Over the next few months, we're bringing you a special series of blog posts in partnership with PRS Guitars to give you essential tips from established musicians. First up, Aaron Pauley, bassist and vocalist for acclaimed metalcore band Of Mice & Men, shares his top five essential pieces of tour gear that he never leaves home without.
Music is made for enjoyment through the ears. As a professional musician frequently on loud stages, being able to accurately hear the band, while protecting my hearing, is hugely important.
The details:
Proprietary precision-balanced armatures
Eight driver: double dual lows, single dual mid, single dual high
Integrated three-way crossover
Noise isolation: -26 dB
Input connector: 1/8" (3.5 mm), gold-plated
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz
Input sensitivity: 118 dB @ 1 mW
Impedance: 18 ohms
It’s not every day you find 750 watts of amazing tone in an 8.8-pound package. This is my primary amp, and it’s traveled the world with me either in my rack or by my side.
The details:
750 watts
4-band semi-parametric EQ
Three presets
TubeTone
SpectraComp
TweeterTone
Chromatic bass tuner
Rehearsal input/headphone out
First-grade DI out
Whether live or in the studio, the Aguilar Tone Hammer brings out the best in my basses. Its rugged design makes it perfect for the road, and its features make it perfect in the studio.
The details:
Pre/post DI
Unbalanced output can drive a power amp
AGS circuitry
Cut and boost of treble, mid, and bass frequencies
Fully sweepable midrange frequencies
Powered by two nine-volt batteries, phantom power, or optional universal power supply
Ground lift switch
Heavy-duty steel construction
While this isn't necessarily a piece of gear that I use onstage, the Peterson StroboRack is the tuner that my tech trusts when he tunes my basses. It's accurate, with multiple tuning settings. If you want to sound great, you'd better be in tune!
The details:
0.1-cent accuracy
Large, backlit virtual strobe display
Programmable with 25 presets including Buzz Feiten System® offsets
All-metal construction
I’ve always had an affinity for jazz-style basses. When I came across the PRS SE Kestrel, I fell in love the first time I played it. The neck-through construction gives the bass incredible sustain, while the alder body and maple/walnut neck combo deliver a crispy and distinct midrange bite.
For under $800, I have yet to find a bass remotely close to the sound and construction quality. Being in a band that has a lot of young fans, the price point makes this bass accessible to both beginners and regular players. When a young fan sees me onstage with my bass and they go home and see that it’s affordable, they're often more inspired to pick it up, which is arguably the coolest part about being a musician – inspiring the next generation to pick up an instrument and play. The PRS SE Kestrel inspires me to play every time I pick it up.
The details:
Alder body
Maple/walnut, neck through neck
22 frets, 34" scale
Rosewood fingerboard with bird inlay
Hipshot bridge and tuners