This week on Guitar Gear Gems, we examine the lengths Joe Satriani has gone to replicate that Van Halen tone, including his new third Power Dragon 100 amp and the IK Multimedia free update to the Joe Satriani Amp Vault. Finally, we quickly look at the upcoming Jimi Hendrix box set, which will include unreleased tracks later this year.
Joe Satriani’s Eddie Van Halen-Inspired Amp
Joe Satriani has teamed up with Nashville amp maker 3rd Power to create a new tube amp that captures the iconic sound of Eddie Van Halen‘s transitional 1986-era guitar tone. This amp is very different from Satch’s normal amp rig, and he has spent an insane amount of time and effort developing this powerhouse of tube tone.
Amp Vault
Initially developed for Satriani’s role in the Van Halen-celebrating Best of All Worlds tour, the Dragon 100 amp is now available as a digital plugin and a physical model.
This free update to IK Multimedia’s Joe Satriani Amp Vault allows you to use the amp within the Tonex family of products.
The Dragon 100: A Digital and Analog Powerhouse
Satriani’s quest for a tone worthy of Van Halen led him to collaborate with 3rd Power’s Dylana Scott. The result is the Dragon 100, a high-gain amp that delivers the classic Plexi sound with modern versatility.
Its vintage inspiration comes from the legendary Marshall 1967/1968 Plexi Super Lead amp heads, but it also has a host of modern features for a guitarist like Satch.
Live Without a Net
Satriani needed to cover both the Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth eras. He also wanted to get Eddie’s amp tone on the Live Without a Net tour.
This is a very specific tone, and it is not easy for anyone to recreate easily. Eddie’s 1986 amp rig consisted of modded Marshalls with power soaks and some effects processing.
Key features of the Dragon 100 include
- Digital Plugin: Eight meticulously captured digital models offer authentic tube amp response, and they are available for free to existing Joe Satriani Amp Vault users.
- Physical Amp: Hand-wired point-to-point construction, 500v power, and EL34 power tubes deliver massive saturation and tone.
- HybridMASTER Control: Fine-tune the amp’s performance for any stage or studio environment.
- Advanced EQ Features: Plexi/Cascade Preamp Modes, 400Hz Boost, Vintage/Modern Tone Stacks, Low Freq. Push, Vintage/Focus Power Amp Modes, and Ultra Presence mode.
A Sound Built for the Stage
Satriani has already tested the Dragon 100 on his co-headline tour with Steve Vai and is incorporating three heads into his setup for the Best of All Worlds tour.
Preorder
The physical Dragon 100 amp is available for pre-order now in 25, 45, and 100-watt head and combo options.
The head costs just over £3.5k, so it is not something you would buy on a whim.
In contrast, the IK Multimedia Amp Works suite for Satriani is just €99.99, and you can try Tonex for free before you buy. Plus, the suite also includes Marshall, Soldano, 5150, and vintage Fender ’53 Tweed Deluxe, and now the Dragon 100.
Satch Guitars
If you enjoy Satriani’s tone, you should look at his signature Ibanez models, which he has been developing for decades with the Japanese guitar giant.
Van Halen Guitars
However, if you are chasing that Eddie Van Halen tone, then you may want to go with some of his EVH models, as they are based on the guitars he used and created himself. The EVH lineup has a different model for every Van Halen era.
This means you can find something to suit every Van Halen song, tour, or album.
Jimi Hendrix – Unreleased Gems Set for Release
Jimi Hendrix fans are in for a treat. On September 13, a new box set, Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision, will be released.
It will feature 38 previously unheard tracks recorded by the legendary guitarist. For fans like myself, this will be a huge treat, as I always love hearing more new Hendrix songs, ideas, and studio outtakes.
Electric Lady Studio
These recordings, captured at Hendrix’s iconic Electric Lady Studio just months before his tragic passing, offer an intimate glimpse into the creative process of a musical genius. With bassist Billy Cox and drummer Mitch Mitchell by his side, Hendrix was crafting his ambitious follow-up to Electric Ladyland.
Raw Demos and Alternate Mixes
The box set includes raw demos, extended jams, and alternate mixes, showcasing the band’s raw energy and Hendrix’s experimental spirit. Highlights include the sprawling 26-minute “The Long Medley” and early versions of classic tracks.
Documentary
To complement the music, a documentary of the same name will hit cinemas. It will explore the creation of Electric Lady Studios and its impact on music history.
This new collection is a must-have for any Hendrix fan. It offers a fresh perspective on one of rock’s most influential figures.
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