Backstage Pass
Welcome to Fishman’s Backstage Pass blog. Here’s the inside scoop on what these discerning musicians are up to, and the Fishman products that they love and depend on. To all the artists, techs and engineers, we extend a heartfelt thanks for your support and confidence!
Artist News: Fall 2010
Our fall season of artist support began the second weekend of September at the Life is Good Festival. The two-day festival featured a top-notch lineup of performers including Fishman artists Ben Harper, Jason Mraz, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Donovon Frankenreiter, Guster and Will Dailey.
The Life is Good Festival was a one-of-a-kind benefit on a scenic 40 acre farm at the base of The Blue Hills in Canton MA. According to the event organizers, 100% of Life is good's profits (over $600,000) from the Festival go towards the Life is Good Kids Foundation, helping kids overcome life-threatening challenges such as violence, illness and extreme poverty.
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals at the Life is Good Festival
A few days later we caught a mid-week Boston appearance of Slash and his killer band, which featured Alter Bridge’s Myles Kennedy on lead vocals. Arriving in time for a late-afternoon soundcheck, we spent some time with Slash and his tech Chet and brought some Powerbridge Tune-O-Matic piezo bridges and a new Pro-EQ Platinum for Slash’s pedal board. No acoustic guitars in the show, though – Slash has been relying on the Powerbridge system to get some “acoustic” tone for years.
Slash at Boston's House Of Blues
At the end of September, Fishman participated in the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) World Of Bluegrass event in Nashville. This six day event was open to musicians and others in the trade, offering face time with manufacturer’s reps and their products. As always, it was a who’s who of bluegrass music with many of the biggest names in the genre walking the show floor.
Fishman hosted multiple demos and performances by the duo Nedski-Mojo (banjo master Ned Luberecki and Stephen Mougin, the incomparable guitarist from The Sam Bush Band). Visitors included Jim Lauderdale, Jack Lawrence, Tim O’Brien, Sam Bush, Dan Tyminski, Matt Combs and many others. But the highlight was undoubtedly the IBMA Awards Show at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. Hosted by Jerry Douglas, the event recognized various categories, including individual instrumentalists, songwriting, duos, vocals, and recorded music. For a list of 2010 IBMA winners, click here.
Stephen Mougin & Ned Luberecki demo at Fishman's IBMA booth
We made it to the TD Bank Garden for the third and final Boston performance of Roger Waters’ The Wall. Guitar techs Tim Myer and Colin Lyon were terrific hosts and allowed us to sit through sound check and take a tour of the stage set right afterwards. Particularly interesting was the area dubbed “The Chicken Run” where all the backline equipment was set up and the techs could handle the complicated gear demands of the show. Three guitarists – Dave Kilminster, Snowy White and GE Smith, plus Roger Waters on bass and acoustic guitar, was quite a challenge. Why “The Chicken Run”? "Because we run around this little coop like chickens with our heads cut off,” explained Tim Myer.
Needless to say, the show was phenomenal – an amazing theatrical presentation of one of the greatest rock albums of all time. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that The Wall comes back to the area again in 2011.
Roger Waters performing "Mother"
Inside the "Chicken Run"
Fishman's Chris DeMaria & guitar tech Tim Myer
Lead guitarist Dave Kilminster's Aura Spectrum DI
Chris DeMaria having a moment with Pink
underneath the stage before "The Wall"
The calm before the storm - Roger Waters' The Wall in Boston
On October 8th, we met Travis Tritt’s crew in Greensburg, PA and they were quick to show us his live rig for this intimate acoustic tour. Travis was doing 9 shows in 10 days and Fishman was responsible for his sound throughout the entire signal chain. Travis truly loves the gear and also loves talking about it. He’s a big fan of Aura Acoustic Imaging and is always eager to learn more about how to keep improving his already amazing live sound.
In addition to a great hour or so of talking shop on his bus, Travis entrusted his one-of-a-kind custom Martin guitar to us to hand deliver to the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA. The guitar was in need of some TLC and Travis was weary of shipping this unique instrument, hence the hand delivery. For those of you who’ve been to a Travis Tritt acoustic show, this is the guitar that he says Marty Stuart broke his bank with! Travis also requested Matrix Infinity pickups for all of his road guitars. We also set him up with a Fishman banjo pickup. For those that didn’t know…Travis is a fine banjo picker too!
