Pedalboard Build for a Studio Legend

[@Nightbreed82]

I met Paul at a Guitar Center clinic back in 1996; I was 14. He signed a CD for me after the clinic (which I still have) and I remember him being the nicest guy in the whole world. I've sold most of my CDs over the years, but I will always keep that one. He was playing Gibson Nighthawks at the time, which was the first time I ever saw one in person. When the clinic began, you could hear him playing guitar, but was nowhere to be seen. Then all of a sudden Paul came walking up from the back, towards the front of the room, walking right by me as he played the intro song.....man, it was so rad. He eventually busted out with some Michael Jackson Thriller riffs and it gave me chills. One of my best memories from that time in my life was that clinic and meeting Paul Jackson Jr., a true guitar legend.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sounds like Paul! Great guy!

[@jensenbell]

Paul Jackson Jr. was, is and continues to be the real thing. As artists come and go, producers rely on Mr. Jackson to ensure hits and great grooves and ideas. He was smart to go to Uncle Mason for his tools this year. I think he knows that The Rig Doctor is truly motivated to ensure quality for him... actually not only for him, but for everyone. This collaboration was as successful as can be. :)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Love Paul, this was such an honor for us!

[@thechronicnoizeco.6675]

That’s the cleanest I’ve ever heard a guitar with humbuckers.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!

[@Clopezl01]

why do I have two compressors? Well, becouse I can!. Best line ever!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

😂😂😂

[@VertexEffectsInc]

What do you think of this travel rig we built for Paul Jackson Jr? Let us know in the comments below! Table of Contents: 00:00 - Introduction 01:25 - What's Going on Paul's Board? 02:58 - Powergrip Velcro 04:26 - Power 06:42 - Audio 08:28 - Buffering 09:48 - Pedalboard DONE 10:29 - Paul Demos Pedalboard 18:08 - Outro

[@jerrygonzalez2046]

...

[@seankent1807]

PJ is an unsung hero! Amazing player that most people don’t even know about. Great rig build, great sounds, great artist!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He’s one of the best in the biz!!!

[@Daniel-rg9sl]

He has such an endearing personality. The excitement in his voice when he first sees the rig. Haven’t seen that kind of giddiness out of the other pros who mason builds for - maybe they’re jaded, maybe that’s just not their personality. Either way, it’s nice to see someone as established and legendary PJJ still acting like a kid on Christmas morning. Great dude. Great vid.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Paul definitely put on a show for us! But I think that’s his personality, and his way of showing appreciation. It was really fun experience and build

[@Daniel-rg9sl]

@@VertexEffectsInc What a gem. Thanks for all the great content amigo. My signal chain appreciates it :)

[@stephennowels1909]

So cool. I’ve admired Paul Jackson Jr’s work for many years. That’s an amazingly small rig for a system that is so versatile and all encompassing. Clearly a happy end result as evidenced by the smile on Paul’s face. Great job, Mason!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Couldn't agree more!

[@sifender56]

Love Paul’s playing!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Don't we all!

[@hummarstraful]

Just awesome you got Paul to participate in a build and succeeded his expectations. Much respect, Mason

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@gregmize01]

Why do I have two compressors? Because I can. ---LEGEND

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!!! Only he can pull it off!

[@drebatista]

@@VertexEffectsInc he and Lowell George

[@Six3rdy]

*In 2chanz-esque fashion* 2 COMPRESSORS!!! Paul Jackson Jr. rocking two compressors is completely justifiable. Because man's gotta stay applyin' pressure.

[@tomt55]

Amazing rig for an amazing player. It was really nice to see the build process and then have Paul discuss and the demo the finished board for us. So cool! I've been enjoying going through your video archive and watching some super helpful videos on board builds. I am a home hobbyist and just starting to build a couple simple boards myself. Please keep this type of informative and entertaining content coming. Thank you, Mason! Terrific video!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching and for the support!

[@Mindartcreativity]

Excellent playing and tone! It really is in the hands because that was a prime example. Thanks for this video.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Paul’s got the magic hands!

