Ok, I dug up the email. the questions, and the answer!
I knew it was a total long shot, but hey, you can't blame me for asking right?
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On May 21, 2011, at 11:21 AM, Myownself26 wrote:
Chad,
I stumbled upon your website through countless attempts researching the boys from Metallica’s rig setups. I figured whats better than getting the info straight from the horse’s mouth? So… I was hoping you’d be so kind to answer a few questions I have regarding James Hetfield’s tour setup?
I saw a video on youtube from guitar world while you were in Kansas City back in 2008. The camera man was speaking out loud, listing the various pieces of gear. When he spoke of the Mesa Triaxis, you stopped him by saying “Heavily Customized Triaxis”. I have seen a photo or two from the late 90’s of Het’s rig, there was a label that stated: Phase Inverted IIc+. I was wondering if you could shed any light on this for me? Seeing as how the presence is able to be at 10 and the Dynamic Voice at O, shows how far from stock the unit is. Maybe you have a schematic on the mod? Possibly you know how to achieve the modification? A long shot, but thought I’d ask.
Also, the second Triaxis that Het uses for clean has a label stating “Stock Recto”. I’m assuming, this is the old Recto Board, pre Phat Mod?
What does James use the Klon and DM4 pedals for? I saw a pic that had a label “SAD” on the DM4, any truth to that? I also saw an Line 6 Pod X3 pro mounted above his Diezels? Variax for Acoustic maybe?
Hetfield’s Custom 2X5 EQ is the last question. I have figured out it is revamped from an old Studio Preamp. Do you have any idea how this is achievable, and what the settings are? A scooped V, M, or T configuration? Are both EQs set the same?
Thanks in advance!!
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Brian,
You don't ask for much, do you? Even if I had an extra 8 hours to sit down and address all of your questions, which I do not, the ever changing specifications of James' rig are the property of James. Right now, there is a Sheik of some sort in Dubai who is trying have James' rig duplicated. He has been hounding manufacturers and Metallica employees like myself. He wants to fly me out to build the rig which is just not possible. Even if I gave you everything you wanted to know, I don't understand what you think you would have?
I appreciate the thought, time and effort you have put into this, and I appreciate that you are a fan. Keep in mind that the sounds on the recordings are always different from what is used live. I think you should just enjoy James' playing for what it is. If James plugs into a stock recto head and Mesa cab, it still sounds like no one else.
Good luck to you Brian,
Chad
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Touche!
At least Chad was humble! I can appreciate that. It still didn't satisfy all of our hungry needs! :?