That Pedal Show Special - Dan Meets James Bay (And Takes Him A New Pedalboard)

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It's not every day you get to hang out with a chart-topping amazo-geezer, but today is that day!
James Bay is the exceptionally gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist whose debut album, Chaos And The Calm, is taking the world by storm in 2015. He's been on BBC Breakfast, The Ellen Show, Jimmy Kimmel and just about every other TV and radio show that matters, but today... Oh today he has truly arrived in the media spotlight. That Pedal Show? Get in! (Ahem.)
James contacted Daniel for help with his ailing pedalboard and, a few weeks later, we visited the band's pre-tour rehearsals to drop off a G2-loaded board and set up some sounds.
In this video, we follow James' first steps with the board and his three-amp rig featuring a Tone King Sky King as the main, dry amp, then a Hamstead Artist 20 and Victory V40 that get the modulation, delays and reverb effects. The amps are running all together, all of the time. Or at least most of the time.
Drive comes from the amps themselves, helped along with a TC Electronic Spark Booster plus a little bit of G2 pre and post gain in certain patches, then a J Rockett Archer, used sparingly.
Reverbs come via a Strymon Flint and Strymon Big Sky; delay is from an MXR Carbon Copy and there's the odd bit of chorus from an Analogman Bi-Chorus. He also uses the tremolo in the Tone King, switched on and off from G2.
James may be adding in more pedals as time goes on, but the ones listed above are what we hear in this video.
James tells us all about his fave 1966 Epiphone Century, and also plays a 1960s Gibson ES-330 and a more recent Gibson Memphis Luther Dickinson ES-335.
Massive thanks to James and his band - Tom Peel, Jack Duxbury, Gerry Morgan and Andy Cortes - for letting us crash their rehearsals and being so generous with their time (and sweets, Jack).
We're hoping to catch up again with Mr Bay during the upcoming tour to see how he's adapting to organised pedalboard life!
For more on James Bay see www.jamesbay.com
For more on TheGigRig, see www.thegigrig.com

[@intrsoul]

It's not fair. He's cool, good-looking, a terrific talent - a guy you'd like to hang out with. And then there's James. :)

[@guitarreilly]

ah the old switcheroo

[@annebrans8071]

I love how passionate James talks about his guitar.

[@anmolatwal]

Oh goood...and he looks kinda like young David Gilmour. Awesome episode!!

[@nicolejarel5953]

It's so great to see an artist who is really intelligent when it comes to his guitar and artistry.

[@MelissaNgai]

And better yet, he holds such an amazing and unique voice in him. Pure talent. wow

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

+Melissa Ngai yep, truly gifted

[@MixBetterNowTV]

This is fantastic! James isn't just a killer singer, songwriter, and guitar player... He's also probably one of the nicest guys on the planet! What a humble and chill guy. Amazing tone. James is top drawer ;-)

[@ekovv]

I'll be honest. I watch these videos for the licks and riffs as much as the gear info, and this one is a goldmine!

[@mads1454]

I had NO IDEA that James Bay could play like that! I knew he was good but god damn

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

+Mads Heimdal Henriksen yeah, he really is awesome

[@allkinds1069]

Mads Heimdal Henriksen I didn't even think he was good until I heard this lol, him and mayer should collab

[@MrGillyWilli]

You should check out Paco de Lucia, you will be blown away with the amount of skill and talent that man had. I like James Bay's music but his guitar play is nothing compared to Paco's or John Mclaughlin, those guys are masters of the guitar.

[@ferramirez4570]

GilGaming Hofman both of them are completely different things, completely differents styles and genres, can't do a comparison between both of them. still Paco de Lucia is a Master and a Truly legend on guitar.

[@MrGillyWilli]

Fer Ramirez True, have you checked out john McLaughlin though? He has some really cool virtuose Jimi Hendrix style albums, while still having beautiful Spanish Flamingo -ike albums. He crosses over styles wonderfully, that to me is a Jack of all trades kind of guitarist. While Paco de Lucia has devoted his entire career to basically one style.

[@timoxanke]

His sound is ridiculously good!

[@ryanspencerlauderdale687]

I just have to say that from 2:10 to 2:40 is a tasteful eargasm of ecstasy. What a soulful, yet ambient sound.

