Clips

Chords of Life (Satriani Cover)

Guitar cover of my favorite song on the album. Played on my Ibanez RG2550 with Petrucci signature pickups (Crunch Lab and Liquifire), into Crybaby 95Q, then into NI Komplete 6 interface. I used LePou HyBrit amp model (MCJ mode) boosted by Ignite Amps TSB-1 overdrive and a little Sonic Maximizer and OhmBoyz delay. For cab I used RedWire impulse of Marshall cab loaded with Celestion G12M, double mic’d with R121 and SM57. The whole thing is played on the same settings, with (obviously) wah switched on only for the solo. My fingertips were very sore so I missed a couple of bends, went sharp or flat. Oh well 🙂

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: Crybaby 95Q
Effect: OhmBoyz
Effect: Ignite Amps TSB-1
Effect: Sonic Maximizer
Amplifier: LePou HyBrit
Cabinet: RedWirez mixIR2
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


Dream Theater – Goodnight Kiss cover w/ Positive Grid BIAS

One of my favorite Dream Theater guitar solos of all time. Guitar plugged straight into the interface. Used Positive Grid BIAS with Mesa Mark IV preset. Added some delay and EQ on top of that, no other effects.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Amplifier: Positive Grid BIAS
Effect: ReaDelay VST
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


Dream Theater – Spirit Carries On [Guitar Solo Cover]

One of my favorite Dream Theater guitar solos of all time. Guitar plugged straight into the interface. Used Positive Grid BIAS with Mesa Mark IV preset that I tweaked here and there.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Amplifier: Positive Grid BIAS
Effect: Ignite Amps TSB-1 Tyrant Screamer VST
Effect: ReaEQ VST
Effect: ReaDelay VST
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


John Petrucci – State of Grace [Guitar Cover]

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Amplifier: Positive Grid BIAS Mesa IIc+
Effect: ReaEQ VST
Effect: ReaDelay VST
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper

Dream Theater – Repentance Solo Cover

Dream Theater – Repentance

Preamp is based on Soldano SLO100 and x88r preamps with a couple of modifications. Single channel, no tone stack, parallel input stages, etc.

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/black-box/

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: MXR 6 band EQ
Effect: Boss DD-20
Amplifier: Black Box Preamp
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12AX7
Other: Russian PIO Capacitors


Dream Theater – Octavarium (with my DIY Mark IIc+ preamp)

Preamp is based on Mesa Mark IIc+ with a couple of mods.

You can see the little Vox Mini3 in the background. It is NOT used in this video.

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/mesa-mark-iic-preamp/

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: MXR 6 band EQ
Effect: Boss DD-20
Effect: Hardwire RV-7
Amplifier: Mark IIc+ Preamp
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12AX7
Other: Russian PIO Capacitors


Lazy (Deep Purple) Intro & First Solo Cover

Recorded with my Ibanez RG2550 using GLS ES-57 and Palmer PDI-09 simultaneously. MXR Classic Overdrive pushes cranked clean channel of my Mark IIc+ clone.

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: MXR Classic Overdrive
Effect: TC Nova Repeater
Amplifier: Mark IIc+ PCB Preamp
Amplifier: Nan@ Amp
Cabinet: 1×10″ w/ Celestion Vintage G10
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Microphone: GLS ES-57
Recorder: Tascam DP-008
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 6N2P
Tube: 6AK6
Tube: 6021
Other: LND150


For Whom The Bell Tolls (Metallica Cover)

Recorded with my Ibanez RG2550 using GLS ES-57 and Palmer PDI-09 simultaneously. Also double tracked for most part for fuller sound. MXR Classic Overdrive adds just a tiny bit more focus to the sound, both level and drive are set very low.

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: MXR 10 band EQ
Effect: MXR Classic Overdrive
Amplifier: Mark IIc+ PCB Preamp
Amplifier: Nan@ Amp
Cabinet: 1×10″ w/ Celestion Vintage G10
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Microphone: GLS ES-57
Recorder: Tascam DP-008
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 6N2P
Tube: 6AK6
Tube: 6021
Other: LND150


Lost Without You – John Petrucci [Guitar Cover]

Probably my favorite song on the great album called “Suspended Animation” by John Petrucci.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: Ignite Amps Tyrant Screamer TSB-1
Amplifier: Positive Grid BIAS Amp
Effect: ReaEQ VST
Effect: ReaDelay VST
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


Using overdrive pedal to tighten up the bottom end for heavy metal

Testing the same riff with the same guitar and amp settings played with and without MXR Classic Overdrive. Overdrive is added just to make the sound tighter and more focused, both level and drive are set fairly low. Note that not all overdrive pedals cut bass, but it’s true for most tubescreamer-alike pedals, like Boss SD-1, MXR GT-OD/ZW/Classic OD and many more. They also seem to boost mids a little.

