Trey Anastasio's Phish Guitar Rig - Part 1

[@genleeman]

Anyone else still return to this just to listen to Trey talk about his gear?

[@Smegmadogmatagram]

@@joegarfield1234yep

[@willfreese]

"Being familiar with your gear is more important than having really good gear." Words to live by.

[@Thruftinger]

@Jeremy Boyd true

[@PaulMatthewMusic1]

i see hes real familiar with playing that wonderful Squier lol.

[@mikekilbride4575]

So true.

[@criprecords7940]

Liar

[@criprecords7940]

Give me my money Trey you on camera.

[@puppybeast33]

Trey once said in an interview that he had to learn a completely different style of playing in order for that guitar to not feedback. He incorporates lots of subtle muting with his picking hand, and has total awareness of the volume knob as all times. Trey said that most guitarists would HATE playing his guitar through that rig because they probably wouldn't know how to control the feedback, it was a whole new skill the man had to learn in order to shape that beautiful and unique tone.

[@FunkHitsTheFan]

The only other person I've ever seen play it would be Mr. Neil Young.

[@rjmoney9]

@@FunkHitsTheFan guitar was probably like "bruh gimme back to Trey"

[@FunkHitsTheFan]

Lol perhaps since that thing is always associated with Trey, plus it's his extension into space.

[@rjmoney9]

@@FunkHitsTheFan true, I think I was thinking more in terms of pure technique difference when I wrote that, just listening to 2:32-2:37 it’s not memorable or special or whatever, but when watching his left hand technique it becomes super impressive to me. His playing so beautiful to watch, I think it’s the best I’ve seen from a non-jazz player (though Trey almost certainly learned this from jazz musicians when he was learning from Dunbar, so maybe you’d consider him jazzy-ish or jazz proxy). No hating for mr young-Dylan has shit vocal technique and he’s my favorite singer, technique is not one of the important things, just a light ribbing a little after being amused at the pairing I think. I can’t think of a popular player whose technique is better/worse than them respectively imo I think Young/Phish collab would be dope they compliment each other in a lot of ways. Did he get a good sound to your ears when he was on treys guitar? -- Would love if anyone reading this has good recommendations for videos that have good close up/clear shots of Trey’s playing 😋 I feel like my transcribing his stuff by ear helps a lot of things but not picking up all that much physical technique because I’m finding uglier less efficient ways

[@FunkHitsTheFan]

@@rjmoney9 Phish had played at the '98 farm aid, when Neil came on during their set they played down by the river someone handed one of the Languedoc's to him, he sounded amazing playing through it, and sounded like himself as Neil always does. Also for some good close up's of Trey maybe try The Clifford Ball or Walnut Creek '97. In my opinion Trey is a mix of a classically trained musician with passions of Hendrix, Zappa, and the person people try to associate him with the most Jerry Garcia. For me it's just all about the jams. Peace

[@grizzlysuit9]

He's so enthusiastic about his art. It's really inspiring. Some guys who do their own reviews don't know much about their gear and are really monotonous in their tone, seeming like they think it's a drag having to do a gear review. But it's so clear that he loves sharing information with fans. Just really an interesting character. "Being familiar with your gear, is more important than having really good gear." You can tell that everything is very dear to him and Trey has a real connection to the music and the tools of the trade.

[@lazydaze4840]

Bingo!

Id be enthusiastic if I had custom made shit to talk about, otherwise just take a picture of the head my knob settings and the pedals and that's my sound lol.

[@lyonz42]

One of the best guitarists ever. Guitar tone that is indescribably good. And aside from an amazingly crafted guitar, dude just uses all these obscure odds-and-ends pieces of pedals and equipment. Has tons of money and could buy anything - but instead focusses on what he likes - classic equipment cobbled-together. Love it - and it just goes to show how much you can accomplish with creativity rather than money.

[@turoniner]

What a happy, positive person, and what a GLORIOUS guitar...