Travis Tritt's Aura Spectrum DI complete with flourescent tape markers
The big country triple-bill came through town on October 14th – George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womack. The band arrived in the morning and Gene Elders (fiddle), Rick McRae (guitar), and Terry Hale (bass) of George Strait’s band met us for a private demo of the new Loudbox Mini and the always popular Loudbox 100. Gene and Rick played some western swing, bluegrass, and jazz for about an hour and both were blown away with the power and clarity of the Loudbox Mini and Loudbox 100.
Gene is using the V-300 pickup for his violin and Rick is using Aura Acoustic Imaging for his nylon string guitar. The Violin was breathtaking through the Loudbox Mini…we’re pretty sure Gene’s playing helped too! Rick plugged in a Martin Performing Artist series guitar through the Mini and loved the Fishman F1 Aura system that comes exclusively on the Martin PA guitars. Check out Martin's full line of Performing Artist Series guitars here.
We talked with Jimmy Mattingly (fiddle) of Reba McEntire’s band and he showed us an old school (1980’s) Fishman EQ/Preamp that he still carries around. Jimmy shared his thoughts about making the violin sound great on stage.
October continued to keep us busy with shows around New England, including an Eric Johnson acoustic show at the Opera House in Lebanon, NH. About a month earlier, we sent Eric an Aura Spectrum DI to use for the short tour. A true gentleman and great talent, Eric shared some time with him before the show to discuss gear and tone – two subjects he is passionate about! His Signature Model MC-40 Martin guitar and Loudbox Performer sounded terrific in the beautifully restored theater in New Hampshire.
A few days later, we caught Pete Huttlinger at The Hanover Theater in Worcester, MA. Pete always sizzles in concert and tonight was no exception. He played a few numbers off his “Fingerpicking Wonder” CD (fingerstyle arrangements of Stevie Wonder songs) including "Superstition," "Sir Duke," and "My Cherie Amour." The surprise of the show, however, was a stunning arrangement of The Beatles’ “A Day In The Life” with guest vocalist Mollie Weaver.
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Mollie Weaver and Pete Huttlinger perform at the Hanover Theater
The Black Crowes played an acoustic show at the House Of Blues in Boston on October 22nd. We’ve been working with Rich Robinson and Luther Dickinson to improve their live acoustic tone. For starters, all acoustics got outfitted with Matrix Infinity pickup systems.
The next logical step was the Aura Spectrum DI to liven up their acoustic sound. Special thanks to Doug and Randy for reaching out to us and turning the band onto Aura. They immediately got it and experienced the Aura’s spectacular “blue light moment” (named after the moment when you hit the switch, turn the Aura on and get that first “wow”). After the show, Rich gave us a Martin OM-28V to take back to Fishman so we could record Custom Aura Images in our studio. Rich and his crew were so happy with the OM-28V Aura Images that he's sending us his coveted 1961 Martin D-18 to record next.
Rich Robinson's Martin OM-28V before going in the studio at Fishman
Fishman once again was a sponsor of the 2nd Annual Woodstock Invitational Luthiers Showcase at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY. A great turnout, spectacular fall weather, and lots of incredible instruments made this an all-around fun weekend for everyone. To cap it all off, we were invited back to Levon Helm’s barn for a Midnight Ramble featuring special guest Steve Earle. Earlier that day, Steve purchased a guitar from Japanese luthier extraordinaire Michihiro Matsuda.
Fishman has been supporting small builders since it began in 1981 and we felt at home among these fine luthiers and players. Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the Showcase. For info on the 2011 Woodstock Invitational Luthiers Showcase, click here.
Woodstock Invitational Luthiers Showcase in the Bearsville Theater
Woodstock performance stage featuring an SA220 Solo Performance System
November turned out to be even busier, starting out with the Dave Matthews Band at the TD Garden. Earlier in the year, Fishman provided some gear for the band’s jam room – an SA220 for Dave and a Loudbox 100 for Boyd. The guys liked them so much that we brought a couple more for the band’s use back in Charlottesville, VA. DMB is taking most of 2011 off, but will hopefully be working on some new material. We also took a look at Dave’s small arsenal of guitars including his Taylor -14 series acoustics, which are all equipped with Fishman Matrix Infinity pickups.
Opener John Butler Trio rocked the Garden with their unique style - call it roots, jam rock, funk, blues, or all of the above... this platinum-selling Australian band kicked it!