[@alsicemoy6717]

I love James Bay, and everything he does, music, interviews, songs, guitar so wonderful!

[@martyjaay]

Honestly had no idea how good a player James is. Seems like a totally nice dude which is always awesome. Mind = Blown

[@xchump]

That Gibby 330 is jaw dropping

[@estebang5741]

I deleted my coments because I feel so stupid right now. I must have imagined the Headstock Logo. You are right, 330. sorry. It does sound amazing.

[@estebang5741]

+xchump 10:39 Luther Dickinson 335, mate

[@BrianHardoin]

How had I not heard of this guy? Damn.

[@kckrye]

I am in love with his sound! That tone and his percussive approach. Love it!

[@crazydiamonduk]

looks like a young David Gilmour when playing the lead stuff

[@freespirit7053]

Yes i was thinking the same thing

[@owenhu9465]

he does look a lot like david gilmour! didn't notice that!

[@lukebreunig]

Terry Clark was thinking the same thing

[@Juventusleo]

literally just thinking that

[@FrankieJen]

He is actually a really gifted guitar player. Wish you could see that more in his songs :)

[@williamlove9821]

keep livin' the dream Dan! thanks for recording and sharing this stuff!

[@npurkis]

Wow, how inspiring to see people do what they are passionate about (both James and Dan). Love the big, genuine smiles. :) Thanks for sharing.

[@AnthonyUK100]

Beautyfull playing and Daniel there to fulfil the dreams. Say no more.

[@beatleschic87]

I am in awe... Just utterly speechless

[@alsicemoy6717]

James Bay you have amazing talent! Love it

[@jeanpaulmarrero2728]

2:10-2:40 really makes me want to drop a quick $479 on the Big Sky😂

[@giuseppeco_official9814]

Great sound, great guitars, great pedals, great video, great musican. Everything is great

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

+Giuseppe Cortese cheers G :)

[@MusikPlusMehr]

I love the delicate sound of the Epi Century 1966... That Gibson sounds great! Nice sounds.

[@brianpatrick6102]

Oh man, those guitars/tones sounds just so damn good. Like gritty nostalgic tones mixed with todays advanced electronics. Love it. Just...yummy.

[@playersmusic6365]

Nice bit of playing , & a nice fella as well , rare , talent , which is rare , respect ..

[@Gummmibaer]

Im not a big fan of endless single-note licks and soloing in general, so his playing is just so nice. Really digging his style.

[@shreve38]

Great sounding rig! The Rockett Archer really pushed it over the top. I won't leave home without mine! Keep up the great work!

[@kateyshearer5886]

absolutely loved this video!! moreeee :)

[@xaris999]

wow, that epiphone sounded perfect..

[@feargalgunn2729]

Amazing dude and awesome guitarist

[@SodabrotherNr1]

Nice! Great tones!

[@totrodder97]

i've never really been a fan of James Bay until now, im not one for listening to modern chart music but just heard this guy play on Sport Relief and was blown away by his tone so came here in the search for tone but man this guy can play!!

[@emmyllytoscano5984]

Wow what an amazing guitar player 😍😍😍

[@MrPaolo101]

I love these vids!... Great job!...

[@georgfritzl8453]

James Bay seems like a great bloke, we should support him over all that X factor stuff.

[@liam421]

awesome as always 😆

[@petergraham9267]

JACK!!! .......Dude........... :P It warms my musical heart to see a bunch of young lads with such talent, and such a love of REAL music!! Super cool, without ANY effort at all!

[@SeanChurchill97]

Shocked to see how good a player he is

[@christopheradcock2980]

Very cool. I love your in-depth pieces but this is a wonderful change of pace. I'm just disappointed you faded out so soon at the end.

[@JedSprague]

Us TPS guys that have been here from the beginning are still waiting for part 2 of this!

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

Saw James at the Fillmore in Miami on September 16, 2016. What a show. I have "Let it Go" live from that show on my channel, it was awesome. James was at the top of his game.

[@joshhobbs3519]

Awesome tone.

[@Cyprusg21]

Good shit. Love James Bay.