[@lazydaze4840]

One of the coolest dudes out there

[@rbertsch8]

there really arent many musicians that do what trey does, whether its the grind of a touring, in the studio, doing interviews, whatever. you dont see a smile like that and the obvious passion that he has to play live music and visibly and audibly feed off of the audience's reactions and joy. thats why everyone needs to see phish live in their lifetime

[@maxoconnell1903]

A truly inspirational musician/person

[@jrscott81]

I was one of the people that pitched in for the new Ross compressor! glad to hear it's a special part of his rig.

[@sid4me]

That is probably the most beautiful guitar that I've ever seen.

[@BradyBHull]

Agreed!

[@thowell7]

so an extremely rare guitar a classic mesa and a cabinet he built from hand, basically trey's saying, "yea you'll never get this sweet delicious tone"

[@pappyodanial]

All in the hands and the musical mind of the player.. you can make anything sound good if you are good.

[@DaveDexterMusic]

It's not all in the hands and mind. There are some things, a lot of things, you cannot do without the gear.

[@pappyodanial]

@@DaveDexterMusic I did a clinic with Greg Koch maybe 10 years ago and he grabbed a Japanese strat off the wall and it sounded like greg. I have a collectors choice #43 Les Paul and a few choice amps, sure, we all love gear. I think it's like 80/20 hands/gear. But ultimately if you have the funk you can make a hollow log sound good. And Trey's clean tone is not unattainable. Far from it.

[@pappyodanial]

@Rage Theatre2020 agreed.

[@clintwilson6380]

I am not a Phish fan, I know who he is, but I can't name a single song by them, but, that may be the best sounding guitar & rig I've ever heard.....

[@apothecurio]

Yep. Pretty much. I’m not a huge phish fan. Doesn’t mean I don’t think they’re an amazing band.

[@WeAreNotAmused]

Yeah I don't care for the lyrical. Bit but the. Jams can be pretty. Balls to the wals. Afterburner. Stuff. But yeah I'm not into the whole. Deal but I know they have a. Sense for. Improvising. But the lyrics are kinda. Goofy. Which. Kinda detracts from. The. Seriousness. About the music.

[@porter2024]

​@@WeAreNotAmusedthey take the music seriously but not themselves

[@domcagney2352]

I watched this with a gigantic grin the entire time. This man gets nowhere near the appreciation he deserves for how innovative and incredible he is on the guitar. People think it's silly stoner music but it's a super group of the best musicians at their respective instruments

[@chainlightning58]

He seems like a really nice guy! There are so many "rig" videos online where an interviewer is being led around by the performer's tech. Watching this, I feel like I'm hanging out with a friend and just chatting about gear. You rock, Trey!

[@TayTayMakesBeats]

Trey is by far the coolest guitarist out there right now.

[@jester070993]

*Coolest guitarist ever

[@Isaac.Garcia666]

*Dean Ween

[@lazydaze4840]

You are a smart person

[@badfish5895]

CORRECT SIR!

[@badfish5895]

The Wizard for sure

[@footer317]

5:15 so funny they blacked out the "K" in TREK II with tape to make it look like a "Y" for TREY II on the leslie pedal lol

[@zeeeOgre]

Humble and concise. Saw Phish frequently in 91-92... This guy is a monster player. Great post!

[@Colonel_Burner]

I watch this once a year, regardless.

[@Austin-fd4ep]

I watch this twice a month. I'm obsessed with Trey's sound and Jerry's sound.

[@BootsORiley]

i have a feeling you love the new one!

[@_swmc8_613]

Trey really is my biggest inspiration. He is an amazing guitarist, person, songwriter and he recovered from terrible drug addiction. He makes me feel like I can at least do something. His rig is also awesome.

[@Therecouldbe]

One of my best friends and his siblings who were in their 30s took him and I to see Phish when we graduated high school, and I had never heard of them before. Needless to say it was a hell of a night I'll never forget.

[@davidcamarda871]

That tone is just unbelievable. One of the best tones in all of electric guitar.

[@samiam7342]

i love how he plays the same amp he bought in 1983 even though he can afford to buy whatever gear he wants in this world!!!