Dave Matthews' guitar tech Craig Baker and his kingdom
John Butler and Fishman's Chris DeMaria
Guitar tech Chad Weaver invited us to catch one of Brad Paisley’s last shows of the tour in Uncasville, CT. Brad’s signature model Gibson J-45 features the Fishman Ellipse Aura at his request. Read more about it here.
There’s no arguing that Brad Paisley is a master of songwriting, performing and musicianship – an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. In fact, two days prior to this performance, Brad was named “Entertainer Of The Year” by the CMA's. His tireless concert schedule and impeccable showmanship have endeared him to fans, and all of us guitar players have taken note – Brad Paisley is a guitar hero!
The Followill brothers (and cousin) from Mt. Juliet, TN – also known as Kings Of Leon – played to a packed TD Garden on November 14th. Supporting their latest release, “Come Around Sundown,” Kings Of Leon played a perfect set mixing in their hits with some cool, lesser known tracks. At the suggestion of the great Alan Rogan (guitar tech for Pete Townshend and Tom Petty), the band has been using the Ellipse Matrix Blend since the tour started in June.
Fall 2010 had us bouncing between huge arenas and small theaters – both providing perfect settings for the music we heard. The Somerville Theater near Boston hosted Fistful Of Mercy on November 18th. Fishman has a long and wonderful history with Ben Harper (his signature Martin HM model features an Ellipse Matrix Blend).
As the trio was coming together earlier in 2010, we received a request for a couple SA220 Solo Performance Systems and a few Loudbox Performers. What began as three talented musicians each in their own right – Ben Harper, Dhani Harrison, and Joseph Arthur – turned out to be one of acoustic music’s biggest gems of the year. But this was not just another supergroup... rich harmonies, terrific songwriting and an eclectic mix of instruments and sounds, Fistful Of Mercy was a much anticipated project that proved to be more than the sum of its parts.
Fistful Of Mercy - Dhani Harrison, Joseph Arthur, and Ben Harper
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Dhani Harrison's Aura Spectrum DI
Chris DeMaria and Dhani Harrison
The band spent a fair amount of time rehearsing in the office of Dhani's manager in southern California during the spring and summer. Through a mutual relationship, we sent out an Aura Spectrum DI for Dhani to try out. Within a few days, the phone rang and we sent out another – this time for Ben Harper. The conversation basically went something like, “Whatever that pedal is that Dhani is using, I have to have one.” Of course, we’d never let Ben down so we obliged!
Check out Fistful Of Mercy and their debut release “As I Call You Down.”
The following evening, we checked in with Bob Weir at the DCU Center in Worcester, which was packed to the rafters. Another longtime Fishman artist, Bob was perhaps the first performer who took our SA220 system out on the road to play theaters and arenas. While we designed the SA220 as a portable PA system for acoustic soloists and small acoustic ensembles, there was something about the dynamic response and range that worked for Bob Weir even in large, high-volume situations!
December started off with Bryan Adams (another long-time Fishman artist) at the Byham Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA. Bryan carries three vintage Martin D-18's, all equipped with Matrix Infinity pickups. Bryan’s "Bare Bones" acoustic tour is one not to be missed. He belts out his hits with the same power and conviction as he did 20 years ago! The Martins sounded huge and the Matrix certainly held up to Bryan’s aggressive rhythmic playing.
 
L - guitar tech Craig Pattison shows his loyalty; R - One of Bryan Adams Martin vintage D-18's
Fall officially wrapped up with singer/songwriter/surfer Donovan Frankenreiter at The Paradise in Boston. Donovan was originally introduced to Fishman through a mutual friend (John Oates of Hall & Oates) but we didn’t actually get any face to face time that night. Donovan had gone to a Boston Celtics game in the other end of the city, then left the game in the 3rd quarter and came straight to The Paradise only minutes before he took the stage. Great show, great tunes, great vibe and well worth the wait!
WHAT THE PROS PLAY...
Here are just a few of the artists who picked up Fishman gear this past fall:
John Fogerty
Pro-EQ Platinum Preamp/EQ/D.I.
Rebecca Zeller (Ra Ra Riot)
V-300 Concert Series Violin Pickup
Viktor Krauss
Matrix Infinity
Taylor Swift Band
Aura Spectrum DI, Banjo Pickup, Jerry Douglas Aura Imaging Pedal
Missy Raines
M-300 Nashville Series Mando Pickup, Full Circle Bass Pickup
Sara Bareilles
AG-Series Ukulele Pickup, Pro-EQ Platinum Preamp/EQ/D.I.