[@jerrygonzalez2046]

What an amazing job you have done, Mason! I’ve being working on my board as well; I am integrating a GT1000 as the brains of my rig. I hope, I’ll do a good job as you did with Paul’s. Thank you for all the teaching videos you have posted. They are extremely helpful for people like me that are learning how to build their own pedal board themselves. Once again, Thank you.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

My pleasure! I’m so glad you found it helpful

[@joshuaraysummey7679]

Love him as a player, now with a little insight on how he thinks, I love him even more! This was great!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Paul is great!

[@Souldoubtrocks]

What a sweet guy. Dude that’s awesome that he made a follow up video. I’d say you have a very happy customer. And one hell of a player. Congratulations mason.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@gbaren]

Cool build plus Paul's fingers and soul=Magic

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Oh yea

[@eriksonderlon]

Great video! One of your best, Paul Jackson Jr. is a Gem!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! Yes he is!

[@jackprice7828]

Paul is one of those behind the scenes incredible session players. He is an incredible artist/guitarist.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Absolutely one of the best in the biz!!!

[@RichardWatson]

Killer build! And man, is Paul's enthusiasm infectious- what a great dude!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching Richard!

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Love listening to Paul. I was grooving in the office chair at work.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He’s so amazing! It was a real honor for us

[@traceyoungs1637]

That's an amazing rig...it makes the case for a switcher & midi seem more practical and less overwhelming!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes indeed!

[@Rikk_Klaww777]

That drive with effector on it..so clean and singular sounding.! Amazing can only imagine how huge it would be at f.o.h..😐😮

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Truly a great sounding rig!

[@Scott__C]

Great rundown and I like that you show us how to DIY. When I was young I didn't know all those session player names, but Paul is the man. Another one who makes it look so effortless.

[@Tone2town]

Paul Jackson’s classic line, “ Why do I have two compressors… because I can”. What a true Boss! 😎

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Brandon-so9fp]

His tone is incredible.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes indeed

[@NickGranville]

Great work as always Mason! PJ is a legend and hero of mine too

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, a hero! Love Paul!

[@MultiGuitarDave]

Great sound. Paul is one of my favourite guitarplayers

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Mine too!

[@GrantEllman]

Awesome vid. My former guitarist was lucky to have PJJ as a mentor. Such a cool guy.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Absolutely!

[@chrissterrmusic]

Very inspiring... you're slowing convincing me to step into this brave new world of midi switching, etc, etc...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

One step at a time!!!

[@WarrenPostma]

Those mini expression pedals are super cool.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I think so too!

[@nic0c]

Nike Air max uptempo 95..stepping on the pedals with some drip

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Great rig. Fantastic guitar player. Always been a fan of his work with: Michael Jackson, Madonna, Anita Baker, Patrice Rushen, Luther Vandross & Michael McDonald (among others). oNe LovE from NYC

[@ivanvranic7860]

There is also a Boss ms-3 as a 150$ cheaper option.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

One of the best of the best!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

cool Ivan!

[@jm879]

Broo that cable job is so clean and awesome

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏 If you’re interested in doing the same we have several videos the detail some of these techniques. We invite you to check it out so you can follow our same technique

[@davidperaza9526]

What an icon!! PJR is one of my favs of all time, such a chameleon!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The best!

[@hugomartinho2555]

Congrats Mason, working with Paul Jackson Jr is like working with Music Royalty, amazing! Cheers. HM

[@euphoricguitars8154]

Wow! Wicked job as always. That switcher is epic.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks!

[@EricLyke]

PJ is such a beast - cool build for such a legend!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes indeed 🙌

[@316word]

Wow, he actually likes the boss GT 1000 I keep wondering which one of these things to get and it’s so cool to see you know ace guys like that still like boss considering all the things that are out like helix ,fractal audio ,quad core so on and so on

[@michaelgregory2231]

Very cool! PJ is one of the sweetest cats in music.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Couldn't agree more!

[@alguitarchristie]

Great improvement from the last video, where we hear the artist demoing the board as well as seeing the build, isn't that what we all want to see guys? :)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Know that it’s not something that we are inducing, but more of the level of comfort of the artist and the way that the shoot went. Some guys are happy to really noodle around, other guys are much more abbreviated. Of course we always prefer more guitar playing, but that’s not always in the cards.

