Tech 21 Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig

[@BrettKingman]

My take on the RK5, for those interested. RK5 to amp - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaOsh2x4iauAq5Y and RK5 direct to board - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWOpiKaHhtaropI . To Tech 21 and Richie's credit, the RK5 sounds pretty darned amazing through either medium. Well done, guys.

[@mikedegroff7766]

Richie plays so well, his bassist is a hi-hat stand.

[@Cigarsnguitars]

I’ve got so many rigs to play through (tube amp, iOS preamps-4 different into PowerStage, GR55 gtr synth, computer based) plus the RK5. There are times when I don’t mind tote & fetch. My rigs are set up where I can have each up and running in just a few minutes. Then I have the days where I look at all that and pull the RK5 off the shelf and walk in the place with a free hand for the all important warm up beverage (the way it used to be). Plus no hernia. At my age that is huge. The sound is incredible. Works and plays well with single coils or humbuckers.

[@NoslenCosta]

his wah pedal is a brazilian brand called Fire Custom Shop by the way.

[@jefersongomes6265]

fire.com.br/index.php/produtos/bobber-wah/

[@wilsondarren]

Thank you, i was just about to ask!

[@daievans2637]

Darren Wilson me too :)

[@sammyp1971]

This a fantastic product! My 10 pedal SKB board is staying home! All i add to the RK5 is a comp pedal at the front and a volume pedal after the unit! I play thru a Deluxe Reverb.

[@RockU2Death5150]

So, I already love Richie Kotzen, that is a given. However, his pedal is amazing! Something that anyone can use to simplify their stage setup and improve their sound. I like signature equipment that is applicable to any user, not one particular style. Intelligent design, quality construction, simple layout and controls. Tech 21 has exclusively been my go-to guitar amp for many years now. It's nice to see that sound available in a small pedal format with built-in effects. Great going!

[@nsen74]

You can connect this unit into the front of the amp or effects loop, sounds great either way. I bought one last week, its incredible how good this thing sounds. Now I carry this, my wah and my Fender Twin to gigs or practices. I used to carry a Marshall JCM900 and Stack, 3 boss pedals, Zoom G2 effects processor, and BBE Sonic Maximizer Pedal. So much easier to go this way and it sounds great. And Richie is spot on with the infinite sustain deal, it really sustains a ton with the boost setting. I only wish mine had the phantom power for the wah :) . I heard him play with this pedal a couple of months ago in New Haven CT, sounded great. I've tried countless distortion pedals this one is tops in my book. He also has one that is separate from this unit. I also wished a long time ago that someone created one of these delay/reverb/distortion/boost units because you always had to carry around more than one pedal because the distortion always sucked in all multi-effects units...not anymore. And the construction of this thing is great. The buttons are THE best I have ever stomped on. Very smooth. It was worth the $270 I paid. Thanks Richie and Tech 21.

[@Denorian]

Bought the RK almost a year ago. I love it to death. Great job!

[@lacaimanera2357]

do you have any trouble with a hiss with the reverb?..i found it pretty noisy, but i dont know if it is my own unit,

[@Tech21nyc]

If it's definitely the reverb that's causing hiss, we recommend lowering the High EQ control. If that affects the overall tone too much, lower the Low and Mid with it (in the same proportion), and then increase Level to bring it back to the original volume. It might also depend on what you're running it to. If the hiss continues, suggest you call us or email your entire signal chain: [e-mail]

[@Tech21nyc]

You might also want to check out our Signal to Noise Ratio video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZnOhqejqr56qK8

[@lacaimanera2357]

thanks for your real-time answer, i will check it out. im sure it´s something i havent done properly setting it.

[@Denorian]

I don't really use the reverb that much, but no. Mine is working pretty good. Could be something with the lows or the mids. Put everything flat and start moving the levels, that could work.

[@DanieleRaciti]

Richie monster as always! Great product too! Can't wait to try it!