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: MXR 10 band EQ
Effect: MXR Classic Overdrive
Amplifier: Mark IIc+ PCB Preamp
Amplifier: Nan@ Amp
Cabinet: 1×10″ w/ Celestion Vintage G10
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Microphone: GLS ES-57
Recorder: Tascam DP-008
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 6N2P
Tube: 6AK6
Tube: 6021
Other: LND150


State of Grace (Liquid Tension Experiment cover) NO overdrive

Recorded with my Ibanez RG2550 using GLS ES-57 and Palmer PDI-09 simultaneously. Mic is panned to the left and Palmer is on the right. IIc+ is set with gain and drive to around noon.

Check out the other clip to hear how it sounds with slight overdrive boost http://youtu.be/2Y5ymr-2VX4

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: MXR 10 band EQ
Effect: TC Nova Repeater
Amplifier: Mark IIc+ PCB Preamp
Amplifier: Nan@ Amp
Cabinet: 1×10″ w/ Celestion Vintage G10
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Microphone: GLS ES-57
Recorder: Tascam DP-008
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 6N2P
Tube: 6AK6
Tube: 6021
Other: LND150


State of Grace (Liquid Tension Experiment cover) w/ overdrive

Recorded with my Ibanez RG2550 using GLS ES-57 and Palmer PDI-09 simultaneously. Mic is panned to the left and Palmer is on the right. MXR Classic Overdrive adds just a tiny bit more focus to the sound, both level and drive are set very low. IIc+ is set with gain and drive to around noon.

Check out the other clip to hear how it sounds with no overdrive boost http://youtu.be/sjAxqywXoHU

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: MXR Classic Overdrive
Effect: MXR 10 band EQ
Effect: TC Nova Repeater
Amplifier: Mark IIc+ PCB Preamp
Amplifier: Nan@ Amp
Cabinet: 1×10″ w/ Celestion Vintage G10
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Microphone: GLS ES-57
Recorder: Tascam DP-008
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 6N2P
Tube: 6AK6
Tube: 6021
Other: LND150


Steve Vai – Bangkok (Cover)

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: Ignite Amps TSB-1
Effect: ReaDelay
Effect: ReaEQ
Effect: Sonic Maximizer VST
Amplifier: LePou SoloC
Cabinet: RedWirez mixIR2
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


Rainbow – Still I`m Sad (Cover)

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: ReaEQ
Effect: Sonic Maximizer VST
Amplifier: LePou SoloC
Cabinet: RedWirez mixIR2
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


Deep Purple – Smoke on the Water (Solo Cover)

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: ReaEQ
Effect: ReaVerberate
Effect: Sonic Maximizer VST
Amplifier: LePou SoloC
Cabinet: RedWirez mixIR2
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


Final Countdown – Guitar Solo (Europe Cover)

Cover of the guitar solo.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: OhmBoyz
Amplifier: LePou HyBrit
Cabinet: RedWirez mixIR2
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


Ytse Jam (Dream Theater Cover)

Cover of the first half of the song. Used my Ibanez RG2550 with Petrucci pickups into NI Komplete 6 interface connected to my laptop.

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: Ignite Amps TSB-1
Effect: ReaEQ
Amplifier: LePou Lecto
Cabinet: RedWirez mixIR2
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


Damage Control (John Petrucci Cover)

Here’s a cover of the first half of the great song off of Petrucci’s first solo record. I used my trusty Ibanez RG2550 with Petrucci pickups and LePou Dual Rectifier VST model. There’s some EQ after the amplifier that simulates V cut from Mesa Mark amps and a touch of delay. Rhythm parts are double tracked.