[@alguitarchristie]

@@VertexEffectsInc well we have seen pretty much how to build pedal boards now, if I see one of my guitar heros, I want to see him playing the board! If I'm the only one then fine! I will probably just stop watching after a while!

[@crumpred805]

Paul is so awesome. Great video.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏 thanks for watching!!!

[@josephforbes9857]

Love the cleanliness of the tone

[@Jay-fp4ii]

Okay, he sold me! I want a Paul Jackson board!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Go for it! Between our videos in the resources here you can definitely DIY something very similar if not exact

[@johnclark1925]

Wow that was outstanding! I learnt a lot from that… I am going to revisit buffering… thanks for sharing. PJ is amazing

[@juan_de_laura3041]

Este video estaba esperando!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼♥️

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@juan_de_laura3041]

Super cool!!! La verdad hacen un excelente trabajo!!! 👏🏼👏🏼♥️🙌🏼

[@Matthew_Scan]

Good to see a Boss GT 1000 there as good if not better than the Helix in my opinion that’s my kind of board just need to save up for a switcher GT 1000 and board

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@frostedhead]

That cloudy reverb is sounding proper! that Alex Lifeson Hemisphere ish!

[@Velvetnos]

Love your videos, just bought the new vertex pedal, power supply and have back order your buffer for the board. Thanks for the quality content and info!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great to hear!

[@albertplaysguitar]

"... because I can!" There's a man who knows what he wants.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤️❤️❤️

[@planzed.2]

Awesome board & video, thanks guys!! Great to see a GT/Core - very powerful little box

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobpattersonmusic]

Wow, this is a small rig? I drool!

[@bobbysbackingtracks]

Great vid Mason. Negative Girl/ Steely Dan/Paul Jackson Jr.....nuts

[@BipityBopity93]

15:08 “now to have a sound that makes no sense at all” Every P&W guitarist: 😔

[@VertexEffectsInc]

hahahahaha

[@dfgre247]

Such a cool dude and amazing player. Great video.

[@jameshalbert181]

I use a Jackson Audio Bloom with an SP comp . I thought I was a little nuts for this. Looks like I'm in good company

[@VertexEffectsInc]

👍👍👍

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

My guy!! Paul Jackson Jr!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yessir!

[@gprz843]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge man.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

My pleasure anytime!

[@tommyburnhamsmusic]

Really really great. Love PJJ

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Best of the best!

[@Valdenoyo]

Amazing work man! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🤙

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@zomuz3685]

Nice work!! 😍👍🔥

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@scottpeters4401]

Speaking of famous pedal boards,I saw a video of Paul Gilbert’s board today...he had a little box which I am assuming was a kick drum sensor in a little round padded box....So when he tapped his foot on it,sounded like a kick drum....Have you ever done something like this?I would like to figure out how to make one..

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I haven’t done anything like this, however I’ve seen several people do similar things with even microphones to become tapable pedals for looping.

[@jimvolcano]

amazing as always Mr. Marangella. :-)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks again! Hope we earned your subscription!

[@arielista]

Sounds killer

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@terrymiller111]

Great tone!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The best

[@thomasvernerrasmussen5044]

Great video and thanks for sharing your knowledge! I have one question, how do you connect the buffer to the switcher, amps and boss gt-1000? I can't dig it from your buffer diagram.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Guitar goes to input buffer (or wireless), then to Musicom input. Output of Musicom goes Boss GT1000 input. Boss GT1000 goes to amp input. Amp FX send goes to GT1000 return. GT1000 feeds the H9 in stereo and H9 feed the dual output buffers in stereo to the stereo amps with effects loops.

[@ramon2008]

This pedalboard is really inspirational! It seems so versatile it actually inspired me to get the gt-1000 core! I’m wondering what anyones thoughts are on that vs the hx stomp.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Both are great!

[@EthanCaouette]

My goal is to someday have a pedalboard rig built by pros like you guys. I know I couldn’t do all of this myself.

[@maxsalasr]

PYT , Paul shines on that song

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea!

[@manuleduc9465]

Thank you for this great vid, this is a fine mix of art, craftsmanship and passion. It's enriching at any level. (same kind of feel with Wendy Melvoin episode) Thank you again...and again. Any chance you'd do a similar thing with Michael Landau please ?