[@D_sull93]

he got new stuff for the last tour tho

[@wtwrva]

Trey does things the right way the first time, nothing by accident, his sound is result of tireless effort spanning decades.

[@weenerdoggs]

Trey is so cool. So nice to see someone so happy with what he is doing.

[@WilliamsBallMusic]

This is awesome. He loves talking about that stuff. Like a teacher. I'll be happy to sit in that class, front and center.

[@JasonGlisson]

Ok, why has it taken him so many years to do a video like this. I've watched this over and over. His sound is absolutely amazing and artistic. It's very distinct. I've tried to emulate it with all kinds of effects pedals and stuff but it's really the guitar that does a lot of the work I think. It's so great to hear how excited he is about talking about this rig.

[@yourdrummer2034]

Trey's guitar is really beautiful. Shape, sound, wood grain.everything about it.

[@lloydlanglois7958]

I can't think of a more musically inspirational guitarist than Trey Anastasio. That guy is a mad genius.

[@Devonellah]

So cool you all honored us with your rig set up's ~ You are all loved ~ thanks for creating amazing music on this planet!! :)

[@markkindermannart4028]

I lived in Burlington back in the days when they played Nectars to like 25 people. I sat at the bar with them a couple of times and even got to go to an afterparty at “Maggies Farm” once and strummed along to some tunes with the boys. We never thought they would get as big as they did!

[@wtwrva]

I caught phish tour in 1990 after hearing the heads rave about them when they played after Dead (Warlocks) 1989 shows in Hampton, less than 100 peeps, so glad I decided to make that show......who knew then?

[@jusmartin7357]

I have a hollow body and it's my favorite guitar mine has a much longer neck though but hollow bodies are so versatile that I couldn't imagine my collection without it

[@elcap420]

Wish this had been filmed 20 years ago...how awesome to have Trey runnings through his rig!!! Cheers

[@charlesmcwarles5638]

trey and all of phish is the band that really made me happy when i was in the dumps

[@Madakalim]

These guys are all amazing mad scientists. Or zen masters of sound.

[@BenLubin]

This is just such a good sounding rig.

[@bullwinklemoose8291]

I was expecting magic dust and I got 'we built this in high school'. LOL. No really, this is the beauty of music.

[@brettstakelin]

so many years of trying to figure this stuff out on my own. this is awesome

[@luit13]

"It's more important to be familiar with your gear than to have the best gear!", that's not boring, that's the complete truth!

[@quickeveryoneactlega]

Trey is one of my all time heroes, I'm so glad whenever I get to see him do his thing.

[@JRJigsawyer]

Trey showed me how to use the volume knob on my guitar, lol. Really though, he plays the volume and pickup toggle CONSTANTLY, and if you play a semi- or hollowbody with some searing overdrive you'll see why real quick. Of course Jeff Beck is the master at those kinds of things. It's a really good skill to have when you're playing with people and it will open up dynamics in your playing.

[@bathtub_jim7652]

Justin S Trey is a master of feedback control.

[@stevehurt8632]

He's so happy and upbeat! Awesome to see a musician who's been around, be that happy and enjoying what he does!

[@humuhumunukunuku]

A true master at work. Brilliant.

[@TheEccentricHippie]

So, so incredible. Greatest venue in the west, hands down.

[@snerddarplol]

I love listening to Trey haha, if I'm having a shitty day I just put on some Phish, or watch Trey interviews, or one with Mike Gordon and I can't help but smile :)

[@model_number_band]

To the contrary, one of the most underrated guitarists of all time. A total monster.. I'm a guitarist and first saw them in '93 in college. Love hendrix, page, lifeson, keef,,,, Believe it or not, Trey belongs!!!

[@StephenBe]

Undoubtably, the greatest guitar currently being played.

[@frostbeam7095]

the Mark-IIIs are awesome. A friend of mine, who has had every boutique amp under the sun, had one for a while and it simply kicked ass. Maybe not the best cleans but great for anything from overdriven to face melt.