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: Ignite Amps TSB-1
Effect: OhmBoyz
Effect: ReaEQ
Amplifier: LePou Lecto
Cabinet: RedWirez mixIR2
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


Highway Star – Guitar Solo (Deep Purple Cover)

Guitar solo cover of one of my favorite Deep Purple songs. Amp model is LePou HyBrit (Marshall Plexi/JCM800) set on PLS channel. I used some EQ before and after the amp to tailor the tone of the humbucker to resemble single coil and to shape mids after the amp. At the end of the chain is a Vintage Marshall G12M25 Basketwave cab impulse dual mic’d with SM57 and R121.

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: ReaEQ
Effect: Sonic Maximizer VST
Amplifier: LePou HyBrit
Cabinet: RedWirez mixIR2
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


Boss BE-5: Overdrive/Dist and Chorus Test Into A Distorted Amp

Fooled around heavier rhythm tones and what can Boss BE-5 do in that department. I started with a distorted IIc+ model from PositiveGrid BIAS Amp, which sounds good and crunchy but lacks oomph and definition needed for good tight rhythm. Then I added some overdrive/distortion with gain set very low, just to tighten the low end and push the amp a bit harder. It made a lot of difference. Then I recorded two guitars and panned them left and right. To me that sounded the best – tight, yet creamy and rich. Some players like to use chorus to simulate that richness when playing live, so I also tried that. May have taken the chorus level way too high, but you get the point.

Btw, I didn’t spend too much time tweaking the EQ, adding reverb and whatnot, it’s just a simple demo.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: Boss BE-5
Amplifier: Positive Grid BIAS Dumble Clean
Interface: NI Komplete 6
Recorder: Reaper


Mesa Mark IIc+ preamp DIY clone, rhythm demo

Medley of rhythm parts from several Dream Theater songs. Preamp is based on Mesa Mark IIc+ with a couple of mods.

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/mesa-mark-iic-preamp/

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: MXR 6 band EQ
Amplifier: Mark IIc+ Preamp
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12AX7
Other: Russian PIO Capacitors


Mesa Mark IIc+ preamp DIY clone, lead demo 2

Satriani – Crying

Preamp is based on Mesa Mark IIc+ with a couple of mods.

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/mesa-mark-iic-preamp/

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: MXR 6 band EQ
Effect: Boss DD-20
Amplifier: Mark IIc+ Preamp
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12AX7
Other: Russian PIO Capacitors


Mesa Mark IIc+ preamp DIY clone, lead demo 1

Steve Vai – Building the Church

Preamp is based on Mesa Mark IIc+ with a couple of mods.

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/mesa-mark-iic-preamp/

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Effect: MXR 6 band EQ
Effect: Boss DD-20
Amplifier: Mark IIc+ Preamp
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12AX7
Other: Russian PIO Capacitors


Mark IIc+ preamp vs Soldano SLO preamp

Guns n Roses – Nightrain

On the left channel I used Mesa Mark IIc+ preamp with a couple of mods. Slightly modded Soldano SLO preamp is on the right channel (contrary to what it says in the video, stupid copy/paste).

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/mesa-mark-iic-preamp/ and http://diy-fever.com/amps/black-box/

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: MXR 6 band EQ
Effect: Hardwire RV-7
Amplifier: Mark IIc+ Preamp
Amplifier: Black Box Preamp
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12AX7
Other: Russian PIO Capacitors


Tube Reactor Crunch Demo

My Matchless Hotbox build with mods that bring it closer to JCM800. Recorded with Ibanez RG2550 into 3W tube power amp. Gain set to about 9 oclock.

Recorded with GLS ES-57 and Palmer PDI-09 panned 100% left and right.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Amplifier: Tube Reactor Preamp
Amplifier: Nan@ Amp
Cabinet: 1×10″ w/ Celestion Vintage G10
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Microphone: GLS ES-57
Recorder: Tascam DP-008
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 6AK6
Tube: 6021
Other: LND150


Tube Reactor Overdrive Demo

My Matchless Hotbox build with mods that bring it closer to JCM800. Recorded with Ibanez RG2550 into 3W tube power amp. Gain set to about 12-13 oclock.

Recorded with GLS ES-57 and Palmer PDI-09 panned 100% left and right.

