John Wesley

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Ever wonder just how many pedal boards a pro musician really needs? Spoiler: It feels like all of them sometimes, with endless pedals to match! But truthfully, my setups evolve based on the diverse gigs I play around the world—factoring in everything from board size and sound versatility to portability and weight for different scenarios. Come along as I showcase several of my current rigs and break down how each one fits specific situations, from high-stakes tours to studio sessions. In this video, I dive deep into my world of pedal boards and pedal selection, sharing setups I've honed since gigging live back in 1978. From my first simple Rat pedal into a Marshall stack to today's high-tech rigs for bands like Vertical Horizon, I cover it all. We talk silent stages for fly dates and festivals (shoutout to gigs with Creed, Fuel, Sevendust, and Mammoth WVH—Wolfie Van Halen is crushing it!), amp-driven setups for recording, and even my acoustic solo board for house concerts. Highlights include: - My Quad Cortex touring board with Gig Rig power for quick 15-minute setups. - Vertex board with classics like Klon, King of Tone, Diamond Memory Lane, and Strymon Big Sky. - Extension boards for extra flavors like old Rat, Timeline, and more. - Simple gain stacks for local gigs and acoustic rigs with Bose mixer, and Boss looper. Whether you're a touring pro, home recorder, or weekend warrior, get ideas for your own builds—focusing on function, clean power, and adaptability. I've been using Gig Rig since 2005, and it's never let me down through hundreds of shows. If you're hitting up Vertical Horizon gigs this summer with Toad the Wet Sprocket or Five for Fighting, come say hi! Drop comments with your pedal questions! Hit LIKE if this sparks your rig ideas, SUBSCRIBE for more gear talks, and ring the BELL for updates. Vertical Horizon tour dates: https://www.verticalhorizon.com/tour #guitarpedals #pedalboard #guitarrig #verticalhorizon #giggear #guitaristlife 🎸Join this channel to get access to perks 🎸: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCXa_Aek_fGkBnjx7u3IQA/join 💥 Become part of my Patreon community 💥: https://www.patreon.com/TheJourneymanGuitarist ☕️ If you like what I do, you can buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/johnwesleymusic 🌟 Connect with me : https://www.instagram.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.twitter.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.facebook.com/johnwesleyofficial 🎸About John Wesley, The Journeyman Guitarist: I'm John Wesley, a guitarist and songwriter with a long career in music. On this channel, I share lessons from my journey—from the late '70s club scene to touring the world in the '90s, recording solo albums, and performing with bands like Vertical Horizon and Porcupine Tree. As a recording artist, sideman, and studio owner, I've learned many valuable lessons, which I hope can help you in your music career.
Pro Guitarist's Pedalboard Secrets: Touring, Recording, and Acoustic Gigs
Touring opportunities come in many forms, and with so many bands on the road, making the financial side of gigs work is critical. For working musicians like me, John Wesley, “fly gigs” have become the norm for major acts like Vertical Horizon, where we balance fly dates and bus touring. Having a rig that’s compact, reliable, and travel-ready is essential for quick setups and seamless performances. In this first part of a three-part series, I share my battle-tested fly date pedalboard setup, designed for fast stage changeovers and high-pressure gigs like opening for Creed with just 15 minutes to throw and go! What You'll Learn: Compact Fly Date Rig: How I pack my entire setup (Quad Cortex, Strymon Timeline, Cloudburst, expression pedal) into a D’Addario roller case that fits in overhead bins or gate-checks effortlessly. Wiring Secrets: Using a Temple Audio board with a GigRig Gen X14 power distribution system for clean, reliable power and cable management. Custom Cables: The red, white, and blue “Uncle Sam” cables by Mark Prator (Team P LLC) tailored for my PRS piezo and magnetic pickups. Contact: PratorM@mac.com Fast Stage Changeovers: A 3-XLR setup (left, right, acoustic out) to get on and off stage in minutes, perfect for multi-band bills with Five for Fighting or Toad the Wet Sprocket. Travel Hacks: Packing clothes in the pedalboard and guitar cases to avoid extra luggage and streamline travel. Gear Highlighted: -Neural DSP Quad Cortex -Strymon Timeline (delay) and Cloudburst (reverb) -Temple Audio board with TheGigRig Gen X14 power -Custom cables by Team P LLC (Mark Prator) -Dunlop Mini Volume/Expression Pedal -TC Electronic tuner -PRS guitars with piezo system -Mojo Tone Lerxst Wah pedal Contact for Custom Cables: Reach out to Mark Prator at Team P LLC for bespoke cables tailored to your rig! pratorm@mac.com If this helps you streamline your touring setup, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring the bell for more pro guitarist tips in this three-part series. Comment below: What’s your go-to gear for fly dates? Share your touring hacks! Catch me on tour with Vertical Horizon, Five for Fighting, and Toad the Wet Sprocket this summer and fall! #PedalboardSetup #TouringGuitarist #QuadCortex #GuitarRig #FlyDateGear #JohnWesleyGuitar #VerticalHorizon #GuitarTips 🎸Join this channel to get access to perks 🎸: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCXa_Aek_fGkBnjx7u3IQA/join 💥 Become part of my Patreon community 💥: https://www.patreon.com/TheJourneymanGuitarist ☕️ If you like what I do, you can buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/johnwesleymusic 🌟 Connect with me : https://www.instagram.