Stefan Grossman
Matrix Infinity
Patrick Murphy (Gaelic Storm)
Loudbox Performer
Rickie Simpkins (Emmylou Harris)
M-300 Nashville Series Mando Pickup, Loudbox Mini
Alison Brown
Pro-EQ Platinum Preamp/EQ/D.I.
Slash
Powerbridge Tune-O-Matic, Powerchip, Pro-EQ Platinum Preamp/EQ/D.I.
Phil Leadbetter
Jerry Douglas Aura Imaging Pedal, Nashville Series Reso Pickup
Buddy Miller
Aura Spectrum DI, Loudbox Performer
Ben Harper
SA220 Solo Performance System
John Jeansonne (Rascal Flatts)
V-300 Concert Series Violin Pickup
John Abrams (The Abrams Brothers)
Ellipse Matrix Blend
Rory Feek (Joey & Rory)
Ellipse Aura
Eric Johnson
Aura Spectrum DI, Matrix Infinity, Loudbox Mini
Paul Crook (Meat Loaf)
Aura Spectrum DI, AFX Chorus, Delay and Reverb pedals
Bryan Adams
Matrix Infinity
Alan Rogan (Pete Townshend)
Ellipse Matrix Blend
Don Felder
Aura Spectrum DI
Rusty Anderson (Paul McCartney band)
Aura Spectrum DI
Coy Bowles (Zac Brown Band)
Aura Spectrum DI, Jerry Douglas Aura Imaging Pedal
Cris Callans (Jennifer Lopez)
Loudbox Performer
T Michael Coleman
Pro-EQ Platinum Bass Preamp/EQ/D.I.
Steve Fekete (Vertical Horizon)
Powerbridge Tune-O-Matic
Maroon 5
Loudbox Mini
The Black Crowes
Aura Spectrum DI, Matrix Infinity, Loudbox Mini
Byron Isaacs (Levon Helm Band)
Full Circle Bass Pickup, Pro-EQ Platinum Bass Preamp/EQ/D.I.
Jason Mraz
Prefix Pro Blend, AFX Chorus, Delay and Reverb pedals
Steve Earle
Loudbox Mini
Levon Helm Band
Loudbox 100, Loudbox Performer
John Kay (Steppenwolf)
Rare Earth Blend, Aura Spectrum DI
Tariqh Akoni (Josh Groban band)
Aura Spectrum DI
Dave Matthews Band
Loudbox 100, Loudbox Mini, SA220
Kid Rock
Matrix Infinity
Jeff Larson
Loudbox Mini
Joe Walsh
Matrix Infinity
Lloyd Maines
Loudbox Mini
Jerry Douglas
Loudbox Mini
Artist News: Summer 2010
Things really started to heat up in June with lots of touring activity. We caught an outstanding show with Yes and Peter Frampton co-headlining at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
Peter Frampton with Fishman's Chris DeMaria
Frampton had lost some of his gear in the Nashville floods shortly before the tour began. We replaced Peter’s ukulele pickup and talked a little bit about Aura. Longtime Aura user Steve Howe dazzled the crowd with Yes classics and deep cuts like “Yours Is No Disgrace,” “And You and I,” “Perpetual Change,” “Close to the Edge,” and the encore "Starship Trooper.”
That same week, we spent a Saturday with Doug Breidenbach, Dan Cook and the Jimmy Buffett gang. Before the tour began, we sent over a couple Auras loaded with Images for Jimmy and guitarist Peter Mayer, including the Martin HD-18 JB Signature Model. The guitars sounded amazing on such a beautiful summer night. As always, it was a day-long, sun-soaked party that stretched into the evening.
Longtime Fishman friend Doug Breidenbach
Jimmy Buffett's Aura Sixteen set on Image #7
 
Jimmy's HD-18JB Signature Series Martin guitar
Live "Under the Big Top" with Jimmy Buffett!
James Taylor and Carole King played a couple shows at Boston’s Banknorth Garden. Back in the winter, James’ guitar tech arranged to have all 5 of his Olson guitars recorded in Fishman’s studio. We did custom Aura Images for the first two, brought the guitars back out to his rehearsal space in Western Massachusetts, and picked up three more Olsons to record. All of the Olson guitars – along with the Aura Spectrum DI – were then sent out to L.A. where the tour production was getting ready for some Australian dates.