[@Jeepjones85]

Just bought one of these ! I started out with the silver one then sold it to pay a bill 🙄but since I had the chance to get another I bought his model ! Super excited

[@Mooseboy08]

Mine's on the truck for delivery today. If I end up keeping it (and I'll bet I do!) I'll do a Tone Report on it.

[@OnfloorAudio]

Richie my man !! I love ya to pieces , but those pants are something else !!!

[@WiserInTime]

MC Hammer pants.

[@fredn2735]

Hammer on pants

[@reemclaughlin4260]

He can pretty much wear anything he wants with that level of talent. 👍🏼

[@fredn2735]

Ree McLaughlin yes he can ! I'm surprised he's not more well known he's amazing

[@fransvenrooy4760]

Word.!!!!!!! 😂🐣

[@harmonyvegan]

Simple and damn effective. It's refreshing in these days of acre-wide pedalboards.

[@Dreamdancer11]

Smart move from Tech21 to advertise a cool compact bare bones rig using one of the coolest and swaggy type of players like Richie is.

[@Jeepjones85]

Just a quick note his rk5 sounds completely different than the fly rig 5. They both sound great and are amazing pedals but I prefer the rk5

[@fransvenrooy4760]

AHAA veeeery interesting article.

[@fransvenrooy4760]

Yeah good question, what is the difference between those two???? 🤔

[@stuntman_mike]

Just preordered one from Sweetwater! I was told they should receive shipment by Dec 17th.

[@fransvenrooy4760]

Awsome design!! Can I be a tiny Richie Kotzen when I get this box? I have a SG 400 and use a Boss Katana 50 amplifier which is very awesome. But I just like your specific sound styles and infinite reverb, I want to reverberate all over the place!!! 😂🤩👌🎸🎼💣💥🎶🎶🎶

[@drewwesley9506]

Really cool demo, pretty straightforward, seems better than the og. Plexi. I'm wondering if you can get some metal sounds. Voice sounds heavily influenced by Chris Cornell.

[@Tech21nyc]

Interestingly enough, this video link was recently sent to us to show the RK5 works for metal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXi3gn9oi6mMbpI

[@sbrave]

Thought it was Chris in the thumbnail. Ritchie is probably the only candidate to sit in with Soundgarden with that similar voice.

[@BigMikeExp]

Thanks for the info!

[@gilmanoel]

The OMG reminds me a lot of the Sobbat Drive Breaker.

[@duiliopereira3096]

Brazilian wah pedal fire custom shop!

[@bgmnzz]

I owned and got rid of a Fly Rig 5 within 30 days. This sounds a whole lot better.

[@bgmnzz]

***** The answer to both your questions is yes. Mr. Barta, is a genius, though.

[@Tech21nyc]

*****, not sure where you're getting $100 from, but the U.S. street price is $20 more than the Fly Rig 5.

[@Tech21nyc]

***** :-(

[@coffeewaldo]

I had the plain flyrig and returned it too. I use humbuckers. But I just ordered the RK flyrig.

[@bgmnzz]

+giantrobot9000 Amen, brother!

[@jasherarcega2655]

did richie turn off the tone control in OMG drive? without the sans amp? because without sansamp it is very harsh and too sharp.can someone answer me?

[@Tech21nyc]

Richie always has the SansAmp engaged and is also playing into a backline Marshall set clean. You don't have to have the SansAmp engaged unless you are not using an amplifier and plugging directly into a mixer or recording interface. If the SansAmp is not engaged there will be no speaker emulation which might cause what you are describing when using the OMG without the SansAmp. If you need additional help please contact us at customer support. [e-mail]

[@LovelyGuitars]

It's possible to use RK5 on the input of the amplifier? Or it's necessary connect it without preamp section of the amplifier? Thanks

[@dokdorian]

sounds great! but im curious! is this pre-amp pedal? so it should go to pa system or 'return' signal to the amp? or straight to the amp input?

[@Tech21nyc]

Sorry for the late reply. We had a notification problem with YT. It is a pre-amp pedal as long as the SansAmp section is engaged. It can be used in all 3 of the instances you list.