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.twitter.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.facebook.com/johnwesleyofficial 🎸About John Wesley, The Journeyman Guitarist: I'm John Wesley, a guitarist and songwriter with a long career in music. On this channel, I share lessons from my journey—from the late '70s club scene to touring the world in the '90s, recording solo albums, and performing with bands like Vertical Horizon and Porcupine Tree. As a recording artist, sideman, and studio owner, I've learned many valuable lessons, which I hope can help you in your music career.
Ultimate Quad Cortex Fly Date Pedalboard Setup for Touring Guitarists
🎸Join this channel to get access to perks 🎸: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCXa_Aek_fGkBnjx7u3IQA/join 💥 Become part of my Patreon community 💥: https://www.patreon.com/TheJourneymanGuitarist ☕️ If you like what I do, you can buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/johnwesleymusic 🌟 Connect with me : https://www.instagram.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.twitter.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.facebook.com/johnwesleyofficial 🎸About John Wesley, The Journeyman Guitarist: I'm John Wesley, a guitarist and songwriter with a long career in music. On this channel, I share lessons from my journey—from the late '70s club scene to touring the world in the '90s, recording solo albums, and performing with bands like Vertical Horizon and Porcupine Tree. As a recording artist, sideman, and studio owner, I've learned many valuable lessons, which I hope can help you in your music career.
Colin Edwin and John Wesley’s Voyage 35 tour trailer
Hector "Papo" Camacho it a touring and recording guitarist, producer, engineer and sound designer. He has toured all over the world and is a commanding presence in the Latin and Urban music scene. I have young musicians ask me all the time, "how do I break in?". The answer to that question is in Papo's story. He came from Puerto Rico and did anything and everything it took to get good and make himself valuable in all kinds of roles, but his first love and specialty, is guitar. Join me as I talk with Papo and map out his journey to becoming a true, Journeyman Guitarist. JW Links to some of Papo's songs and his Instagram, a great source for learning about this career. https://www.youtube.com/@poptweaker www.papocamacho.com https://www.instagram.com/poptweaker https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RM0czkd8GNQNuuJfATJvr?si=Qr-8y8vjS5C0IpJqao0ofg https://open.spotify.com/artist/2225KfGOGGzN1MrvwVWrcB?si=owwzki3DQBe0O2E_tJ3quA 🎸Join this channel to get access to perks 🎸: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCXa_Aek_fGkBnjx7u3IQA/join 💥 Become part of my Patreon community 💥: https://www.patreon.com/TheJourneymanGuitarist ☕️ If you like what I do, you can buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/johnwesleymusic 🌟 Connect with me : https://www.instagram.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.twitter.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.facebook.com/johnwesleyofficial 🎸About John Wesley, The Journeyman Guitarist: I'm John Wesley, a guitarist and songwriter with a long career in music. On this channel, I share lessons from my journey—from the late '70s club scene to touring the world in the '90s, recording solo albums, and performing with bands like Vertical Horizon and Porcupine Tree. As a recording artist, sideman, and studio owner, I've learned many valuable lessons, which I hope can help you in your music career.
Want to be a touring guitarist? Be like Papo!
Are you a guitarist struggling with hand, wrist, or thumb pain from long practice sessions, gigs, or tours? In this video, I'll share my personal story of overcoming severe hand issues that nearly ended my career – including a scary moment at Radio City Music Hall with Porcupine Tree where my fingers went numb mid-soundcheck. Drawing from my experiences touring with artists like Vertical Horizon, Fish, Porcupine Tree, and Simon Collins, plus years as a competition shooter, I'll share a game-changing routine adapted from physical therapist Chad Riley's "shooter's elbow" program. This isn't just theory – it's the exact weights, exercises, and stretches that saved my hands and let me keep playing 4-hour sets without pain. What You'll Learn: Warm-Up Weights Routine: Step-by-step guide to supine curls, skull crushers, forward wrist curls, and reverse wrist curls. Essential Stretches: Simple, effective moves for wrists, thumbs, and forearms to prevent injury and relieve tension – perfect before gigs or practice. Real tips on building strength gradually, even if you're dealing with current pain (not for advanced carpal tunnel – consult a pro). Inspired by fellow guitarist John Cordy – check out his channel for more killer playing! @johnnathancordy Link to Chad Riley's