The custom Aura Images were so life-like and captured every nuance of each of the Olsons. These guitars were nothing short of amazing – cedar tops, premium rosewood, stunning marquetry – so it only made sense that we did them justice by painstakingly recording each one with a variety of studio mics that complimented their rich, distinctive sound. Hopefully you got a chance to catch this incredible show by these two gifted songwriters!
I want to give a special thanks for JP and Dave Morgan (the best FOH engineer in the business) for all of their support with James Taylor!
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Left - Eric Clapton; Right - Master of Ceremonies Bill Murray entertains the crowd
We had the honor of participating in the Eric Clapton Crossroads Concert in Chicago on June 26. Fishman – along with C.F. Martin, Ernie Ball, Fender, Dunlop, Gibson, Ibanez, Ovation, Marshall and others – had a display in the Guitar Center Village near the main entrance of the stadium.
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The Guitar Center Village at the Crossroads Guitar Festival
Crossroads was also a great opportunity to show the Loudbox Mini to the public for the first time (before its Sept. 2010 release). Fishman shared a large tent display with C.F. Martin, who not only displayed a few Eric Clapton model guitars, but their phenomenally successful new Performing Artist Series (with the cutting-edge Fishman F1 Aura system).
Attendees try out the gear on display, including the SA220 and
Martin's Performing Artist Series guitars
Stefan Grossman with Fishman's Corey Congilio
Corey and Randy Kohrs rip it up!
Corey jamming in the Fishman tent with Pete Huttlinger
Though it was mostly a day of blistering electric guitar playing, Crossroads was also a great opportunity for us to check in with Fishman artists and their techs – Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa, Buddy Guy, Ronnie Wood, Steve Winwood, Pete Huttlinger, Sheryl Crow, Keb’ Mo’, Jimmie Vaughan, Stefan Grossman and Warren Haynes all use Fishman! Did I forget anyone?
A view of the stage at night with Mr. Clapton performing
Corey with Eric Clapton's guitar tech, Dan
Chris DeMaria with Ronnie Wood
As always, July just flew by and the shows kept coming. A few highlights from July were Meat Loaf (with Fishman artists Paul Crook and Randy Flowers on guitars), Santana & Steve Winwood, and the Lilith Fair, where we got to catch up with Sarah McLachlan and her tech Gavin Bakewell. Sarah has been a longtime Rare Earth user and Gavin showed us her array of Fishman-equipped Taylor guitars.
(L-R) Paul Crook, Fishman's Scott Lombardo, and Randy Flowers
Sarah McLachlan's guitar tech Gavin Bakewell
Another high point in July was meeting up with Travis Tritt after a lively afternoon show in Webster, MA. One of the first artists to use the Ellipse Aura, Travis also keeps a pair of Aura Spectrum DIs and AFX Pedals on his board. He even brings his trusty Loudbox Pro, has it set up front and center, and relies on it as his acoustic guitar monitor. Always a gracious host (and a super guy), Travis invited me onto his tour bus after the show to talk about music, gear, and – the best part – he let me play his custom Brazilian rosewood Martin guitar!
Travis Tritt's pedal board
The Newport Folk Festival comes around each year on the first weekend in August. The line-up read like a who’s who of Fishman artists – Yim Yames (of My Morning Jacket), Doc Watson and David Holt, Sam Bush Band (featuring Stephen Mougin), Calexico, The Levon Helm Band, Tim O’Brien, and The Avett Brothers among many others.
Chris DeMaria with Yim Yames
August also brought us Maroon 5 in Boston. I got to spend some time with James Valentine and his guitar tech Mike Buffa. We talked about James’ new Martin GPCPA1 Performing Artist Series guitars which he recently switched to.
Maroon 5's Adam Levine and James Valentine with his Martin GPCPA1
The band did a mid-show acoustic set including their huge hit, “This Love.” They also played a few songs from their soon-to-released CD “Hands All Over.” By the way, James Valentine attended Boston’s Berklee College of Music with John Mayer back in ’96.
It’s been an unforgettable year for The Zac Brown Band. Having already developed a huge, loyal following, the band solidified their place in country music in 2010 with a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Their first major label release “The Foundation” has gone double platinum since its release in 2008. Their new CD, "You Get What You Give," is due out Sept. 21st.
