Jason Stallworth’s Music Gear – Guitars, Studio, and Live

By Jason Stallworth

June 10, 2022


Welcome to the Jason Stallworth Music Gear page! Below you’ll find all the music gear and equipment that I use for guitars, amps, studio gear, and for playing live solo shows.
I keep this page updated as things change!

Contents:

  • Guitars, Amps & Effects
  • Gear for Live Acoustic Solo Gigs
  • Accessories (Cables, Strings, Etc.)

***I’m now a proud affiliate for Sweetwater and Zager Guitars. I do get a small commission if you decide to purchase through them and I appreciate your support!

Guitars, Amps, and Studio Gear

Blackstar-HT-Venue-MK-III-Jason-Stallworth

This is my home recording studio set up and not too much has changed over the years. To me, the longer that you use your gear the better you know, and that makes the process more seamless with fewer headaches. I also try to avoid the shiny-object syndrome.

However, I am looking to make some upgrades soon and as mentioned above, I’ll update you below as those changes are made. Also, I’m running on a late 2013 iMac.

  • Blackstar Amped 3 – I’ve been using the Amped 3 amp pedal primarily for recording YouTube videos, lessons, and also used it for the lead tracks on my album, Overcometh.
  • Blackstar HT Venue MK III Amp – I have the 100-watt head with the 4×12 matching cabinet. I use this amp both in the studio and live.
  • Ibanez Prestige RG1570 – This guitar is a 2001 model. What I like the most is the wizard neck. The link goes to the Ibanez Prestige series. I also use this guitar for my live solo gigs.
  • Shroedder Marksman ’87 – This guitar was made for me by Mike Shroedder, an independent guitar maker in Germany. And the link goes to his website. It’s an awesome ax and he’s big on the 80’s style guitars.
  • ESP LTD D-5 Bass – I’ve had this bass guitar since 2013 and it’s been great for recording (its primary use).
  • MXR Smartgate – Great noise gate with plenty of additional features for taking care of unwanted noise.
  • Truetone 1SPOT Pro CS-7 – Perfect for powering multiple pedals.
  • PreSonus Studio One Pro 5 (DAW) – I’ve been using Studio One Pro since 2009
  • Apple iMac – The iMac has been my go-to for my recording studio. I can run my DAW and edit videos with no issues.
  • KRK Rokit 5 Studio Monitors – I’ve had these monitors since 2009.
    ***I am soon looking to upgrade to the latest PreSonus studio monitors and will update that here when I do.
  • Electro-Voice RE20 Microphone – I use this mic for the Metal Mastermind podcast and also for extreme, death metal vocal recordings (this mic was used on the song ‘The Damned’ off the Overcometh album).
  • Shure SM57 Microphone – My primary mic for recording guitar amps in my studio.

Gear for Live Solo Gigs

In addition to writing, recording, and playing metal music, I also play 2 to 3 live solo acoustic gigs a week. So here’s everything I’m currently using (as you may know, I also share live solo gig tips on my YouTube channel).

  • Zager ZAD900CE Acoustic Guitar – This is now my main guitar for playing live acoustic solo shows. It has a phenomenal sound and ease of playability, which is nice for those 3-4 hour shows.
  • Takamine G Series Acoustic – I’ve had this guitar for many years and it’s a workhorse. I use it as a backup for my shows and also for hosting open mics.
  • Electro-Voice Evolve 50M – I started using the Evolve 50M system in 2023 for my live solo gigs. It does the job for both large and small venues, indoor and outdoor, and is super easy to set up.
  • Electro-Voice ND86 Microphone – I’m now using these mics for live gigs.
  • Mackie ProFx10v3 Mixer – Small, compact, and perfect for live solo gigs. And there are enough channels for a duo or trio and a ton of features including onboard effects.
  • Electro-VoiceĀ PXM-12MP 700W Powered Floor Monitor – For a while, I played solo gigs without a floor monitor but this has helped so much, especially as some of the venues I play have larger stages. This monitor also works great for two people (my wife sings some songs with me).
  • Boss WL-20L Guitar Wireless System – I play both acoustic and electric on stage and switching this makes it easy t switch from one guitar to the next (I use the POD Go for effects for both).
  • Line 6 POD Go – This has simplified my stage setup for my live solo shows and I have created patches for both acoustic and electric. It works great.
  • TC Electronic Ditto X4 Looper – Although the POD Go has a looper function, I chose to get an external looper. I went with the Ditto X4 as it has a dedicated stop. But I wish I had gotten the Ditto X2 and the X4 is more than I need in regards to functionality.

Strings, Cables, and Accessories

Here’s a quick list of accessories I’m using:

  • Elixir strings (9-42 for electric and custom lights for acoustic)
  • ProCo cables
  • AKG K301 studio headphones (I’ve had these forever…probably time to upgrade soon)

Alright, that’s all of the gear I’m currently using from the studio to the stage! Again, I keep this page updated as I add new gear or if anything changes. More than often, when I add new gear I’m also taking something away. I like to keep things simple.

Keep it Metal,

Jason

Jason Stallworth

About the author

Jason is a melodic metal solo artist, songwriter, acoustic performer, and co-founder of Metal Mastermind.

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