Pedalboard Makeover | Cory Wong

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Howdy Folks! The video you have all been waiting for is here: Cory Wong's Rig Doctor Appointment! Cory is one of the most influential guitarists of this decade. We were stoked to have him come in, hang, and melt our faces by means of funky rhythm guitar. Huge thanks to Cory for being so generous and kind throughout this whole process, and huge thanks to you (yeah, you) for watching!

[@darkpagemx]

congrats man great work!

[@louisrios5546]

About 10 months ago I didn't know who Cory Wong was. Since then I've taken a deep dive, and now he might be my favorite guitar player. I love his technique, his tone, his personality, positivity, and basically everything else.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Louis Rios he’s a great player, performer, and all around cool guy!

[@Deathdefying2012]

Louis Rios seriously. Same here! He’s opened my mind to the importance and limitless possibilities that open up when you commit to becoming a human metronome, dude can play the weirdest, funkiest riff or lick, however syncopated and unorthodox it may seem, and when it ends, he’ll be right back, lock-step in time with everyone else, each member their own rhythm section and lead player.. they’re all truly remarkable musicians, and a rare treat for music and theory nerds, but still accessible enough for my 65 year old. mom to like them! But Cory is just that extra little cherry on top of the sexy sundae of sounds that is Vulfpeck.

[@Six3rdy]

Yep. He's frika-frika-frika-fresh!!!!! Or is it waka-waka? Or chugga-chugga? Or jigga-jigga (jigga who? 🤣)? 🤔 I don't know what particular brand of onomatopoeia would fit Cory's right hand.

[@uyuyuy_bajura]

Cory I know you hyped about the board BUT WHY DON'T YOU TAKE THE TOY THAT THE DOGGY BROUGHT YA, IT IS A GIFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

hahahaha!

[@yurakolesnikov9725]

Because some people, like me, aren't secure with dogs. I don't want touch dogs, let them lick me, take toys/food/anything from them.

[@DIGITAL7Media]

Who hurt you?@@yurakolesnikov9725

[@RobertMaxRees]

Vulfpeck font, Vulfpeck music, Vulfpeck rhythm guitarist... what's with this decidedly non-Vulfpeck hi-def widescreen video?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahaha! Can’t get the Sony A7Sii to shoot that low fi!!! I didn’t go “all in” in that regard

[@cranidos242]

. M0p. Ji

[@stipeur]

Cory’s old pedalboard reminds me of his right hand - so lose and all over the place

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahah, the original one I presume!?

[@stipeur]

Vertex Effects yeah I meant the old pedalboard, your new one kicks some serious ass doctor

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Meastro Fuzz hahaha! Yea, the Home Depot Special!

[@andrewjensen4212]

#pureCartilage

[@FabrizioRodulfo]

Couldn't have said it better 😂

[@RobertNolan]

Great board BUT I love that the dog is super excited to show him his T Rex and walks away like "this guy looks like he has good taste... Okay clearly you're busy, maybe another time. See me later though."

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Robert Nolan hahaha! Zeek loves to show off his dinosaur 🦖

[@RobertNolan]

@@VertexEffectsInc it's a very fine looking Dino! 🤙

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Robert Nolan hahahah

[@chrisarias8308]

Being a fellow Minnesotan (Cory Wong) and fan of the Vertex brand as well as our dear Uncle Mason, I legitimately can't wait to watch this video!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Chris Arias thanks for the support and thanks for watching!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

We’re live! Can’t wait for your take on this one!

[@kevingriffin9893]

Rig Doctor? Hell yeah ! ! ! Love Cory's playing and tone, so thanks for sharing this ~

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You bet!

[@modicles]

Awesome video. Cory is a legend with many more stories to tell. It's great to see him excited about the pro kit you built and hear him play with it. I'm thrilled to see him and the kit in NYC a few weeks from now. (Welcome to MSG Rig Doctor.)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Mark K have fun!!!!

[@matiasalaniscaballero1946]

love the sound of the steel string and the ultraphonix stacked!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes! Tone of the Godz!!!