[@DirkMonroe]

it's so good to see trey so excited about his guitar rig. it in turn makes me excited to go play. so inspiring.

[@Stellings4]

Trey rips, I love how his 'Clean Tone' is two tube screamers into a Mesa! He has masterful control of Hollowbody tone and sustain. I sense the price of Languedocs rising! Thanks for posting these.

[@JimDandy69]

The compressor helps, also, he's not blasting a full-stack 8x12 rig. Keep the stage volume manageable so the sound man can do his job... Sometimes he does get feedback, but it can be controlled by the gain on the guitar, and most of the time the feedback is intentional.

[@nobodyyouknow9412]

He was a very nice man when I met him. Had a long discussion about his amp and cabs

[@whereverthere]

Nice tones, I remember when they did their first tour outside of VT, we saw them at the 1313 Club in Charlotte, NC. Blown away, so hot and on the spot. We sat around after the show where my friend was telling us all the myths of Trey's sound, that he had a sustainer built into the guitar, etc. etc. funny that he's just doubling up on Tube Screamers... use your imagination, make up your own story.

[@wrenchhead6840]

Truly a gifted musician.

[@RyleeByrd]

I think its more important to be familiar or comfortable with your gear than to have nice gear.....Trey is da man......................

[@mattier3030]

Back again for my bi annual trey rig

[@scatlizard]

"I really like this one now... It has a certain brilliance to it.. pauses and gets emotional. He feels that guitar.

[@Gingerjake2]

I was just going to say that! Clapton said Trey Anastasio & Robbie Robertson of the Band were both great inspirations to him to keep learning. Clapton actually wanted to join the Band! ♪

[@turoniner]

That guitar is absolutely glorious. Trey you lucky dog!

[@TheEccentricHippie]

Probably the most beautiful guitar I've seen.

[@davidcamarda8723]

This is like a superhero explaining how his suit works.

[@averyprice9422]

We need an update...

[@scootmcgoot570]

He is just pure awesome. Tone and skills for days! Its funny because he seems like he is on the verge of completely busting out laughing. Is he on a mild trip

[@wiscotim100]

if we have aliens on earth..Trey may be one!! awesome..used to see these guys 15 yrs ago..need to see em again! thanks 4 this..brings back alot of exciting times!!!

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

Phish and MetallicA are my 2 favorite bands on earth. Pink Floyd and CCR and Johnny Cash and Tom Petty are up there too.

[@mielkman829]

In 1993 Eric Clapton was asked, "Who is the best guitar player in the world right now?" His answer, "Trey Anastasio" End of story.

[@voodoochili12]

source?

[@WiliiamNoTell]

Heard this musician for the first time February 2nd 2020 on satellite radio and I thought it was Eric Clapton This guy's got plenty of talent!

[@trainier]

You probably haven't heard the half of it yet. The band is amazing. Timeless.

[@aholder4471]

Clapton wouldn't bother naming a favorite. It wouldn't change day by day. I've actually heard him say Jeff Beck. Haven't heard him say Trey yet.

[@John-xe5kr]

Just realized that "Picture Of Nector" is based off of the bar that they originally played at, "Nectors"

[@jennifervalentine3596]

The image on the album cover is of Nectar himself.

[@alexcarey687]

It’s ‘Nectar’

[@John-xe5kr]

@@alexcarey687 glad I stuck with listening to these guys. Learned so much ab these guys over the past 4 years

[@jonpicasso]

Great vid. My girlfriend just surprised me with 4 tickets on their summer 2013 tour. I'm so excited!

[@rjmoney9]

I'm not even that into gear in general, but that guitar turns me on. What a gorgeous instrument.

[@camtron]

Trey - I'd love to see a rundown of your rig now.

[@awesomejohnnet]

Use it in good health in beautiful days Trey... Great guitar, amazing sounding work of art... I stand in respect of your lutheir

[@Lightningph]

Post the new one!!

[@Chalverus]

gospel according to Band of Gypsies-love it!

