And, although it was mentioned last time, it’s worth noting that the pickguard was removed because McLeod is a big fan of Duane Allman and he didn’t feel like covering the full burst.Īll the guitars take D'Addario NYXLs (.010–.046) and are typically tuned to D standard or drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D). The stock bridge Classic ’57 humbucker was swapped out for a DiMarzio Super Distortion. He says it not only helps with intonation but gives the guitar a silkier, smoother sound. He replaced the plastic nut with one made of bone. However, he’s a big proponent of precise volume manipulation, so he put back the speed knobs for the two volume controls. McLeod had removed the stock speed knobs, opting for witch-hats (of course). He’s done several mods to make this instrument a third appendage.

Starting off the Rundown, just like the 2016 episode, we have Ben’s beloved 2010 Gibson Les Paul Traditional. The resulting conversation covers their modified war horses, deciphers their esoteric stacks, and reveals the secrets of the “doom broom.” Plus, we get hip to new builder Elad Shapiro of Dale Amps. welcomed PG’s Chris Kies onstage to re-chronicle their setups. Just before their sold-out show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium (on Halloween, no less), Witches guitarist Ben McLeod and bassist/vocalist Charles Michael Parks Jr. (Drop the needle on closer “Rats in Ruin” and let it wash over you.) And 2020’s Nothing as the Ideal shows the temporary power trio (drummer Robby Staebler completes the line-up) striking a levitating balance within a menacing, mortar of metal that binds and anchors their emotive, effervescent excursions.

For 2018’s ATW, the band’s IV-like retreat (substitute Headley Grange for a Tennessee cabin) extracted a doomier, more chaotic side A equally matched by a side B that’s a psychedelic painkiller. Sleeping Through the War, in 2017, explored more purposeful, mystical songcraft cloaked in hypnotic, rambunctious rock.

One republic apologize metal cover