[@joshuamorris1630]

Can I please ask why you added a buffer when there is on in the Musicomlab LE switcher? I'm running a rig with a Musicomlab Mark V and am contemplating a re-jig - should I be adding a Buffer, or is the one in the Mark V sufficient? Thanks for all the brilliant vids!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Were using the output buffers going to the front of the amplifier, but the input Buffer is Bypass because of the wireless defeat and the fact that if the wireless is running that’s already lowering the input impedance so there wasn’t much of a reason to have two buffers back to back. And then the input buffer for the corded input I was so that he didn’t have to go into the software and re-enable the input Buffer each time he went with the cable into the input of the interface. The two stereo output Buffers are for the returns of the fx loop. MusicomLab system couldn’t have performed that function anyway. I think it was used as effectively as it could be given the situation, but I have no complaints about the Buffers inside of that system, I think that their among the best of any switch your company.

[@joshuamorris1630]

@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks so much for the great reply, and the ongoing commitment to such great content!

[@felixjordanguitar]

Amazing Mason

[@koolbreeze8698]

Every time i hear a song on the Smooth Jazz radio that I have to know who is playing guitar it is Paul jackson Jr

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🔥🔥🔥

[@jackprice7828]

I would be interested in hearing how Paul likes the GT 1000.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Seems like a keeper!

[@ramon2008]

Gt-1000 is amazing

[@ikky2375]

Thank you for sharing

[@JonHoltMusic]

I've been using the DD-500 and RV-500 for years. I've been thinking about consolidating down to just the gt -1000 core, but I don't see a lot of hype behind that pedal. Would love to get my hands on one to try it out. Any thoughts on that pedal? I have an HX Stomp on my small rig, but the gt-1000 core seems to be a lot less limiting than the HX.

[@danieltravis5082]

I would only go to the GT1000 if you use only the very basic preset type sounds (and none of the advanced features of the 500 series) Otherwise I honestly think you would be seriously limiting your options and effectiveness

[@JonHoltMusic]

@@danieltravis5082 why do you say that? Boss says that the gt1000core has the 500 series fx built into it.

[@danieltravis5082]

@@JonHoltMusic it doesn't have all the same presets, nor anywhere near the routing and auxiliary options. If you really think it's actually going to replace two 500 series pedals, you've already made up your mind though 🤷‍♂️ Good luck.

[@arschi6554]

@@JonHoltMusic correct. But Boss doesn't say ALL fx! And comparing the manuals there are some missing.

[@JonHoltMusic]

@@arschi6554 interesting. I’ll have to look into that.

[@jazzydog]

Awesome video👍👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@kostis6]

I’m thinking of powering the CIOKS 4 with a powerbank. Wouldn’t it be a great solution if wanted to eliminate noise at least during my recordings? What is your opinion about this? Thank you doc!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Depends what you're trying to power I suppose. We have a buyer's guide video for power supplies you might wanna watch.

[@maxisingleone]

What reverb from H9?? I only use the cosmic reverbs on this pedal, but the reverbs on the video sounds so good... what type is using?? 🎸⚡

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I think it was all from the H9. I don't know the patches he chose. We made them up on his phone app right before the shoot.

[@andrewbettis4247]

Awesome

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@shellsjoint]

amazing!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏 thank you for watching!!!

[@ThePenfold]

How do you label the power supply? Do you think a simple Dymo label maker would be safe on the Zuma chassis and easy to take it off without glue traces?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You really wanna use acrylic labels

[@harrysearia1784]

👨🏿‍⚕️PJJ OMG 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes indeed!

[@instyle63]

One of my favorite players...lots of cool stuff in this vid but the coolest thing is that guitar strap. Anyone know where I can find that?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Levy’s strap!

[@aiden3558]

okay okay okay, what's the song you put in at 5:00?!?!?! too hard to pay attention with all that groove!

[@thewindowguy43]

Very very nice

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks a lot

[@joejohnson8966]

11:08 I love his sense of humour.

[@abfranklin8492]

Great videos, thanks very much! In this rig when he plugs the guitar cable in to bypass the wireless does the tuner in the wireless keep working?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes it does, as stated in the video, see the diagram in description as well. Shows how to DIY it yourself.

