Let's End This "What is Petrucci Micing on Stage" Thing

[Hendog]

There are lots of guys that use fake cabs on stage. Billy Gibbons has been doing it for many years, etc.

Just part of the deal when you put on a show.

No, I get it. I just think that as straight forward of a guy that Petrucci is, he would not do that.

A few extra cabs is one thing, but 4 of the same head I have been trying to buy for 6 months that he is not even really using just is crazy.

 

[Bungo]

Latest update on this contentious (!) subject (from a guy who was working on the Prog Nation tour recently), is that JP is currently using two rear facing 2x12's for his miked sounds, ALL the forward facing 4x12's are for show (and the mikes presumably), and he has also added this cab in front of his pedalboard to punch in when he needs feedback.

Using the dummy heads makes perfect sense to me.

No purchase cost/little transportation cost to DT - Looks good on stage - great advertising for Mesa - everyone happy!

 

[heka313]

Using the dummy heads makes perfect sense to me.

No purchase cost/little transportation cost to DT - Looks good on stage - great advertising for Mesa - everyone happy!

Yep, for example here in Finland there's a company who rents empty Marshall 4x12 cabs for bands....

 

[Bungo]

Yep, for example here in Finland there's a company who rents empty Marshall 4x12 cabs for bands....

Oooh, how strong the temptation would be to rent one then ring them up a day or two later saying, 'There's something wrong with the sound of this cab you've rented me...'

 

[ScoobySteve]

No, I get it. I just think that as straight forward of a guy that Petrucci is, he would not do that.

A few extra cabs is one thing, but 4 of the same head I have been trying to buy for 6 months that he is not even really using just is crazy.

I completely understand how you feel, but when you consider the positive sides to their presence, its actually better IMO.

1. Empty stage space is an eye sore.

2. Creates ambiance.

3. Gives great visual showmanship for the crowd.

4. Nostalgic qualities. Excessive Marshall stacks anyone?

 

[marduke]

and he has also added this cab in front of his pedalboard to punch in when he needs feedback.

Using the dummy heads makes perfect sense to me.

No purchase cost/little transportation cost to DT - Looks good on stage - great advertising for Mesa - everyone happy!

thats interesting, and understandable too, as like on the budokan dvd he had trouble getting feedback in as i am.

And the fake heads/cabs is perfectly normal, more than likely its part of his endorsement deal aswell (not saying it is, just a hunch) . but it does look great with 4x mk5 heads ontop of 8 4x12 cabs!

 

[RobertS]

I love Petrucci as much as anyone here, but that is silly. I know that he is endorced by Mesa, but having 4 fake Mark V heads is just plain stupid.

Would be if he would be using other heads in his rack.
I do not see a problem here

 

[Hendog]

Would be if he would be using other heads in his rack.
I do not see a problem here

He is using other heads!

or were you being sarcastic?

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

He is using other heads!

or were you being sarcastic?

I'm pretty sure he means using other heads in the rack like Marshall, ENGL, Krank, VHT, Soldano, etc.

JP uses a rack located slightly offstage, and having the gigantic stacks lets the audience visually know what amps he uses. Otherwise they would have to look it up. It's a win for him by having an impressive array as his backdrop, and it's a win for Mesa because the whole audience can see what he uses (if they didn't know before they show, they know after)

 

[bkrumme]

Fake cabs/heads is an industry standard with big acts like Dream Theater. Personally I like the 8 cab setup. The graphic on it is super cool. Plus, even if the Mark V heads are "fake", there are 3 more in JP's rack which are very, very real.

 

[Paul Warren]

I love Petrucci as much as anyone here, but that is silly. I know that he is endorced by Mesa, but having 4 fake Mark V heads is just plain stupid.

We have fake cabinets on our stage and mic the real ones in another room. We get questions about them all the time. Good visual marketing works, it's just as simple as that.

paul

 

[KINGSFAN]

Back in the day Judas Priest has like what a 100 marshall cabs on stage....

 

[RobertS]

I'm pretty sure he means using other heads in the rack like Marshall, ENGL, Krank, VHT, Soldano, etc.

Exactly, this is what I meant