For more info on my DIY gear visit www.diy-fever.com

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Amplifier: Tube Reactor Preamp
Amplifier: Nan@ Amp
Cabinet: 1×10″ w/ Celestion Vintage G10
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Microphone: GLS ES-57
Recorder: Tascam DP-008
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 6AK6
Tube: 6021
Other: LND150


2W Trainwreck Express (AX84 4-4-0) – Black Dog

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/ax84-4-4-0/

Tune: Led Zeppelin – Black Dog

Bridge pickup is on all the time. Volume set to about 50%. Amp is running into dummy load.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Amplifier: AX84 4-4-0
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12SN7
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 12AY7


2W Trainwreck Express (AX84 4-4-0) – Super Colossal Satch

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/ax84-4-4-0/

Tune: Joe Satriani – Super Colossal

Bridge pickup is on all the time. Volume set to about 100%. I left few seconds at the beginning so you can hear the noise level. Amp is running into dummy load.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Amplifier: AX84 4-4-0
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12SN7
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 12AY7


2W Trainwreck Express (AX84 4-4-0) – If I Could Fly (Satriani)

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/ax84-4-4-0/

Tune: Joe Satriani – If I Could Fly

Bridge pickup is on all the time. Volume set to about 70%. Amp is running into dummy load.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Amplifier: AX84 4-4-0
Effect: Boss DD-20
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR


2W Trainwreck Express (AX84 4-4-0) Dynamics Test, pt 1

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/ax84-4-4-0/

Playing with different pickup configurations and guitar volume settings. Amp settings are not changed throughout the clip. Amp is running into dummy load.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Evolution single
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Amplifier: AX84 4-4-0
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12SN7
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 12AY7


2W Trainwreck Express (AX84 4-4-0) Dynamics Test, pt 2

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/ax84-4-4-0/

Tune: Chickenfoot – Learning to Fly

Playing with different pickup configurations. Amp settings or guitar volume are not changed throughout the clip. Amp is running into dummy load.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Pickup: DiMarzio Evolution single
Pickup: DiMarzio Liquifire
Amplifier: AX84 4-4-0
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12SN7
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 12AY7


2W Trainwreck Express (AX84 4-4-0) – Stairway to Heaven

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/ax84-4-4-0/

Bridge pickup is on all the time. Amp is running into dummy load.

Tune: Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Amplifier: AX84 4-4-0
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12SN7
Tube: 12AX7
Tube: 12AY7


Soldano x88r/SLO inspired preamp demo, part 1

Dream Theater – Stream of Consciousness

Preamp is based on Soldano SLO100 and x88r preamps with a couple of modifications. Single channel, no tone stack, parallel input stages, etc.

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/black-box/

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: MXR 6 band EQ
Amplifier: Black Box Preamp
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12AX7
Other: Russian PIO Capacitors


Soldano x88r/SLO inspired preamp demo, part 2

Dream Theater – Metropolis

Preamp is based on Soldano SLO100 and x88r preamps with a couple of modifications. Single channel, no tone stack, parallel input stages, etc.

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/black-box/

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: MXR 6 band EQ
Amplifier: Black Box Preamp
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12AX7
Other: Russian PIO Capacitors


Soldano x88r/SLO inspired preamp demo, part 3

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/black-box/

Dream Theater – A Rite of Passage

Preamp is based on Soldano SLO100 and x88r preamps with a couple of modifications. Single channel, no tone stack, parallel input stages, etc.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: MXR 6 band EQ
Amplifier: Black Box Preamp
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12AX7
Other: Russian PIO Capacitors


Soldano x88r/SLO inspired preamp demo, part 4

For more info see http://diy-fever.com/amps/black-box/

Dream Theater – Count of Tuscany

Preamp is based on Soldano SLO100 and x88r preamps with a couple of modifications. Single channel, no tone stack, parallel input stages, etc.

Guitar: Ibanez RG2550EGK
Pickup: DiMarzio Crunch Lab
Effect: MXR 6 band EQ
Amplifier: Black Box Preamp
Cabinet: Palmer PDI-09
Recorder: Boss Micro BR
Tube: 12AX7
Other: Russian PIO Capacitors


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  • About

    The idea behind this site is to share my experience with Do It Yourself approach to guitars, amplifiers and pedals. Whether you want to save a couple of bucks by performing a mod or upgrade yourself instead of paying a tech, or want to build your own piece of gear from scratch, I'm sure you will find something interesting here. Also, this is the home of DIY Layout Creator, a free piece of software for drawing circuit layouts and schematics, written with DIY enthusiasts in mind.