So we’ve begun our new album sessions with Adam. In Studio City, CA of course. Anks and Kyle got it done, ripping through drum and bass tracks (keepers too) for six songs in about a day of recording time. About twice what we expected to record. Anks came in with a new Meinl ride, Zildjian K hats, and a new Roc N Soc throne. He also brought these new sticks with a smaller grip, like 7As but with a more dramatic taper at the end. I think they complimented his cymbal work nicely. When we arrived Adam suprised us and had his old Ludwig kit set up like Anks’ live setup.

Kyle played through his Ampeg SVT 350 head. Like a man.

Adam tracked drums, bass and guitar live to tape. I showed up with my Tele Thinline and he took care of the rest.

Guitars

• my Telecaster ‘72 Thinline reissue, of course
• mid 60’s Gibson SG junior for that p90 sound. After tracking with this we immediately watched Pete Townshend in The Kids are Alright.
• Candy apple red Fender Jazzmaster for that Beach Boys sound.
• Adam’s Telecaster Deluxe
• one terrific Gretsch Tennessee Rose

Amps

• actually, a Rivera Venus with 2×12s. Maybe it’s just coincidence that I’m recording with an amp of my last name.
• an old Danelectro head with a distinct tremolo. Deeper than a Fender trem and not as hard as a Vox. Perfect with the Gretsch.
• a killer Vox Ac30.

Pedals

• Xotic RC Booster
• Analogman King of Tone. I’d like to get one of these. But Analogman’s wait list is over a year long.
• Russian Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi in the big military casing.
• Ernie Ball volume
• Barge Concepts RC-2 compressor
• Keeley modded Line 6 DL4 delay
• The Boss TU 12H tuner deserves an honorable mention

Adam gets it done. We were all comfortable and happy to be there. In what was really two days of recording I’m happy with everything.  We’re going to take a break for a couple of weeks. Then we’ll get back on the horse.