Tech 21 Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig® v2

We met up with Richie on his recent tour in New York City at The Iridium. Luckily, there was time for us to have the man himself talk about the new version of his RK5 Signature Fly Rig.
Since the debut of the original RK5 in 2014, Richie’s needs have changed, both on and off the road. Therefore, we jointly developed a version 2, to incorporate some new features and follow the same form factor as later Fly Rigs, such as the Bass, Acoustic and Paul Landers PL1.
For full details, click here:
www.tech21nyc.c...

[@robgen06]

best player in the last 10 yrs or so my opinion great voice to match

[@jeshely]

Kotzen rocks! What and underrated musician in the eye of the masses. Their loss.

[@014bhap]

This thing is a lifesaver. I'm a working guitar player. This is my backup rig and this and a frfr powered speaker is my small gig/rehearsal rig. Tech 21 has been making greatsounding bulletproof stuff since the first sansamp.

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

What do you feel about using the FlyRig plugged straight into the mixer, with no backline guitar amp, and either in-ear, or floor monitors? Does it sound acceptable to you on stage, and to the audience out front? To me, using this with a backline amp defeats the object of having it in the first place. I don't own anything like this, but the older I get, the less inclined I am to carry heavy amps around.

[@bailey.matthewr]

Andrew at Tech21 really knows his clientele well and how to build the best products.

[@addicted2tone349]

Such a fantastic player and all around world class musician..

[@toddashley407]

Best pedal I have ever owned. The sansamp section of this pedal is what I imagine a Dumble would sound like (it can nail the SRV dumble tone perfect). Top notch piece of guitar gear seriously - can't believe how cheap it is. Put this in front of Marshall type tube amp set clean on edge of poweramp breakup and it's magical. I do this with my Laney Cub and its unbelievable how great it sounds.

[@Tech21nyc]

😮 Really appreciate the kind words!

[@robd754]

the tuner was the only thing holding me back from buying this..now it truly is any all in one..cool

[@superblondeDotOrg]

I really enjoyed my RK5 pedal for recording in my mancave (aka home studio) and also the DUG Pinnick bass flyrig too, so have been waiting for this RK5 v2 after seeing RK use it in an amazing live show. Fixes the main limitations of the first RK flyrig for taking it out live.. Adds tuner, great! Adds XLR, great! Adds fuzzzz, great!! Same tiny size and only 200 mA draw from my 9V battery pack.. take my money 😎 no need to buy a helix now, thanks tech21 🎸 ☠️ Nooowwww if you'd build a lunchbox sized frfr speaker which runs on battery pack for playing in the backyard jams or street busking.. it could be the most convenient setup for rockin out ever 🤘 a real yamaha THR killer..

[@themordan]

I've had a 1st generation RK5 as my main pedal for a few years and I love how easy to use and versatile it already is but this 2nd generation seems like it could also be a great and fun upgrade or addition to anyone's sound.

[@JJGhostHunters]

I have the first version as well and would have sold it to buy the second version. The problem is that I got Richie to sign my first version when it first came out. A real bummer.

[@pauljohnson1065]

I saw him at Guitar Center in So Cal, and he was approachable and friendly! His wife was looking at basses.

[@truce11]

Woah v2 looks very thoughtful.... putting it on list to get.

[@Erkki_Mela]

Nice! I've had the original for 6 months now, and it's amazing!

[@b10t3rr0r]

Toivottavasti sulla ei oo ukotettu fiilis nyt kun tuli tää missä on viritin ja kompura samassa (sekä fuzzi). Eipä sillä, tää eka versio on kyllä kuolematon laite, kuten myös Cali 5 ;)

[@Erkki_Mela]

b10t3rr0r Tää on kyl hyvä peli.

[@kennytseguitar8574]

Just looking around lots of great guitarists, I finally feel chicken comes home, this is the ultimate sound of guitar!

[@eguilherme1]

I’m surprised he’s not using his Victory signature amp. Such a great amp!

[@justingarcia7722]

Ed Guilherme looks like he’s using backline since he’s likely traveling. I’m sure otherwise he’d use his sig amp, victory being a UK brand is prob not readily available from backline companies in the states

[@creeker90]

He did use it last year in Germany/Europe, when he was touring with a bus. I think, that it is more of a backline and traveling light thing

[@LKtube1]

@@justingarcia7722 Right on .. the whole point of a fly rig.