original physical therapy video:https://youtu.be/hJIIcTQjXJ8?si=g-OSIjY4i_fiWRkg If this helps your playing, hit that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE for more pro guitar tips, and ring the bell for notifications. Drop a comment below: What's your go-to exercise for hand pain? Share links or tips to help the community! #GuitarHandPain #GuitarExercises #WristStretches #GuitaristTips #OvercomeInjury #JohnWesleyGuitar #PorcupineTree #MusicianHealth Workout Dumbbells: https://amzn.to/4d7GID7 🎸Join this channel to get access to perks 🎸: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCXa_Aek_fGkBnjx7u3IQA/join 💥 Become part of my Patreon community 💥: https://www.patreon.com/TheJourneymanGuitarist ☕️ If you like what I do, you can buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/johnwesleymusic 🌟 Connect with me : https://www.instagram.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.twitter.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.facebook.com/johnwesleyofficial 🎸About John Wesley, The Journeyman Guitarist: I'm John Wesley, a guitarist and songwriter with a long career in music. On this channel, I share lessons from my journey—from the late '70s club scene to touring the world in the '90s, recording solo albums, and performing with bands like Vertical Horizon and Porcupine Tree. As a recording artist, sideman, and studio owner, I've learned many valuable lessons, which I hope can help you in your music career.
How I Beat Guitar Hand Pain: A Pro Guitarists' Life-Saving Exercises & Stretches for Guitarists
Sound demos begins near 10:00 minute mark. Bill Finnegan’s Klon Centaur, hand-crafted on an old card table, is a legendary pedal that’s become a cornerstone of tone for countless guitarists, including me, as I've performed with Porcupine Tree, Fish, and more. Its magic lies in transforming any amp into a tone beast, but with original Klons now fetching $4,000-$5,000, they’re out of reach for most. As a fortunate early adopter who snagged two when they were affordable ($300 and $500!), I’ve made the Klon integral to my recording and touring sound. But what if you can’t afford one today? Can affordable clones like the JHS Archer, Electro-Harmonix Soul Food, or Wampler Tumnus do “that Klon thing”? Join me as I share my Klon journey – from discovering it through a mystery guitarist on a Dexter Freebish tour to dialing in iconic tones with Bill Finnegan’s guidance. In this video, I test the original Klon against top clones to see if they can match its low-end tightening, tone-shaping magic. What You'll Learn: My Klon Story: How a silver box turned crappy Air Force base amps into godlike tone machines. Klon vs. Clones: Head-to-head demo with a 1975 Marshall Superlead 120, comparing the Klon ($4,000) to the Archer (~$175), Soul Food (~$89), and Tumnus (compact and clear). Settings Secrets: My go-to Klon settings (gain at 8-9, output at 2:00, treble straight up) and stacking it with an Analog Man King of Tone for killer rhythm and solo sounds. The Big Question: Do you need a real Klon, or can these clones deliver the same magic for a fraction of the price? Gear Used: PRS with 57/08 pickups (594 config) 1975 Marshall Superlead 120 (modded by Mark Cameron) 1970s Marshall 4x12 with Greenbacks GigRig switching system Pedals: Original Klon Centaur, JHS Archer, EHX Soul Food, Wampler Tumnus, vintage ‘80s RAT Special thanks to Replay Guitar Exchange ,Tampa Florida for the loaners. Go to ReplayGuitar.com for these pedals and so many really cool things. They are extremely competitive in pricing and the best in service! If this helps your tone chase, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring the bell for more pro guitar gear insights. Comment below: What’s your favorite overdrive pedal? Have you tried a Klon or a clone? Let’s share the tone love! #KlonCentaur #GuitarPedals #OverdriveShootout #KlonVsClones #GuitarTone #JohnWesley #MarshallAmp #GearDemo 🎸Join this channel to get access to perks 🎸: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCXa_Aek_fGkBnjx7u3IQA/join 💥 Become part of my Patreon community 💥: https://www.patreon.com/TheJourneymanGuitarist ☕️ If you like what I do, you can buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/johnwesleymusic 🌟 Connect with me : https://www.instagram.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.twitter.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.facebook.com/johnwesleyofficial 🎸About John Wesley, The Journeyman Guitarist: I'm John Wesley, a guitarist and songwriter with a long career in music. On this channel, I share lessons from my journey—from the late '70s club scene to touring the world in the '90s, recording solo albums, and performing with bands like Vertical Horizon and Porcupine Tree. As a recording artist, sideman, and studio owner, I've learned many valuable lessons, which I hope can help you in your music career.
Do You NEED a $4,000 original Klon Centaur?! Pro Guitarist Tests Klon vs Clones
