STRINGS

On all of my archtop and semi-hollow guitars I am using Thomastik-Infeld JS111 Jazz Swing Flatwound Electric Guitar Strings (.011-.047). I do however change the high E & B strings. I replace the .011 with a .013 and the .015 with a .017 (plain steel D’Adarrio). I feel the .011 & .015 sound rather thin, so by increasing the gauge on these stings I get a much thicker and warmer sound. I have used the a heavier homastik-Infeld JS113 set (.013 -.053). The issue I had was the bass strings were too pronounced and overpowered the balance. This created problems when recording, as well as bass feedback in live situations.

AMPLIFIERS

Quilter Labs 101 REVERB 50-watt Head with Reverb - This is the amp that I record 95% of my YouTube videos with. I usually go direct into my Universal Audio interface and then into Logic Pro X.

Headstrong Lil King X - My favorite amp for low to medium volume live performances. This is a custom order model that uses 6L6 power tubes and is about 18-20 watts, putting it in between the Lil King & Lil King S.

Headstrong Royal Reverb - Another custom order. Basically a Deluxe Reverb with 2x10 inch speakers.

AER Compact 60 - Solid state, light and portable. A workhorse of an amp for low volume gigs. Over 20 years of use and not a single issue!

GUITARS

Gibson ES-125T - 1959 all original except replacement tuners.

Gibson ES-175 - 1953 all original except replacement tuners.

Gibson Byrdland - 2008 Gibson Custom Shop signed by James Hutchins.

Slaman “Slim Sister”- 2018 custom build by Dutch luthier Daniel Slaman. This guitar is part of the “Sister Guitars” that Daniel designed for Pat Metheny. Daniel stopped taking custom orders this year and no longer ships any guitars to the USA.

Borys B120 Deluxe - 2019 archtop built for me by Roger Borys. 16” wide body has an arched, laminated top and back with built in pickup. Designed in collaboration with James D’Aquisto and Barry Galbraith.