[@tippydripbumskeetr1745]

i luv this - yeah i just watched the james bay and the captain vid - but to constantly watch vids of dan making pedal boards express tone so perfectly, just makes me all giddy inside... the pedal scene is so big now in 2018- its like a kid in a candystore, but get the wrong candy and its like a sour head...im soaking up all the info i can for the last few months, great moments, great people and a hoard of education like never scene before in any tabs book or steve vai vid from the 80's - andertons and all the guys have contributed so much towards 2018 being the "GOLDEN AGE OF GUITAR"

[@brokenlife1263]

I love the last bit :)

[@livieegee]

I love seeing James really play guitar instead of just playing chords, he's an amazing guitarist

[@jdavis.fw303]

Daniel amp companies must love you for promoting the wet/dry/wet 3 amp setup. I know I always wanted to do two amps wet/dry but you've convinced me to up it to 3. Nothing like a stereo wet sound.

[@giovanamoreira7745]

James you're so handsome ❤❤ I love you

[@sonic7184]

Mother of god the Bridge pickup on that 330 is JUST incredible!

[@adam614ce]

Man I just love the tone of that guitar. I've been GASin for a P90 pickup hollowbody for a few years now.

[@alsicemoy6717]

Love you James Bay

[@anilyazar_]

your amp sounds amazing already

[@marcelohickel]

Wonderful set up, amazing musician! But, can you tell some about the crunch/drive settings? Love his tone.

[@clayy000]

What a killer player, holy crap.

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

+Clayton Murray yeah, his feel is just unreal

[@robertrosejr1]

Cool stuff

[@Pearl882]

Agreed! James Bay is ridiculously handsome & extremely talented !

[@travgpeters1]

seems like an awesome dude

[@rexhargrove5172]

He plays the 66 exactly how (I feel) it should be played. Such perfect tone.

[@wzwguitar]

I love James bay so much! He needs to do a John Mayer trio esc album!

[@kendallucy6860]

Oh damn when the band walk in

[@sidest3818]

That Epiphone and Hamstead would suit me down to the ground. Lurrvley!

[@jamieevans7054]

When do they kiss

[@spacejazz6272]

12:38

[@Mojoman57]

Shorty after 1:40 the little one tries to kiss the big one but they cut it out.

[@andertons]

Is there a Demo button for Jack?

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

+Andertons Music Co Ha ha ha! He is a wonderful human being and we love him. We should invent one, just for him.

[@andertons]

+Daniel TheGigRig We look forward to the GigRig Jack Duxbury Signature Demo Button coming to the market soon.... could it just be a random option on a G2? press this button and see what happens!

[@mads1454]

+Andertons Music Co The Captain Meets James Bay!!!!!!

[@skylarkendrick656]

You prolly dont give a shit but if you guys are stoned like me atm then you can watch pretty much all of the latest movies on instaflixxer. I've been binge watching with my girlfriend during the lockdown xD

[@guskhari6983]

@Skylar Kendrick Definitely, been watching on InstaFlixxer for years myself =)

[@marieo6109]

He looks so much like Borns here. I’m mesmerized

[@jaxonturner]

duxbury cameo, love it!

[@kclawrance]

James Bay + Gig Rig + Andertons Tv cameo = an all round belter of 12:36 seconds (thought Jack was going to be followed in by the Captain and Chappers for a split second)

[@Ollliify]

so nerdy i love it

[@leascaart]

Pink Floyd's David Gilmore escaped the Live At Pompeii shoot to do a pedalboard video with Dan.

[@GuitarCailuong]

I don't know Gilmour's son could play guitar this good!

[@vitocinieri3912]

The riff at 3:20 is Amazing

[@benbrunskill5618]

I think that Epiphone guitar sounds AMAZING.

[@scottlurken9667]

Bit'o Gold this posting is. Hey Dan, can you explain the 3 amp patch? I.e. is it a "wet-dry-wet" set up, etc? don't need too much detail just the highlights will do. Thanks :)

[@ANDARESLK]

OH YEAH!!!!! amazing, talented, ridiculously handsome, wonderfull James Bay

[@tweedguitar9103]

Hey Daniel. The size and the design of this board is perfect. What model is it please ? ta cheers.

[@yungmu7804]

omg when he strums those chords on 3:20

[@jakestewartmusic]

Is he playing Hard Times by Ray Charles at the end?