Zac Brown at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA
Needless to say, I wasn’t surprised to see 18,000 fans packing a sold-out Comcast Center, singing every word to every song. A full-on country-rock party filled with hits, jams and solos, The Zac Brown Band provided the perfect mix of honest songwriting, tight harmonies, and stunning musicianship. Zac’s nylon string Taylor guitars are all Fishman-equipped!
Chris DeMaria with Zac Brown
Chris DeMaria with Coy Bowles of The Zac Brown Band
Back in July, we received three gorgeous Bourgeois guitars from Ray LaMontagne (I especially loved the smaller 12-fret model!). Another longtime Aura user, Ray needed custom Aura Images for his newly acquired guitars from luthier Dana Bourgeois of Lewiston, ME. In 2006, we recording Ray’s favorite Martin D-35 affectionately named “Willy,” and he’s been an Aura artist since.
Ray LaMontagne's Bourgeois
We went to Boston’s waterfront Bank Of America Pavilion to catch Ray and his band The Pariah Dogs, who played a lot of great material from their new release “God Willin & The Creek Don't Rise.” Also on the bill was English singer-songwriter David Gray, who uses the Rare Earth soundhole pickup in all of his guitars. Both of these singer-songwriters have wonderfully distinctive voices and perform in such a moving, soulful way.
The best testimonial we could ever have for a product or technology is when an artist recommends the product to a fellow artist.
We often hear, “Hey, I was talking to Jerry Douglas and he told me about…” or “I was at a show and this guy’s acoustic sounded killer. I had to ask him what he was using.” So, we want to give a special thank you to James Taylor, Jerry Douglas, John Oates, David Grissom, Stephen Mougin, Tommy Hannum, Dhani Harrison, Barry Waldrep, Steve Earle, and every artist who has helped us spread the word.
Many times it’s the guitar techs (whose reputations are on the line) that have the biggest influence. No working road dog would jeopardize their job or their credibility by using something that wasn’t tried and true. That’s why they ask for Fishman. When Craig Baker hands a guitar to Dave Matthews, it’s got to sound great and it’s got to perform – every time. So, a special thanks to all the road dogs out there for your continued support, confidence and friendship!!
WHAT THE PROS PLAY...
Here are just a few of the artists who picked up Fishman gear this summer:
Roger Waters
Aura Spectrum DI
Dave Matthews Band
SA220, Loudbox 100
Paul Crook (Meat Loaf)
AFX Delay, AFX Chorus, AFX Reverb, Aura Spectrum DI
Alex Lifeson (Rush)
M-400 Mandolin Pickup
Matt Sorum
Loudbox Performer
Marc Johnson
Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup
Steve Kaufman
Loudbox 100, AFX Reverb, Rare Earth Humbucking
Bryan Adams
Matrix Infinity
Jerry Douglas
Loudbox Performer
Kings Of Leon
Ellipse Matrix Blend
Eric Clapton
Matrix Infinity
Travis Tritt
AFX Reverb, AFX Delay, AFX Chorus
Ray LaMontagne
Matrix Infinity
Steve Earle
Ellipse Aura, Aura Spectrum DI
My Morning Jacket
Aura Spectrum DI
Sara Bareilles
Passive Ukulele Pickup
Artist News: Spring 2010
By the time spring rolled in, it was clear that the Aura products were all the buzz since the launch of the Aura Spectrum DI and the Aura Sixteen (at Winter NAMM). Artist requests and retail sales kept us in short supply through June, with backorders as long as eight weeks. This situation made things a little challenging, particularly with the summer touring season gearing up and everyone sorting through their gear and requested the latest and greatest Fishman products for the road.
Birth of an Aura Custom Image:
Steve Miller's Martin 12-string being recorded in Fishman's studio
John Oates Taylor 512-C also
got the Aura Custom Shop treatment
There were some terrific highlights in April and May, most notably shows from Dierks Bentley (with the Traveling McCourys), Grace Potter and The Nocturnals and an amazing show from Jakob Dylan (with Neko Case sharing lead vocals).