[@quickeveryoneactlega]

god he's so f'ing cool. I would love to meet him sometime. Best living guitarist.

[@raleighblake8991]

Good god that guitar is ridiculously beautiful.

[@NR2112]

Phish For Life!!!!!!

[@ronpaulrevered]

Love this guy.

[@tobyreinhardt9022]

Jeez! I need to listen to some Phish records.

[@portholepirate]

i love the way how trey said "this one is really really special"

[@bearpickle]

Trey seems like a super chill dude.

[@TheEccentricHippie]

In a little over a month, I will be 30 feet from this stuff at the gorge. Oh yeah.

[@myway43]

I did not know he played a real hollowbody. I wonder how he keeps the feedback under control at stage volumes?

[@pauljohnson4083]

Watch him closely during shows... he is like a DJ on his volume knob. He probably spends more time turning the guitar up and down, than he does actually playing notes! Plus, he doesn't believe in volume expression pedals, dirties up the tone.

[@Sco3000]

He moves closer to and farther away from the speakers to manipulate the feedback.

[@cardsfanjordan]

....and most importantly, he knows the art of palm-muting.

[@Sco3000]

Indeed

[@JakeSpino]

He USED to use an ernie ball volume pedal.

[@andyinwards2119]

I’d love for him to do an instrumental album just with that guitar rig and maybe a little vocal… The tones here are just to die for…. The cleaner single and humbucker are a dream.

[@tylerthompson2698]

when he kicks on the leslie.. them feels

[@1longfrost]

Thank you Sir. Happy 2013 Trey. Where is this at?

[@stevecook180]

Fishman's nickname is Fish, gotta luv it.. Trey also quoted if he were to go to a Phish concert he would be watching Fishman play...

[@kevbotchill]

That guitar is unbelievable o my god 10/10

[@steveburchfield5576]

jerk offs who use JUDGE GOD ALLMIGHTYS NAME IN VAIN GO TO HELL FOREVER!!

[@mr.anonymous5501]

@@steveburchfield5576 You're behaving like a Pharisee, not a Christian.

[@steveburchfield5576]

@@mr.anonymous5501 read the Bible for your self , those who use GODS NAME IN VAIN WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN and also I think the Pharisee were correct, I think jesus is SATAN THE FALSE PROPHET I base this partly on his claim adultery can be forgiven. the ten commandments say otherwise. Also the prodigal sons whoring being forgiven as a parable proves my point. To each his own.

[@WeAreNotAmused]

I need to know what sustain pedal he uses I'm finding it difficult to find that endless beacon of sound like a lighthouse over the ocean

[@averyprice9422]

The Ocedoc is my favorite Doc..

[@michaeldematteis3409]

Love it.hows he remember all this stuff,lol.

[@000Haze]

That guitar is fucking gorgeous, wannnnnnnt

[@CasualElk]

watching his fret hand move is hypnotizing

[@justinzelik4046]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TREY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@710Chri]

I had those same hemp Macbeth shoes back in 2013

[@1022rebelreddog]

I like the delay and the idea of two tube screamers. and the univibe..

[@MrBennieb5769]

My buddy just found a mark iii head in philly last year for $800 thats a steal too one of the best amps ive ever had the pleasure to play on

[@johnnypk1963]

Wow what a guitar. The figured koa is beautiful damn.

[@bruceclough1539]

Omg that guitar is gorgeous and huge!

[@Fanaticusband]

Trey has the best tone around man

[@JediRastafari]

Is there a part 2 to this video?

[@bathtubzen]

Every time Trey says "strat" i melt inside

[@norwester7018]

God how I'd love a Languedoc... I've gotten to play one and they really do SING like a Violin, it's amazing ow much different they are from typical "hollow-bodies"

[@garyrossington2143]

Why is Trey's pinky afraid to touch the fretboard?

[@willenglish3634]

So I'm assuming its the Uni vibe/wah wah that gives him the rediculous swelling lead tone. He really does have some tone going on in that rig.