Premier Guitar Rig Rundown Season 2 Episode 21 Mr. Big's Paul Gilbert & Billy Sheehan (2017)

Premier Guitar Rig Rundown season 2, episode 21 titled "Mr. Big's Paul Gilbert & Billy Sheehan" takes a closer look at the equipment and rigs used by the talented musicians Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan from the band Mr. Big. Hosted by Premier Guitar senior editor John Bohlinger, this episode offers viewers exclusive backstage access to the band's gear and instruments.

The episode begins with Paul Gilbert showcasing his guitar pedals and amplifier setup, which includes a trusty Boss TU-2 chromatic tuner, a vintage Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer, a Fulltone Full-Drive 2 Mosfet Overdrive, a MXR Smart Gate, and a Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler. Gilbert shares the stories behind some of his custom-made guitars, including his signature Ibanez PGM guitars and his prized Esoterik Custom Strat-style guitar. He even plays some riffs to demonstrate the tonal differences between the different instruments.

Next up is Billy Sheehan, who walks viewers through his extensive bass rig, which includes amps from Ampeg, cabinets from Bag End, and a variety of effects pedals. Sheehan discusses his signature Yamaha BB714BS bass, which features a unique scalloped fretboard design that allows for smoother playing. He also shares the history behind his custom-built Hartke 1000 watt power amp, which he's been using for years. Sheehan doesn't just talk gear, however; he also shares some tips on playing bass and how he approaches creating his basslines.

Throughout the episode, John Bohlinger peppers in his own insights and knowledge about gear, sharing tidbits about why certain pedals are popular among guitarists or how amplifiers are designed to produce certain sounds. He also asks Gilbert and Sheehan about their songwriting process, how they switch between instruments on stage, and various other topics.

Fans of Mr. Big will undoubtedly enjoy this episode of Premier Guitar Rig Rundown, as it offers a rare glimpse into the tools and techniques used by these legendary musicians. However, even non-fans will find plenty to enjoy here, as the episode is packed with information about guitar and bass gear that will interest musicians and guitar enthusiasts alike. Bohlinger does an excellent job of keeping the conversation moving and keeping things interesting, while Gilbert and Sheehan are both engaging and insightful in their discussions about gear and music. Overall, this episode of Premier Guitar Rig Rundown is a must-watch for anyone who loves guitars, basses, or rock music in general.