Join me on a dangerous quest to go to Replay Guitar Exchange for a set up on the new PRS Custom 594! Replay is a very dangerous place as there are many temptations for us musicians in that store...will I get out unscathed??!! Watch and have some fun and find out! https://www.replayguitar.com 🎸Join this channel to get access to perks 🎸: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCXa_Aek_fGkBnjx7u3IQA/join 💥 Become part of my Patreon community 💥: https://www.patreon.com/TheJourneymanGuitarist ☕️ If you like what I do, you can buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/johnwesleymusic 🌟 Connect with me : https://www.instagram.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.twitter.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.facebook.com/johnwesleyofficial 🎸About John Wesley, The Journeyman Guitarist: I'm John Wesley, a guitarist and songwriter with a long career in music. On this channel, I share lessons from my journey—from the late '70s club scene to touring the world in the '90s, recording solo albums, and performing with bands like Vertical Horizon and Porcupine Tree. As a recording artist, sideman, and studio owner, I've learned many valuable lessons, which I hope can help you in your music career.
Custom PRS 594 at Replay Guitar Exchange for a Set Up Day!
I had a Singlecut Custom 22 Piezo/Trem made by PRS almost 20 years ago, it is my main guitar, it works for every kind of gig I do and for my gigs ...it's kind of required. I have been needing a similar guitar to that main one for different tunings for a long time. In that 20 years Paul came out with the 594 series. I love them. That scale length and all the elements of that model ring my bell. But they have no tremolo, and no piezo... So, 6 months or so ago, I asked Rich at PRS if they could create a clone of my main guitar with 57/08 pickups and the same sort of features that I need for my gigs on a 594, with a trem and piezo. Color...red something, not important, surprise me. It was delivered the day of this video. My mind is blown. They have created the perfect working guitar...for me. AND they surprised the hell out of me with its design. Join me as I unbox this beauty... JW 🎸Join this channel to get access to perks 🎸: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCXa_Aek_fGkBnjx7u3IQA/join 💥 Become part of my Patreon community 💥: https://www.patreon.com/TheJourneymanGuitarist ☕️ If you like what I do, you can buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/johnwesleymusic 🌟 Connect with me : https://www.instagram.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.twitter.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.facebook.com/johnwesleyofficial 🎸About John Wesley, The Journeyman Guitarist: I'm John Wesley, a guitarist and songwriter with a long career in music. On this channel, I share lessons from my journey—from the late '70s club scene to touring the world in the '90s, recording solo albums, and performing with bands like Vertical Horizon and Porcupine Tree. As a recording artist, sideman, and studio owner, I've learned many valuable lessons, which I hope can help you in your music career.
My new Custom PRS 594 showed up today, and it blew my mind....
I showed in my last video how I use a Telecaster as a great recording tool and just a great sounding tool for all types of guitar work. But what if you are flying or traveling and you can't bring a Tele with you? What do you do?? Well, there is a little known secret in the magic of some PRS models and I use it all the time on almost every gig with my main PRS. Join me as I demonstrate how to make your PRS work like a Tele! 🎸Join this channel to get access to perks 🎸: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCXa_Aek_fGkBnjx7u3IQA/join 💥 Become part of my Patreon community 💥: https://www.patreon.com/TheJourneymanGuitarist ☕️ If you like what I do, you can buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/johnwesleymusic 🌟 Connect with me : https://www.instagram.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.twitter.com/johnwesleymusic https://www.facebook.com/johnwesleyofficial 🎸About John Wesley, The Journeyman Guitarist: I'm John Wesley, a guitarist and songwriter with a long career in music. On this channel, I share lessons from my journey—from the late '70s club scene to touring the world in the '90s, recording solo albums, and performing with bands like Vertical Horizon and Porcupine Tree. As a recording artist, sideman, and studio owner, I've learned many valuable lessons, which I hope can help you in your music career.
Can I Turn a PRS into a Tele!??? Yes!!
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John Wesley, guitarist, vocalist, song-writer

John Wesley has built a long and varied career as a songwriter, “sideman” guitarist, and recording artist.

His music has been called lyrically sensitive and musically dynamic. His songwriting style incorporates emotionally-charged vocals that evoke the honesty and intimacy of Roger Waters and Patty Griffin coupled with a melodic yet intricate guitar style reminiscent of David Gilmour, Alex Lifeson, Jeff Beck, and Warren Haynes.

Wesley’s guitar-driven acoustic and electric songs represent the cultivation of many inspirations — alternative, progressive, art, and classic rock genres intertwined with poignant lyrics drawn from the poetry of the common man. What really appeals to Wesley's fans worldwide is a spark of sincerity and sensitivity so oft absent in today's mainstream music.


GEAR

Paul Reed Smith guitars
Replay Guitar Exchange
The Gig Rig
Mojo Tones
GHS Strings
Neural DSP

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