit is a slight understatement LOL , I'm just a casual fan but Steve Vai always amazes me

[@diamonddust22]

thanks brother

[@222blacka]

would love to see a guitar tour of al of his guitars ;-)

[@CameronMeadows]

Thanks for the video! I'd love to record there

[@stevenbeechey]

Can’t believe I hadn’t seen this

[@TFMTraining]

10:28 "Well that's the way it's always been done. That's my que to change it" I wish more people thought like this.

[@amonster8mymother]

He does good interviews. 👍😎🇨🇦

[@HenryhyphenS]

This is very cool to have a look around at what hardware he uses. I am suprised he uses a Lexicon 96 for Reverb when he could easily afford a Bricasti which would blow the Lexicon out of the water. Still lovely place to write and record in!

[@Kenshin1080]

wow that place is huge

[@gmanthatguy]

this interview should have been an hour long not 13 minutes

[@leborn32]

Lol fr

[@devmiles]

we all got caves, but this one... this one is special..my god!

[@ShoreStudios]

Saying they used that Compressor on "When the Levee Breaks" is going to cause the value to go up another $500!

[@Vailover4ever]

I love Steve's sense of humor.

[@jeffandersen7397]

most people show you their new patio furniture when they go to the backyard, Steve Vai . . . . a museum of studio gear

[@jdwilliams202000]

what a beast!

[@Lanearndt]

nice! he's got an Ibanez Pat Metheny model! I'm liking steve vai more and more everyday!

[@1969AmericanMuscle]

Pultecs to the rhythm guitars; we're rolling!

[@nickpelkey]

So do the guitars and the banjo vibrate like crazy with those speakers on?

[@tubebobwil]

I had the same thought.

[@christianpucciarelli]

(y)

[@bartwitiak]

If you look carefully, all guitars have a piece of white cloth on the necks. It is quite clear in his rig rundown video. I guess it prevents them from ringin out.

[@JeremyBransford]

...and 3 db added to the 10k on Pultecs to the rhythm guitars...We're rolling!

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

At first glance, I'd say between $4-500k. He doesn't show a mic collection though, which contents could vary greatly.

[@leftyfusion88]

Steve does fabric because as a good Italian boy who grew up on Long- Is-gling, NY I am SURE he knew slip covers too!!