[@kennytseguitar8574]

The Victory doesn't matter, the great tone from his fingers and Tele with the great Plexi sound~

[@Sleek.Strings]

I watched 4 of this Rig Tour with Richie. I like him, he is a down to earth guy. And i like his Simple Rig's. I know just a few more they play like him (without a Spaceship of Pedals) me included! I have an Engl Artist and a Delay. It's all you need. Like he said, all you need is an Amp that sounds good to you 🤘🏼😎

[@felixol]

Thank you so much. This will be really helpful for all the RK5 users out there, including me. Tech21, excellent company, amazing products.

[@niptodstan]

Richie could play through a potato and sound great.

[@Tech21nyc]

Now that's a visual!

[@niptodstan]

He could rename himself 'Spud Kotzen' and play at the Baked potato.

[@JPTyler]

@@niptodstan Perhaps he could get an endorsement with a potato company with such talent?😁

[@MisterTee]

What kind of potato?

[@niptodstan]

@@MisterTee a King Edward.

[@SteveRayMorse]

you got to love tech21 and RK. Just get my money

[@avgjoegat8126]

Got the original and love it. I think the xlr out and tuner additions are really good features. In my set up I go into the board via a DI box on my pedalboard. Having it built in would be more convenient for those going direct. Great unit

[@RADLADRICK]

AvgJoeGat 812 hey bro what D.I.box do you use to go into the mixer? I thought most mixers have a line/mic input for instruments? What do you think of the clean times mostly? Is this product better than say a sans amp blonde pedal in tone and amp simulation? Thanks . Rick

[@allatsea2746]

A Fly Rig, regular DiMarzios in a Tele and the rest is talent and skills - I love it :-)!

[@romeou4965]

@Tech21 please create a fly rig for contemporary worship / U2 style with big reverb (bluesky), dotted 8th delay and lighter overdrive (screamer). It will sell like hot cakes!

[@TheDistortionist]

Seriously! I’ve tried both the RK5v2 and the FR5v2 and neither had THAT sound going direct to PA.

[@nickm.9474]

That sounded sick!!

[@vincesantacruz4262]

Nice new features but I am going to stick with version 1. It is perfect for me.

[@GrantBerni]

Ditto. If this had been about a year back, I'd have got this one but the only real benefit to me would be the on board tuner. Maybe Richie is using two to tempt us to get a new one to compliment the first - don't need 2 tuners 😁

[@gravy_brain]

loving the PL1. totally revolutionized my setup. digging RK's method of using two. maybe an RKv2 in my future.

[@Jayhawk720]

This is a really great pedal. I have one and I also have the version 1 which I use along with it on all my gigs. I have shelved all my stomp boxes in favour of those. I have to say that I thought the interview guy was a bit rude and inconsiderate in talking about Les Paul when Richie was doing his demo. It could have thrown Richie off from his dialogue but he coped well and still a great demo.👍

[@reallg]

I have the separated out OMG pedal, haven't used it much because it's in a stack of about 10 other OD pedals but gotta support Kotzen!

[@brrblack497]

Tech 21 ate you listening !!! Make a double fly !!! Like I already suggested on your Facebook page , and you came back with a comment , " Well that defeats the purpose of a fly rig" but that's what we want darnit !!!

[@brrblack497]

The Nio cause I want two delays , noise reduction , and a heavier distortion option lol

[@Simonfreediving]

I have the V1 version and it is the best and only pedal I use. No bullshit, no blabla, everything you need in a small and light pedal! No other is that useful.

[@notacommie5415]

I’ve had the original RK5 for about a year and it’s really nice. I replaced a Vox Tonelab with it and haven’t looked back. Like these new features but I’ll probably just keep playing with this. I’m sure it’s about $350 and I don’t see needing two of them.

[@dracandros]

great singing voice

[@MisterTee]

He is quite skilled

[@Jonathan-L]

Yes, but always has plenty in reserve; both guitar and vocals. RK is the man!!!