[@Deathdefying2012]

Thank you for doing what you do, and being so humble in the midst of what is obviously you living your dream.. you’re a genuinely interesting dude with great tips and a seemingly limitless wealth of Knowledge, plus access to the best players in the world to help you make your videos just that much better.. Please never stop doing what you do. It’s become a very very big part of my curriculum in Sound School 😂 Keep tearin’ it up, man. Always look forward to your next one!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thank you so much Oliver! This made my day!!!

[@mikemartin6554]

GREAT video.....very well done.Board looks like a ton of fun...Cory was way cool and he was playing music like I've never heard or seen . You're livin' that life Uncle Mason! I dig all your vids....

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks Mike! I’m very fortunate to do what I’m doing! Thank you so much for watching 🙏

[@louisg3598]

Mason great work! I'm researching building a pedalboard for my daughter's first electric rig and your videos inspire and educate. I think we may need some Zeek with dino merch. Count me in for a t-shirt!

[@CurtisThorpe]

Cory's got such a signature sound. Love it. Great video! A+ production.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Curtis Thorpe thanks for watching!!

[@jammingood1]

They should sell Cory's pedal board ready to go at guitar center suite case and all.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

zach marcum hahahaha!

[@sarahvee6211]

Great video! Came here from a Cory marathon, but stayed because of your enthusiasm and great teaching! Nice editing too. Cheers

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@alanredversangel]

I got the Ego comp mini because of Cory Wong and not only does it do what I hoped it would do it does things I didn't expect it to do too. Well recommended.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes indeed!

[@patrickcarroll1754]

Mason, it looks pristine. I applaud your engineering artistry. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! I hope we earned your subsription!

[@michaelfillon3831]

I know the pedalboard is the star here, but let me just say this was a really well made video. From narrative to clarity on the step by step process, and even the gig footage. Nice one, guys.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Denis-A1]

this is one of my best videos and best show to watch all the way from Uganda east Africa #rig Doctor

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Agaba Denis thank you so much!!!!

[@ClearTheDeck]

Your work is so slick and Cory is clearly thrilled with the result. After watching this video, I've decided that a flat board is right for me and I am scrapping previous plans to build a 2-tier board. I'm also definitely making an interface box. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Go for it!

[@brockmulhearn3490]

friends at sea is awesome background music. love that song

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Brock Mulhearn lucky enough Cory gave us free reign over any of his catalog

[@wayne-4617]

I gotta admit I was skeptical of "pedalboard for the pros" (professional velcro?) but this was a great video showing all of the care and attention to detail that goes into a setup like this. The footage of Cory being a rockstar at the end was awesome!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching it all the way through! It was a blast working with Cory!

[@Mcsteveberry]

if this guy goes near your pedalboard your set for life

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Mcsteveberry 🙏

[@terrymiller111]

Great build Great playing Great dog

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching

[@mjs2016]

The way he used the wah to accent the 2 and 4 was incredible. Nice job Doc

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you liked it! Hope we earned your subscription!

[@garrettbabcock9024]

What a nice and succinct rhythm guitar pedal board!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow! Thanks Garrett! Thanks for watching!!!

[@tankgrrl]

I love Cory. And this pedalboard looks great. I saw it in a later video where he'd swapped in some different pedals, and it was still super clean. My only complaint... Cory, dude. When a doggo comes up to you with their favorite toy, you stop messing with the pedalboard and show the doggo some love. 😆

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you like it!

[@nckhed]

They probably edited out all of that nonsense as it's not necessarily relevant to the subject of the video. 🤷

[@LucasPenido]

You are an artist dude! I hope you branch your work, create your own line of “screws & cables” and boards and etc! I feel it’s a very untouched market (when it comes to great professionals) and you are at the forefront of it!

[@TheAnonymous61]

Watching you do that is soooooo satisfying! Keep it up bro!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Rengel Cane Sia So glad you dig it

[@corporalpunishment924]

When he demoed the Vintage Wah it totally reminded me of the Sims Bustin' Out soundtrack. Love It!!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

amazing!

[@paolousero7831]

I saw the MSG Vulfpeck video before this, and lo and behold this exact setup is still being used :)

[@Mysticfob]

It was so awesome to be jamming along to Cory's songs while watching this.

[@DannyWoodMusic]

This is awesome!!! Job well done! Love Cory Wong!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Danny Wood thanks for watching man!