[@jjvillafane86]

How did Richie managed to get a good tone when playing through a tube amp? I love my FlyRig when I go straight to the board but for some reason I could never manage to a get a good tone out of it when plugged into my tube amp head. Could you guys share his settings or something..?

[@coffeewaldo]

Me either. I was tweaking it more than playing. I feel like giving it another try with Ritchie's model.

[@Tech21nyc]

Richie doesn't tour with his own amp, so there are no specific settings we can give you. He just dials in a neutral setting on whatever amp he happens to be using. For example, with a Marshall, instead of going into the Bright channel, he plugs into the normal channel. So whatever amp you're using, you should stay away from any bright boost or low cuts. Also, Richie sets the amp moderately dirty and gets most of the dirt from the RK5. In case others want to know, the RK5 settings Richie uses are included in the owner's manual, which you can download from our website via the Support page. If you're still having trouble, please email us directly.

[@lacaimanera2357]

got my rk5 and im so happy...best thing i ever bought for my guitar!.... one question, quehn richie says he puts the sansamp flat, to match in an amp, he put all sansamp settings at noon or as described on the manual? thanks

[@Tech21nyc]

He does one of two things: If he likes the tone of the amp that's provided in the backline, he'll set the SansAmp section's EQs to noon, which we describe as "flat" in the owner's manual (Pg. 4). But if he finds the backline amp's tone uninspiring, he'll adjust the RK5's controls shown in the manual's "Sample Setting" section.

[@lacaimanera2357]

clear!!!...thanks.

[@GabeMacDonnell]

Any plans to release new Flyrigs? I'd love w/ Tech 21's FET Boost Comp, & a subtler overdrive, ( "Blonde" Character or Overdrive Boost.)

[@Tech21nyc]

Other than the Bass Fly Rig, nothing to report at this time. Thanks for asking!

[@GabeMacDonnell]

Thanks for the reply! Hopefully one day there will be a series of Fly Rigs to choose from! Its a winner for sure- sounds great through all my amps

[@JJGhostHunters]

So would this work well with a Tech 21 Power Engine? Probably a stupid question.

[@Tech21nyc]

Not a stupid question at all. The answer is, absolutely! The Power Engine was actually designed to be used with any SansAmp.

[@6StringBuckeye917]

So it looks like Richie's wah is plugged in before the flyrig. Don't you typically put a wha or other mod effects after gain and boosters? I'm impressed with this unit but how would it work if I wanted to add a phase or flange pedal? especially since that stuff goes before delays in a normal chain.

[@Tech21nyc]

Wah, phase and flange should go before the RK5 input.

[@6StringBuckeye917]

+Tech21nyc thanx for the help. Got my rk5 and it's amazing!

[@BrotherTimothyClark]

@@6StringBuckeye917 Not sure if this will help you but, as a guitarist myself, I make it a point to have any fx before my Fly Rig and I keep the Fly Rig as the last pedal in my chain. Remember that the main tone shaper in your setup is always the last pedal in your chain as it's directly in the amp or PA or interface.

[@x7stringinJSCx]

Lol i have those same shoes. John Varvatos converse and they're leather. so comfy.

[@lacaimanera2357]

i want one....got one question. i use and auto wah and a harmonizer (just to add octaves)..i just put those 2 pedals before this and voilá?

[@Tech21nyc]

Yes, that would work! :)

[@justinorprecio3094]

my exact question. and hehehe i'm gonna go for it too =)

[@lacaimanera2357]

hi. richie mentions that he power the crybaby with the rk5, via special cables. it comes standard on the pedal or it's a custom mod he did? thanks

[@Tech21nyc]

We modified his wah to accept phantom power from his RK5, which was also modified. Be aware that not all wahs can be modified for phantom power. If you'd like more details regarding the mod for the RK5, please email us directly: [e-mail].

[@lacaimanera2357]

Im planning to use my rk5 with my AcousticElectric guitar...i assume i will use only the sansamp section and some dly eventually...but before i plug in, is ther any advice to use it properly or something i have to keep in mind?...RK5 LOVER!