[@Jonathan-L]

I'd really love to be at a live gig to hear the RK5 being played direct into the PA. I've been tempted to get one and pair it up with QSC K12 just for home use, but I'd want to make sure I heard it first. Unfortunately my local music stores don't have the gear in stock, so maybe one day I'll see a good demo on KZbin.

[@leesguitar1]

It doesnt work too well. Still sounds a bit transistoty. Maybe with an Impulse modeler it would rock.

[@oysteinhaugen7055]

I don't agree with you. Listen to Boyan from B11. Sounds very good.

[@Jonathan-L]

@@oysteinhaugen7055 Have you got a link to that? I'm keen to hear it.

[@Tech21nyc]

Think he means this one with the Fly Rig 5: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6ewqJmMotV0j9E

[@notacommie5415]

It absolutely shines when run through a PA need to turn bass and treble settings all the way down just like when you run it through amp and dial it in on RK REALLY WAKES IT UP RUNNING A BBE SONIC STOMP AT OUTPUT PRIOR TO POWER AMP

[@felixol]

Omg what I needed. Thanks guys

[@thebuddybud]

So perfect IF ONLY THERE WAS A POST BOOST FOR VOLUME INCREASE FOR SOLOS ARRRRGH so close to being the perfect solution... I used the Sansamp button from the first version as a volume boost, but won’t be able to with this version. Please tech21 if you are reading this, please incorporate a post boost as well in the next version. I will buy five.

[@Tech21nyc]

Noted. Thanks for your input.

[@petewelsh9978]

That’s exactly why I bought the Fly rig 5 v2 not the RK. Although I slightly prefer the overdrive tones on the RK the post boost is so important live

[@luisgoregonzalez7394]

Pretty cool

[@darkestclouds4295]

Great pedal - it sounds fantastic. I´m just missing two options for a future version: post boost for solos and fx loop.

[@Tech21nyc]

Thanks! Signature gear is designed according to the artist’s specs. So it would only be changed if Richie wanted it. You might want to check out the Fly Rig 5 v2. It is voiced differently but it has both of those features.

[@CBGypsy03]

​@@Tech21nyc Just headphone option in the fly rig 5, guess I'll have to buy both;)

[@Tech21nyc]

@@CBGypsy03 Excellent option, if we may say so! 😁

[@johnkarakatsianis7281]

I ordered mine already!!!

[@RadityoPramAdi]

This is great!

[@ravelim3017]

3:03. I will buy this... but In Perú will be available on July ToT I'll have to wait :'(

[@jasherarcega2655]

i have thia version 1 of rk5 i will not sell this and i will keep it this one of the best pedal in the world

[@babayaga1767]

damn, i recently started wearing a bowler onstage. i guess me and richie are ahead of the curve

[@cashmerewilliams]

Cool pedal, please add a left and right output so it would be stereo!

[@christopherclark279]

Love my fly rig! Stupid question, Any chance of a stereo version coming out?

[@toneranger]

I'm with you on the stereo option, especially for a single guitar function wedding band. Tech21 wrote back to me to say it wasn't on their roadmap but you can run it into s stereo pedal from the RK

[@christopherclark279]

@@toneranger That’s a good idea! I forgot about that. Thanks!

[@BrotherTimothyClark]

why not take the quarter inch and xlr and run them both out to the same board? Then you have stereo.

[@dandisatya3727]

Flyrig rk5 shoud make video dist+chorus/drift mod i think this pedal can 80s tone

[@ClearColorCloud]

Ah so now he has 3 tuners between the two fly rigs and his guitar 😄

[@kennytseguitar8574]

Can you make a video about how to connect with other fx/mod pedals,and other overdrive/distortion pedals, I just bought an RK V2,not arrived yet~

[@cashmerewilliams]

Ritchie, love the pedal! Please make it stereo!!!

[@BrotherTimothyClark]

take your quarter inch and xlr and run them both out to board, problem solved.

[@cashmerewilliams]

@@BrotherTimothyClark Thank you!

[@BrotherTimothyClark]

@@cashmerewilliams no problem.

[@jrmcelro]

Man runs a sansamp through a Marshall amp. That’s what’s up

[@leesguitar1]

I use the first one and its great. Love the distortion. However. I use the sans amp as my lead boost to give me a bit more gain and volume. The new switch ia the wrong way around for me. I want to leave the reverb on all the time ( Why would you turn that off??? ) And kick the Sans amp in and out. Maybe a little switch to let it work either way?