[@abfranklin8492]

@@VertexEffectsInc Thank you, I very much appreciate all the great input. I am about to start building the DIY buffer per the diagram. However I also want to hit the wah pedal before the input buffer. I am pretty sure I can do it with two of the available open slots on the DIY box. 1. Is my idea possible? 2. What would be the correct wiring in the box? If I provide a diagram could you tell me if it is correct or not?

[@spiralganglion7940]

Way to go Mason & Paul & all involved, this is a great video! Do you prefer to organize a Vertex Travel Plus MKII w/TP2 riser with a Strymon Zuma/Ojai or a Cioks DC7/DC4 combination? The Cioks requires more width space under the riser than the Zuma. The Cioks DC4 can be mounted under the riser it appears, which is a nice bonus. Love the channel Mason! Thank you

[@VertexEffectsInc]

They both work great for different applications.

[@juancremscaleitor]

Un sonido fantástico. Great!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@tomfoolery2082]

Because i can . Yeah man , thts great .

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Only he can get away with two comps!

[@gilguajardo7808]

What case did y’all use for this, Mason? Paul mentions flying without checking, so maybe a Pelican 1525?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

We ended up with a Seahorse 920 with padded dividers: www.seahorsecases.com/Seahorse-SE920-Large-Waterproof-Protective-Equipment-Storage-Shipping-Case-Wheels.html it's the largest case that still can be carried on.

[@1Blastarr]

From a tech-head's opinion, this setup is almost beautiful.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@gtrkit]

Nice!! I'm looking for the exact pedalboard and effects. Kindly Message me the total price you would charge for this type of project.. Thank You..

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hey Keith, we don't provide the service of rig building. But you can reach out via therigdr.com and book a consultation. www.therigdr.com/products/private-tone-consulting

[@glennpace9783]

Great set-up! Curious as to what the weight of this rig would be?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Around 15 lbs, about 25 in the case.

[@Matthew_Scan]

Did he play on Thriller album you said? I notice the cleans have a lot of compression Billie Jean solo for example

[@NickGranville]

The Billie Jean solo was David Williams, but yep PJ did play on the thriller album and a 1000 other classics. A bonafide session legend.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He played on PYT and several other songs along with other session guitarists like David Williams and Steve Lukather.

[@reverendg5937]

Thanks

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Welcome

[@matthewkuttruff3045]

Hey, Mason! I run the same Shure wireless system Paul's using, albeit on a much smaller, mono board in front of my amp. I've been wanting to add a wireless defeat to this rig for recording, and also as a failsafe for any wireless issues live. Would your "mono dual buffer with tuner out" be the best option for this type of setup?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Matthew, see the video description, I think I linked the exact wiring on how to do the wireless defeat that I used for Paul.

[@matthewkuttruff3045]

@@VertexEffectsInc You're the man, Mason! Thanks a million!

[@KRayxKodessA]

Great, I didn’t know I wanted an orange Tremonti until right now…

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!!!

[@shahrinsyazwan6952]

I'm very interested in how you built the input interface with the wireless defeat! I've been looking for one for the past year or so I use a wireless during rehearsal and shows, but at home I just use cable. Any advice is appreciated!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Some switching jacks will do the trick...pretty simple stuff. The diagram is listed in the video description as stated in the video.

[@shahrinsyazwan6952]

@@VertexEffectsInc Is it possible to do the entire interface passive? I do not require the buffers as I already have a couple on my pedalboard, I just need a wireless input / cable input that goes to the pedal inputs on my board

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@shahrinsyazwan6952 remember just because you have a buffered pedal doesn't mean it's any good and if it's not in the right location, it might not be doing much to help you signal and just add noise and perhaps even attenuate your outputs. Buffer quality matters, not all buffers are created equally. Just as not all overdrive pedals are a KLON. I would say fewer than 5% of pedal companies that have buffered or buffered pedals are actually making high quality ones in terms of the specs. You really need a 1M input impedance (your wireless likely satisfies that), and 100 ohm output impedance on both the input and output of your system ideally. With that said, if you still want passive, we have a diagram and video for that you can find on our channel.

[@shahrinsyazwan6952]

@@VertexEffectsInc understood! I use a Mess High Wire buffer on your recommendation. Thank you for your help!