[@Tech21nyc]

Sounds like a good plan! Only advice is that if the acoustic guitar has its own built-in preamp, you'll have to do a little "balancing act" between the output level of the guitar and the SansAmp portion's Drive knob (which acts as an input sensitivity control before it "crosses the line" into overdrive).

[@BrotherTimothyClark]

@@Tech21nyc A fun note on overdrive, I have ran overdrive on an acoustic guitar and the Sansamp drive sounds great if you keep the guitars EQ flat.

[@jonesposito4395]

Now someone educate me here. is he running that thru his CLEAN channel or a drive channel. sometimes I see a test of a product and it's thru the clean. thanks!

[@Tech21nyc]

He's running through the clean channel of the Bogner.

[@jonesposito4395]

Tech21nyc Thank you! I ordered one based on this video!

[@Tech21nyc]

That's excellent. Thank YOU!

[@rubinred93]

Really cool!!!

[@SinghJasjit]

want one desperately! not cool thing about this product is that its mostly out of stock here in india, and if it is available, well.. $360!!!! what was the song at the end?

[@Tech21nyc]

Love is Blind: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6S7p36IrrSfrpo

[@SinghJasjit]

Thank you Tech21nyc​. Probably the fastest response :)

[@AntarikshSingh]

That is so true

[@MOG-s2x]

Does it literally have an infinite sustain when the boost's on!?

[@wtfdelicious]

+鄭光良 I don't know the facts but I'm pretty sure the answer is no.

[@onehairlessape]

When can I buy this? Price please!

[@MyVoice911]

Right On !

[@BigMikeExp]

Is the RK5 plugged into the effects loop?

[@Tech21nyc]

No, it's running to the front input of the amp.

[@KingTabor]

Tech21nyc which amp/?

[@Tech21nyc]

Marcus Vinnas, Richie runs the RK5 into the front of whatever amp he's using or provided with. In this particular video at BB King's, The RK5 is running into the Bogner via wireless (shown and mentioned at 0:55).

[@btw1776]

Does it keep the delay repeats after turn it off? Thank you!

[@BrotherTimothyClark]

No. Delay turns off when you turn the foot switch off as you have disabled it.

[@micdailing]

MC Hammer pants?

[@POLDUSTLEAD]

Ok... WHEN?

[@Tech21nyc]

By December.

[@POLDUSTLEAD]

Tech21nyc Thanks! Worldwide? I live in Spain

[@Tech21nyc]

Pablo Tru You have to ask our distributor. FILLING DISTRIBUTION Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Website: www.fillingdistribution.com

[@POLDUSTLEAD]

Tech21nyc Thank you very much! Cheers!

[@POLDUSTLEAD]

Pablo Tru I have it now, its absolutly fantastic. Thank you for this beautiful piece! cheers!

[@aleks1155]

What is that song in the end?

[@EirikSildnes]

love is blind

[@maxwelloliveira7474]

Like this wah wah pedal........

[@MyVoice911]

OK - got it... "how ya doin', wasssssssss up?

[@MyVoice911]

Richie gives a "walk-'trough' ? What's a walk trough? Similar to a walk through? kidding…just noticed the typo…. ha!

[@Tech21nyc]

:-) Fixed it! Thanks!

[@neilevans6965]

It's how they say it in NY.

[@jay2xtremefy]

Richie’s outfit more like a japanese.

[@sadisticmx]

the name of richie's wha??

[@Tech21nyc]

It's a Bobber Wah from Brazil.

[@kleberalbinogoncalves4629]

Thanks Tech21nyc! Yes, Bobber Wah! fire.com.br

[@tarameadski7975]

Fuk yeah

[@theothersideisjustashard3237]

infinite sustain-but only if you have those red hammer pants on ;~)

[@ThomasJackMoore]

I like the Fly Rig, but I have to admit that it was kinda distracting that he was wearing pantaloons or some freaky moo-moo.

[@tarameadski7975]

Plugging useless crap

[@tarameadski7975]

Fuk yeah