[@Tech21nyc]

Perhaps on a different version. The RK5 is designed as Richie wants it.

[@debensz]

Additional in/out before delay would’ve make it more versatile......maximized!

[@emdblues]

What do you mean? Is it possible to use a delay pedal or for that matter any other pedal in front of it or after the FlyRig? I would use that rotary effect a lot, but I also need delay for solos.

[@debensz]

Edvin M FX loop

[@pokohalen2]

He's says he's using two so he can "maximize the capabilities of what the pedal does" Does anybody understand exactly what the benefits of doing that are and how it works? I have two myself, the old one and the new one.

[@gkniffen]

He’s just using two so all the options are foot switchable. Example: Pedal 1 is set to the short reverb, Pedal 2 is set to the long reverb, etc.

[@pokohalen2]

@@gkniffen Right that makes sense! Thanks so much :)

[@claytonmoss1]

So how do the delays sound going into the front of the amp, don't they compress and get louder? 🤔 🎸 🤠

[@Tech21nyc]

It depends on how you have the amp set. In general if the amp is set for high gain, the delays will compress and the repeats will get louder and change tone as they get softer though it seemed to work for EVH. The amp doesn't have to be totally clean. It's a balancing act. Richie uses backline amps set clean and uses the SansAmp section for his basic crunch tone and uses the OMG and boost for solos. He shows how the amp sounds clean at 1:48 in the above video.

[@Mrthreadedtime]

I that a Nano Plus or Nano Max board?

[@BrotherTimothyClark]

I've been looking around and can't find any good videos showing the compressor maxed out. How squashy can it get? Is it like the Boost Comp for example? 😮

[@Tech21nyc]

The compressor is preset for a medium amount of compression. The Level control is for the make up gain. The amount of compression will be influenced by the output of your guitar and playing style. You would need to try it with your guitar and setup to determine if it is squashy enough.

[@BrotherTimothyClark]

@@Tech21nyc Does the RK 5 have a level control? Also, are all of the fly rigs with compressors running them at medium by chance? I'm running rather hot pickups. Ceramic. I would like an all and one solution, compressor, reverb, delay, and drive with the ability of running a fuzz if wanted.

[@Tech21nyc]

@@BrotherTimothyClark The only other electric guitar Fly Rig with a compressor would be the PL1. That has an adjustable compressor. Again, whether or not it would be squishy enough for you is not something we can predict. You really need to try it for yourself. Like the Boost Comp, it is set for a medium compression ratio. Any single knob style compressor has to have a fixed compression ratio. There isn't physical room on a product like the Fly Rig series to offer attack, release and compression ratio controls. From the description of your needs it seems like the RK5 is still the best choice.

[@BrotherTimothyClark]

@@Tech21nyc I'm thinking you are correct. Just hard to try them out when the closest guitar center is an hour or so away and even if I lived closer, being as I am blind, I would still have to get transportation. So sadly, getting into a vehicle and driving to a location to try them out isn't always practicle in my situation. Let me put it this way, when you pop and or pluck a string, does the compressor clamp down and can you hear the pop and or pluck being compressed? And, are the compressors on all of the Fly Rig guitar mottles the same or are they different for each fly rig?

[@BrotherTimothyClark]

@@Tech21nyc To put in a second comment, the boost comp is medium compression and sounds amazing from what I have heard and would adequately meet my needs. Is the RK5's compression as squashy or does it not have as much compression on tap?

[@theclockster]

Are those tiny knobs updated too? The Fly Rig 5 that I ordered over a year ago I returned because of those tiny knobs of which one was stuck and would barely move. Too bad, I really enjoy the Sansamps being a huge fan of the first Classic pedal. I have four of them, one Classic and three pre-Classic, I should be secured for the rest of my life. :)

[@Tech21nyc]

The Fly Rig 5 had a different set from the RK5s, which would sometimes get stuck if you pushed down on them too hard. You just had to pull them back up gently. The knobs on the RK5s were updated. They're still small but they don't get stuck. BTW, sounds like a pretty cool collection of vintage SansAmps!