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

+Jake Stewart Music yeah, my favourite bit ;)

[@geraldgeneroso1681]

I like the sounds of this guy makes. Now I have to check out his music!

[@matthewvarney6214]

I respect James Bay

[@GilangRamanda]

Wow. He can play

[@JALBAVERA]

TONE FOR DAYS

[@taylorstanley6303]

I have to admit I have been a fan of James Bay ever since I noticed him playing an 1966 Epiphone Century. When I found out Gibson was making a signature model I was even more excited. Fact is I came into possession of my late fathers 1966 Epiphone Century when he past away. My dad played the Epi and I played a 1966 Framus 5/60 Missouri playing great Barbara Streisand covers using beautiful old Mel Bay guitar cords on a Silvertone Twin 12 or the small Fender amp Dad had for the Epiphone from the age of 13. Problem is my family bought me a Jumbo sized Guild F-5 12 string acoustic launching my finger picking... James Taylor... Dan Fogleberg folk style music playing years during high school on. Now that I have the Epiphone and especially after listening to the songs James Bay plays @ 7:39 and again at 12:06... I have NO IDEA how to make the guitars sound like that. I have access to a Line 6 Spider IV 75 and I know there are computer programs that emulate all sorts of amps, pedals etc. Where do I start?

[@Magicbanana987]

I touch of gain so it breaks up a little when when played hard, your treble control on your guitar or amp turned up with the bass and mids balanced, a whole lot of reverb and a p90 or single coil pick up. BIAS FX is the best emulator, good luck

[@KayBoguszMusic]

Hold Back The Reverb !!!!

[@joshualessore7652]

Kay Bogusz let me listen to dry

[@ignaciopagani]

Lol!!!!!!

[@spacejazz6272]

Didn't expect the cameo from the "Andertons Keyboard man"

[@nsiepmann]

Was that Andertons Jack just there? Oh, and nice sounds and stuff. :P

[@andertons]

+Nick Siepmann I Wondered where he had gone!

[@plrooks]

What would you recommend to emulate the drive tone if you don't have tube amps? Or three for that matter.... Looking for a pedal to go from clean to that warm saturated breakup

[@JustTiffers]

I'm gonna need a BigSky pedal now

[@helixworld]

I don't recall any gear demo being as well played as this.

[@jamjunkies3639]

Mmm.... That ES330 is nice. :D

[@scottwilliamson8887]

Is there a video with Noel Gallagher for the pedalboard you made him?

[@Gko316]

Please talk about his paddleboard set up that you did for him I can’t tell if the boss pedal is a Wawa pedal or volume pedal what is that

[@johntdoherty7469]

He downtunes a full tone on the epiphone - any idea what gauge of strings he uses (he mentioned a wound G)?

[@Prioryskate]

What's the hot cake used for on the row underneath? If anything

[@anneverhoef]

love the song scars, so hearing it here

[@greenplasticwateringcan]

I swear I read this at first as "Dan Meets James Bay (And Takes His New Pedalboard)" lol

[@skyluna_music]

question... how would be the best way to go about using a G2 with a vocal processor like the voicelive 3 that needs the guitar to go through it for calibrating the harmonies without loosing tone? your advice would really help me. thanks for being amazing! I first thought I might want to purchase a splitter of some sort, before entering the g2 gigrig, but i'm not sure what's the best way to keep the tone from being altered? i don't think the G2 has an output built in for feeding a clean guitar signal for vocal processors. i saw it has an input at the 9th FX's loop, for entering drum machines and other fun things. You are amazing!

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

Thanks Alvaro. If you put a HumDinger in a G2 loop, and sent the isolated out to the vocal processor, but the buffered out back to the loop return you’ll be feed the vocal processor with altering your guitar tone 👍

[@skyluna_music]

@@TheGigRigDaniel brilliant thank you very much... and i would of course need to activate that loop in all of the presets that i want to vocal harmonies on right?

[@1906lele]

A-MA-ZI-NG.

[@jimmytightlips]

What's that song he starts singing at the end? Really nice

[@edinshealtiel3754]

Let it go,,,,I think...

[@remotefaith]

Hard Times

[@Mojoman57]

Is that a little smooch just after 1:40?