[@IETass]

Man this is such a good episode

[@VertexEffectsInc]

So glad you dig it 🙏

[@sd_design]

The Rig Doctor has mad technical skills. Totally cool video! 👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks so much for watching

[@sd_design]

@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks for reminding me to never give up on my craft. 100% inspiring.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

SD Design thank you!!!

[@sd_design]

@@VertexEffectsInc 😎

[@deckardzhao1495]

One of the best funk guitarist I’ve seen.

[@Izzy1782]

After seeing his board at the start (shudder) I feel confident in saying I'm an unprofessional guitarist with a professional rig Lol

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahahaha

[@dylanchen5738]

If only my parents cared for me as much as Mason takes care of Cory and his gear

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Dylan Chen ahhh man! Say it ain’t so!

[@samlee2562]

did he just wear that t-shirt 4 days in a row? my maaaaan....!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

See Cory’s instagram from today and you’ll see!

[@gagslovedotcom]

Dats just how u build up da stank dat makes da funk!

[@IETass]

He got a timmy turner closet

[@Six3rdy]

Yes, but no. Lol. The best time to wear a striped shirt is all the time. But you gotta come equipped with more than one to be on the safe side.

[@jerrylee087]

I was always watching all of your vids rig doctor and it was really cool keep it up man!✨🎉✌🎶

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you like them!

[@JDdotST]

So so nice. Tone for daaaayyyys.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes sir!!!

[@dplumpp]

first vid of these I’ve seen. who would’ve thought Bevers from Broad City made pedalboards? 😅 killer build!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Don’t know her - thanks for watching!

[@rmiraflor]

I got to see that at the Greek in Berkeley. Such a great show.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes it was!

[@SacredKaw]

Of course he has a Strymon Big Sky! It’s one of my top 3 pedals of all time.

[@Roxanneredpanda]

even his ambience is funky

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Cory is the best!!

[@hyperactivistsincorporated4073]

Great video very good pedalboard strategies and man he can play

[@theacan565]

Thank you so much for all the FREE INSANE GUITAR LOOPS 15:49......all right man!!! SAMPLE!!!

[@kennygore1395]

wow that was amazing

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching 🙏🙏🙏

[@thebassrogue]

love your videos, man! If it's possible for you, you should get an overhead camera, on your counter where you work so we can see better your masterful work! cheers, thank you for the videos!

[@RJRonquillo]

Very nice Dr.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thank you Tito RJ!

[@phil.7064]

Love Cory's energy

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Best in the biz!

[@guitarsword1]

Nice video, this guy is a great player.

[@tommusik5863]

Strymon is great, but you should go through and add a little lock-tite to all the threads. Every strymon thing I've owned is prone to screws and jack inserts falling out.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

We do that for sure on the power supply.

[@SacredKaw]

Clean work Doctor.

[@rafamcm]

Great Video, as always! Cory is an awesome guitarist. Thank you. ;)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thank you so much for watching!!!

[@Wesleyguitarrista]

Beautiful job Man!

[@thesphericalguy9018]

That's a rock solid board! Only thing I might have done differently is utilized the pre/post functionality in the H9 in case I want it for delays and other time based stuff after drives. Great work Mason!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

TheSphericalGuy that’s a good point. Cory uses that H9 only for wah sounds, so it’s not a real problem. But the pre/post would be good for most players

[@EshockT]

@@VertexEffectsInc Cool, I wondered why you chose to set it up this way. What a player to show off the ultraphonix steel string stack. I would have thought to reverse those, but Cory can't be wong!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

kangham Steel String after Ultraphonix is the move!

[@trottheblackdog]

The dog is a Corey Wong fan. Good dog!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes sir! Zeek loves Cory

[@JETallacksen]

I was all in, focused on the pedalboard until about 15:14 and now I just want to play with the pup and his/her T-Rex.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Jeremy Tallacksen zeek loves his dinosaur 🦖 and loves to show guests

[@PotentStudios]

15:28 Someone please play with that dog!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahahah!!!

[@ryanspencerlauderdale687]

FOURTH POSITION.

