GUITARTECH
8. Can I have a pick?
This is always a yes for
me. All the greats have
tons of picks and generally don’t mind at all
if a few are given away
at the end of the gig – especially if the picks are worn out and
won’t be used again.
Silly to Serious: Top 10 Tech Questions
Over the years I’ve encountered countless questions during my time on the gig,
particularly during set up and tear down. I
believe there are no stupid questions – if
you don’t have the info you want, asking is
often the first step to get it. I do, however,
get a chuckle from time to time as I imagine the personal perspective from which
some questions are spawned – but I’m also
impressed with the amount of knowledge
running in the background for those who
seek information. In the spirit of the illustrious top ten list, I would like to share
some of those questions and my
typical answers. I do want you
to know, however, that I
sincerely enjoy meeting
gearheads, so please
don’t hesitate to ask
questions if you see
me on the gig. Drum
roll, please:
3. What kind of pickups are in
that guitar?
Again, people are trying to
hone in on tone and learn
how they can emulate the
sound they hear. I give them
every detail possible. Pickups
are a major part of guitar tone
and there are a ton of them, all
designed for different sounds and
types of music.
7. Where do you go next?
I always wonder why people want to
know this, but I usually say home.
6. How does the pedalboard work?
It’s different for everybody, but I sus-
pect what they actually want to know
is, “What is going on down there and
how does it change the tone like it
does?” For example, Larry Carlton uses
the same pedalboard all the time (see
my article from the September issue),
while Robben Ford changes things up
from gig to gig, and Brent Mason
has several different boards he
uses for various settings. As a side
note, the last session Brent and I
did together, he plugged straight
into an amp from a 335 – don’t see
that very often.
2. What’s in your tech case?
I give it up totally. All my tools, the backup
pieces of equipment, strings, types of winders and cutters, voltmeters, adaptors, spare
parts and so on. I also give a lengthy soliloquy about why I carry what I do and how
often I use each component. By that time
they are ready to leave, so I guess it serves
a dual purpose.
1. How did you get this gig?
10. Can you get my
guitar signed?
This one always makes me smile. It’s sort
of like writing a letter to Santa because
they are asking for a gift and there’s seem-
ingly only one way to make it happen, even
though it’s a bit of a fantasy, unbeknownst
to them. I have no power over Larry Carlton,
Robben Ford, Brent Mason, Steve Lukather,
Nathan East, Michael Rhodes or any of the
other musicians I’ve worked for, but some-
how fans think if they ask me,
I’ll be able to bestow that
gift upon them. And
then there’s the
occasional person
who gets upset if
he doesn’t get his
gift; it is both amazing
and comical to see grown
adults throw tantrums because
they didn’t get what they wanted.
5. How do you set up
those guitars?
This usually ends up as an introductory
lesson on guitar setups. I go through what
a truss rod does, how to adjust a saddle,
how to set intonation and when frets need
a level and dress. It’s not rocket science and
most people can do the basics. I just think
they’re a little afraid to step into that world.
My favorite question. Initially,
I had no business being a
tech. Larry Carlton knew
me as a friend and fel-
low jazz guitarist and
needed someone to sub
for Sammy Sanchez (one of
the greatest guitar techs of
all time). He knew I could string
correctly, do basic setups, and he
trusted me with his guitars, so he asked
me if I wanted to go. Four years later, I’m
still subbing for Sammy, but I’ve definitely
become a tech. There’s nothing like being
totally unqualified and jumping in at the
highest level in the business! In reality, it’s
the question I ask myself every time I go to
the gig.
9. Do they always play this loud?
Well, it’s called an amplifier. If
you’re going to choose a spot
where it’s too loud, change your
channel and move. I have no hearing loss whatsoever and I’ve been on
the gig for a long time. If you go hear
your favorite guitarists live, bring earplugs
or just get ready for loud volumes.
4. What strings are you
using?
Naturally, a great ques-
tion, as people want to
figure out how their
heroes do what they
do. I invariably say the
brand and the gauges,
but often ask them
what they use, as well.
Rick Wheeler
Rick Wheeler currently works as Larry Carlton’s guitar
tech and front of house engineer. He is also an accomplished jazz guitarist, vocalist, and educator. You can
contact Rick at rickwheeler@hughes.net