[@theclockster]

@@Tech21nyc I hope also that the knobs on the Fly Rig 5 are updated, in that case I'm going for that one, thanks! Yes, I really like my Sansamp collection. My last riffs and licks are probably going to be played on one of those units. :) Thanks for your reply!

[@Tech21nyc]

Yes, all the Fly Rigs now have the same updated knobs. The Fly Rig 5 v2s are on schedule to start shipping by May. So, not too much longer. In the meantime, let's not talk about last riffs and licks! :-)

[@theclockster]

​@@Tech21nyc Haha, you're absoluteky right, let's be right here, right now and enjoy great guitar tones! :) Btw, will there be a 30 year anniversary version of the Classic pedal? Great news on the FlyRig5, I'll be on the lookout for that later in spring. :) Meanwhile I'm having my eyes set on a PSA-1 and be the owner of that one for the second time, I surely have been missing that unit.

[@Tech21nyc]

Thanks for asking, but no plans for a 30th Classic. We have something else up our sleeves. Time to break out the granola and be here now. ;-)

[@ryananthony4840]

Would it sound good with a Gallien Krueger solid state amp?

[@Tech21nyc]

Absolutely!

[@ryananthony4840]

@@Tech21nyc sweet! I bought the Steve Harris bass pedal for my 12 yr old son and love it!..... I like your guys' gear, I'm sure I won't be disappointed

[@stefanseidler4731]

Any information on pricing, yet?

[@LuckyOne20]

When it was filmed? Couple of month ago when he had his gig at the Iridium nyc ??

[@Tech21nyc]

Yes indeed, it was.

[@stuartredd8876]

So he's daisy chaining one into the other?

[@Tech21nyc]

Yes, that's correct.

[@sauronquinn2061]

@@Tech21nyc I have the PL Fly Rig. Can I daisy chain 2 PLs? I am looking for more flexibility with regards to the vibrato and delay. Will the second PL effect my tone in a bad way if I use the delay only?

[@Tech21nyc]

Yes, you sure can. It would not present a problem.

[@sauronquinn2061]

@@Tech21nyc I am in. Thank you for the prompt reply.

[@LuckyOne20]

So what is the main difference in these pedals?

[@Tech21nyc]

You can read all about it here: www.tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/rk5_v2.html

[@dandisatya3727]

Can i add mod or chorus after this flyrig ? How sound it?

[@Tech21nyc]

Yes, absolutely. It will sound fine.

[@theprisonier]

Where is the victory ???

[@Tech21nyc]

He still uses it, but can't always bring his own backline. It all depends on the logistics of the tour schedule.

[@Gugadesafinado]

!!!!

[@gkniffen]

Richie always comes across as if he’s slightly annoyed 🤷🏼‍♂️😆

[@flippercarlin1657]

When will v2 be out?

[@psychofunksoldier02]

What is the sans amp and what does it do?

[@Tech21nyc]

It's a tube amplifier emulator. The popular term is "amp modeling," which is actually digital. SansAmps are all analog, which is the key difference.

[@psychofunksoldier02]

@@Tech21nyc thank you!

[@romeou4965]

@@Tech21nyc is it the same sansamp as the bass pedal? In other words, can I use the RK5 with a bass guitar also plugged into a FRFR powered cab?

[@Tech21nyc]

@@romeou4965 It is designed for lead guitar applications. This is not to say you can't use it on bass. If you're a guitarist and already own the RK5 and want to use it on bass give it a go. If you are in the market for a bass specific unit, our Bass Fly Rig is the better choice.

[@Ianfi]

RK5 V2 vs NUX Cerebrus ?

[@darrenmcguigan8466]

Is there a version of his pedal without his name on it? I love this pedal but would prefer not to use someone's signature gear

[@jacoobyslaps]

Why? If it sounds good, what’s it matter?

[@darrenmcguigan8466]

@@jacoobyslaps I guess I just would prefer it to be impartial. Like I am not attempting to sound like him

[@jacoobyslaps]

Scribe Me neither. I’ve never heard of the guy. But I like the features of the unit.

[@Ewright85]

Get a Fly Rig 5. It’s a non signature model Fly Rig. Sounds amazing

[@megafone58]

this cables?Man,they are very bad

[@Dobrovinskiy]

are you really sure?)