[@anderskhl5435]

THIS IS ALL I KNOW

[@RoeyHaviv]

Great job!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@marc_leblanc]

I've had the same problem with velcro. It just wouldn't stick. I even tried the dual lock stuff and it wouldn't work regardless. Now I play a digital amp and use FX in there mostly but might be building another board with just dirt pedals.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Check out our power velcro! www.therigdr.com/products/powergrip-6-20-ft

[@fdeezyxoxo]

Damn do I need one of your boards soon

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🥰🥰🥰

[@cheezyridr]

the tidy-ness of the board is so attractive, to me. i wonder what made you choose that type of board vs a metal frame one like a pedal train or similar? i also wonder how you come up with the placement? it doesn't seem to be entirely related to the order the signal goes thru them. also, i don't know that player, but he was bringin the funk that would have made wendy melvoin take notice. very cool

[@nickg2431]

Me-piece of wood painted black double locking velcro good patch cables and spares ,always looking to make board simple and easy to change which of course guitarists NEVER do!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It’s one way to go

[@nickg2431]

@@VertexEffectsInc That board is beautifully built and a real asset to any pro touring musician!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@nickg2431 Thanks for watching Nick!

[@nicholassekulski3393]

20:36 probably one of the best parts of the video

[@garrettnewman7438]

Cory is great human

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The best!!!

[@prodevus]

Cory always lookin like a young Adrian Belew

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Good genetics!

[@charlieruffell4635]

You are AMAZING 🤩

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! Hope we earned your subscription!

[@nikolaki]

Great video plus we got ourselves a short Cory Wong sound dictionary.

[@fivefingerfullprice3403]

Love that intro, lmao! Nice nice

[@stavborochov1673]

Damn the gritty comp is really good

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes indeed! The Cory Comp!

[@DooblesGoDoobles]

That sound is why i'm moving heaven and earth to get me a steel string mk1, needs to be like cory's dammit!

[@lukelogsdon6205]

There are a few different size options for the pedal bridges. I am looking to get the exact same one you used here, I have a bigsky I want to put a zuma under. Wondering if you have the specific bridge you used for this project.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Luke Logsdon you can e-mail them this video and ask them to replicate it.

[@BillRayDrums]

Paul Gilbert swears by color coordination. :D "I need a green pedal to offset the red one, and the orange looks nice too..." True story.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Didn't know that

[@lisaevans6569]

Question for the interface. Does it it need to be buffered? or will the signal be strong enough from the Strymon to push the signal through the interface to the amp?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

If you have a wireless (as the input buffer) and a Strymon pedal set to buffered mode last, then you should be OK. If you don't have a wireless, then you would also need an input buffer.

[@williammilburn7091]

I don't know why, im watching this a 4th time 😂

[@VertexEffectsInc]

😂😂😂

[@openup007]

great video... do you have a specific video on how to build the Stereo/mono output interface (Ref. 13:11 on the video)? Like Cory, I am currently using my Strymon Big Sky as the output to my amps. I like to use two amps, but that's not always the case. I just watched your 4CM-2CM interface video and it was fantastic. Thanks.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Mason it looks Pristine. Huge difference. Get him a "Pelican-lite" to tote it around. Forget the Suitcase = Amateur Hour. That is the Big-Fail, in terms of Reliability & Longevity.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Michael Caz hahaha! I think Cory will cave!

[@ebeep]

@@VertexEffectsInc if Cory doesn't cave, his board will in that floppy bag of cable nest doom.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

ebeep hahahaha

[@MoXyiD]

Bahaha! Corey at the end speakin truths about them affiliate links ^.^. but honestly, id rather do it for you than nobody at all. Good shit my man!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomaszmusic]

Hi Guys, Why is Steel String powered with 18V? Many thanks for the video!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Only if you need more headroom.

[@WhiskerWhippers]

17:05 team sports is sounding great!

[@artysanmobile]

You do know about Dual Lock, right? The little mushroom caps grab on like screws. Expensive but way worth it.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

We use our signature Power Grip which I prefer, but used Dual Lock for many decades before that.

[@LieutenantTickles]

With every new Cory video his Strat looks more and more like someone drug it behind a car. I love it.

[@noahbenson585]

I didn’t know this was the video that my life needed until I saw his post and was like “bRUH lemme get those COMP SETTINGS tho” until I saw that they were just at noon :( but that blend knob tho

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Noah Bensons didn’t record the settings , maybe look at the still shots at the end where Cory demos the pedals.