Elvis Costello came to Boston’s Orpheum Theater with his band The Sugarcanes, featuring Jerry Douglas, Dennis Crouch, Jeff Taylor, Jim Lauderdale, and Stuart Duncan (all Fishman artists!). Pretty amazing to see all of these musicians on one stage- and just as cool to see four Fishman Loudbox amps up there as well!! We got to spend some time with the band after sound check and brought down a Loudbox 100 for accordion player Jeff Taylor, who was having trouble hearing himself in the stage monitors. The show featured lots of material from Elvis’ Grammy Award-nominated album "Secret, Profane & Sugarcane" plus a few gems spanning his thirty-five year career.
Fishman's Chris DeMaria with Elvis Costello
The end of April is always marked by the four-day MerleFest bluegrass festival on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC.
Founded in 1988 in memory of Doc Watson's son Eddy Merle Watson, MerleFest has become a showcase for what Doc describes as "…the traditional music of the Appalachian region plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play."
The Sam Bush Band featuring Stephen Mougin on guitar
Missy Raines at MerleFest
A longtime sponsor of MerleFest, Fishman was there to support artists, answer questions, talk about gear and introduce the Fishman brand to new audiences. MerleFest 2010 drew over 76,500 fans, artists, volunteers and sponsors.
Steve Martin at MerleFest
(L-R) Barry Waldrep, Zac Brown, and country duo Joey & Rory at MerleFest
Fishman artists included Doc Watson, Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes, the Zac Brown Band, The Duhks, Missy Raines and the New Hip, Little Feat, The Waybacks, Dierks Bentley, Sam Bush Band, Cadillac Sky, and The Avett Brothers.
Fishman's Chris DeMaria and Bob Valyou with Jerry Douglas
The Fishman display at MerleFest
Later in May, we paid a visit to The Dave Matthews Band summer tour rehearsals. They had a new concept in mind and needed some help from Fishman. DMB likes to jam whenever the mood strikes them – sometimes to go over new and old material and jams, rehearse with a special guest artist, and even write new material while on the road. So we brought by an SA220 Solo Performance System for Dave Matthews and a Loudbox 100 for Boyd Tinsley. Check it out…
Tight quarters: The SA220 stand tall in the
Dave Matthews Band jam room
Dave Matthews was also honored this year with his own signature model guitar. All of Dave’s acoustic guitars – old and new – are equipped with Fishman Matrix pickup & preamp systems.
WHAT THE PROS PLAY...
Here are just a few of the artists who picked up Fishman gear this spring:
David Grissom
Aura Spectrum DI
Hadley Hockensmith (guitarist for Neil Diamond)
Aura Spectrum DI
Bootsy Collins
Aura Spectrum DI
Stefan Grossman
Aura Spectrum DI
Mike Compton (Elvis Costello's Sugarcanes)
Aura Sixteen, Loudbox Performer
Dave Linsk (Overkill)
Aura Sixteen, AFX Delay
Jimmy Buffett
Aura Sixteen, Matrix Infinity
Muriel Anderson
Aura Sixteen
Natalie Maines
Matrix Infinity
Arthur Lee Land
M-300 Mandolin Pickup, Aura Sixteen
Stephen Stills
Matrix Infinity
Webb Wilder
Aura Spectrum DI, Matrix Infinity
Easton Corbin
Matrix Infinity
Dashboard Confessional
Aura Sixteen, Matrix Infinity
Keller Williams
Matrix Infinity
Viktor Krauss (Lyle Lovett, Bill Frisell)
Rare Earth Blend
Zac Brown Band
Loudbox Performer, Loudbox 100
Jake Clayton (Jimmy Wayne, Tanya Tucker)
M300 Mandolin Pickup, Aura Spectrum DI
Randy Flowers (Meat Loaf)
Aura Spectrum DI
Gil Landry (Old Crow Medicine Show)
Classic Series Active Resophonic Pickup
Maroon 5
Aura Spectrum DI, AFX Chorus, AFX Reverb, AFX Delay
Rick McRae (George Strait)
Matrix Infinity
Steve Miller
Aura Spectrum DI
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Matrix Infinity
Jakob Dylan Band
Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup, Rare Earth Banjo Pickup
The Killers
SA220
Jim Lauderdale
Matrix Infinity, Pro EQ Platinum
Missy Raines
Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup
Dierks Bentley
Aura Spectrum DI
Sam Bush
M300 Mandolin Pickup
Todd Blankenship (My Morning Jacket)
BP-100 Upright Bass Pickup
Ron Block (Alison Kraus and Union Station)
Classic Series Banjo Pickup, Matrix Infinity
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