[@BenWGray]

8:32 - Mind Flayer has Joined the Game

[@jameswedeking4380]

Great video. Is there a different power lead hidden under the riser when he wants to use his HX Stomp?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

James Wedeking Mason creates a cable that takes the current from two outputs on the Zuma! So yes!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

James Wedeking Mason here - the output to the Bigsky parallels two outputs for 1A of power so I can power the BigSky or Line 6 HX Stomp. You just need to get an adaptor for the 2.5mm cable with the correct polarity for the Line 6.

[@staf772]

Where did you get the board and the riser from?

[@IDDQDSound]

Hi! I heard that if you leave jacks plugged in to your pedals all the time there's a corrosion that builds and hurts the sound, is it true? Clearly not if you suggest leaving them in, but wanted to hear your thoughts! Thanks and great video!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Oxidation and corrosion is inherent in most any connection on a pedal or pedalboard, plugged in or not. 1/4" jacks on pedals, and guitar patch cables, will need to have contacts cleaned periodically for best function. It's like the oil change for your pedals so to speak. You can check out some of our pedalboard maintenance tips on our channel, we've done a few episodes on this and link our favorites contact cleaners.

[@munkeatphotography]

Hi Mason! Well done on the board! Just a quick question, would you recommend running the Vertex Steel String before or after the Ultraphonix? Just gotten these two pedals and it's awesome!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Steel String after Ultraphonix.

[@munkeatphotography]

Vertex Effects Thanks a lot !!

[@noahmichael6996]

I slapped like after the intro

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahahah! Thanks for watching

[@artysanmobile]

Double stop master!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!

[@TheMackie055]

Hi . What kind of Mogami do you use for the pedalboards ? Thank you

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Max Tkach see links - 2319

[@markussukram9290]

Great guitar player...I'm amazed at how so many great guitar sounds and riffs you can find in the disco-funk style...gino soccio...cerrone...donna summer...voyage..chic...earth wind and fire...brothers johnsons..kool and the gang...kc and sunshine band...jamiroquai...level 42...chaka khan...change...bbqandband...insane!!!

[@yaki_font]

Hey uncle Mason Have you ever tried bestronics CA-0678? The specs are way better than the mogami and its even cheaper. Also comes in colors

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I know of it - better specs doesn’t mean better/worse. There are a hundred coax cables that might spec out better than Mogami, have lower capacitance, lower resistance, etc. but I think of cables as capacitors (which they are really) and I choose the ones that I think sounds best in the context of a rig, are easiest to assemble, and are the most durable for their usage and environment. Mogami for most things is my go-to, but I’ve used Belden 9778, Gepco X-Band, and Canare depending on the end goal or exaggerating a certain EQ that the client ents. Mogami to me is the most neutral and the least “peaky” in the treble frequencies when used with distortion - also very easy to assemble. If anything I would say it errors on more midrange compared to neutral, but each cable has its own leaning one way or the other EQ wise it’s all just choosing your flavor at the end of the day.

[@zackmitchellguitar9088]

@@VertexEffectsInc What a beast of a reply... This is the first of your videos I've seen, I know now my rig is amateur and there is much to learn. Also, must aquire Vertex pedals, hot damn!

[@martenmanna]

What's that blue pedal Cory's holding in his hand at 1:11? I saw it on the floor on his Live at First Avenue too and was curious

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The Compressor?

[@martenmanna]

@@VertexEffectsInc Nope, I meant the one with the 3 footswitches and maybe a display (?) that he's holding in his hand, looks like a multi-fx unit or something

[@martenmanna]

Just if anyone comes across this, I managed to find the pedal now with some deeper research. It's the TC Helicon Voicelive Play that he presumably uses for the effects on his microphone on live shows.

[@grizelda4526]

Awesome.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@youngmojito4299]

Looks great! Sorry for the noob question: did you solder the pedal jacks? If yes does it mean you have to remove the solder in order to switch a pedal? I might got it all wrong though

[@VertexEffectsInc]

No - we’re talking about the cables themselves

[@youngmojito4299]

@@VertexEffectsInc I see, thanks !

[@KTGHATS]

...as a teenager, Young Nicholas Cage pursued a career in music as a pretty accomplished lead guitarist.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!