Dipped In Tone

Thanks so much to the sponsor of today's episode, Sweetwater! Make sure to check out all the gear we use here and more: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/dipped-in-tone/

We're back! Rhett just wrapped the biggest touring year of his life — 60 shows, ten months, three continents, including a 31-show fall run with The Midnight he's calling the best tour experience he's ever had. After catching up (GTA 6 hype, a wild Halo community-modding scene, and a cosplay build), a viewer hot take about keeping pedalboards simple turns into a real conversation about knowing your gear inside and out, plus Zach's go-to trick for not freezing up when you sit down with an unfamiliar guitar at a shop.

Rhett also gets honest about his Mexico fly dates — why a Quad Cortex-based fly rig technically worked but never felt as good on stage as his full amp rig, and what that actually comes down to. We rate a viewer's rig, and Rhett closes with a shill that might be the biggest thing we've talked about all year: community-hacked firmware on his Elektron Octatrack, and an experiment using AI to reverse-engineer 20-year-old hardware so it can run modern amp modeling — and why that might mean your gear never has to become e-waste again.

JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
MERCH: https://www.dippedintone.com/merch
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

DIPPED IN TONE IS:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:40 Tour recap
00:02:09 Fall tour with The Midnight
00:03:42 Touring etiquette
00:04:44 GTA 6 & gaming chat
00:09:36 Halo mod scene
00:10:31 Bud Light commercial story
00:12:07 Instagram algorithm rant
00:13:17 Cosplay build
00:14:10 Darth Vader costume story
00:15:23 Discord reminder
00:16:25 Sweetwater shoutout
00:17:46 HOT TAKE: simplify your board
00:18:43 Rebuilding every patch
00:26:33 Guitar Center trick
00:28:43 Philly Guitar Center chaos
00:30:51 Vintage LinnDrum story
00:32:34 Brad Paisley & a Trainwreck
00:35:35 Les Paul insured for $1M
00:37:20 Rig placement cuts feedback
00:39:34 Managing pickup feedback
00:41:12 Wax potting & tonewood
00:46:37 Mexico fly dates
00:47:01 Building the fly rig
00:48:44 Soundcheck surprise
00:49:07 Crew notices the difference
00:49:46 Why it feels weightless
00:52:17 In fairness to the Cortex
00:53:50 Rig Dip: Kurtis's rig
00:58:06 SG, Golden Fleece & more
01:00:50 Score: 9.0
01:03:10 Second rig & shill guitar
01:06:14 Octatrack hacked firmware
01:07:40 The hardware-modding era
01:08:10 Using AI to hack firmware
01:10:14 Why gear won't be e-waste
01:11:57 Outro

Gear We Use

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen 2 → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/gRVWQg
Shure SM7B → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/X4qX5G
Universal Audio Volt 2 → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/oNWyao
Mac Mini (M4) → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/B5Q2YB
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/WOLGPJ
Mogami Gold Studio mic cable, 10ft → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/0G3dBO
Gator Elite Series Main Desk, Black → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/n4z2eV

Dipped in Tone goes live for the first time at Fretboard Summit 2026 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. Rhett, Zach, and Addison open with the most interesting things they’ve found at the show: Addison is carrying a limited edition acoustic from a Quebec builder — only 15 made, Adirondack spruce top, maple back and sides, slotted headstock — and it plays warmer and more balanced than it has any right to. Rhett found a fully analog speaker cabinet emulator prototype at the Bartle Amplification booth that looks like it came out of an Abbey Road session circa 1964. Then comes the hot takes — John O’Keefe argues vintage guitars aren’t worth the premium over modern alternatives, a live audience member makes the compelling case that the true sound of rock and roll is amplification rather than guitar or drums, and a second live take on whether music notation is uniquely hard for guitarists gets a detailed rebuttal from Corey Congilio that actually settles it. Four rigs get dipped live: an ambient backyard board with vintage classroom projector cabs, a pristine JM and Alessandro Fiore combo that earns a rare ten, a “trigger warning” rig stuffed with headless guitars and a switcher, and Josh Scott’s expression-pedal-controlled monster board — built during mountain bike crash recovery — with two redacted upcoming JHS releases hiding in plain sight. Jonathan Stout closes the show with the best single take of the day: gear is simultaneously the least and most important thing.

Submit your hot takes: dippedintone@gmail.com
Fretboard Journal: https://fretboardjournal.com
Little H Collective (Steven’s music): https://littlehcollective.bandcamp.com

JOIN US ON PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
MERCH: https://www.dippedintone.com/merch
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

DIPPED IN TONE IS:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:13 Live at Fretboard Summit 2026
00:01:37 Addison’s Favorite Find: The Quebec Acoustic
00:04:16 Rhett’s Favorite Find: Bartle Amplification Prototype
00:06:50 Hot Take: Vintage Guitars Aren’t Worth the Money
00:10:58 Live Hot Take: The Sound of Rock and Roll Is Amplification
00:13:45 How Technology and Music Move Together
00:14:45 Live Hot Take: Guitar Notation Isn’t Uniquely Hard
00:17:30 Corey Congilio’s Rebuttal
00:19:55 Rig Dip: Steven’s Ambient Backyard Board
00:26:19 Rig Dip: John’s JM & Alessandro Fiore Rig
00:31:31 Rig Dip: Matthew’s Trigger Warning Rig
00:36:22 Rig Dip: Josh Scott’s Expression Board & Redacted JHS Pedals
00:45:30 Should Rig Owners Be Present During the Review?
00:46:50 Jonathan Stout: Gear Is the Least and Most Important Thing

Affiliate Links
Gear Dipped — John’s rig

Gibson Custom Shop SG → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qWq20O
ProCo RAT 2 → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/aNkWLQ
Benson Amps Preamp Pedal → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/AgDEAD
Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/Gb5ZQB
EHX Deluxe Memory Man 1100-TT → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/VOW6Qk
Universal Audio OX Amp Attenuator → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ZVDymW

Gear Dipped — Matthew’s rig

Fender Player II Stratocaster → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/X4qXrM
D’Angelico Excel DC → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/B5Q2G4
Blackstar St. James EL34 112 combo → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/WOLG9n
TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/2R3WgG
Wampler Belle → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/R0X6Yy
Source Audio Nemesis Delay → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/4aYWRG
Universal Audio UAFX Golden Reverberator → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/dyA73y
JHS 3 Series Fuzz → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qWq2kO

Gear Dipped — Josh Scott’s rig
Boss JB-2 Angry Driver → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/PzZ6kM
Keeley Octa Psi → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/enGAB6
Eventide H9 Harmonizer Gen 2 → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/aNkW6q
Boss RV-200 Reverb → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/n4z2BR

Gear We Use
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen 2 → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/gRVWQg
Shure SM7B → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/X4qX5G
Universal Audio Volt 2 → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/oNWyao
Mac Mini (M4) → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/B5Q2YB
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/WOLGPJ
Mogami Gold Studio mic cable, 10ft → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/0G3dBO
Gator Elite Series Main Desk, Black → https://sweetwater.sjv.io/n4z2eV

Today we're joined by friend of the show @coreycongilio A fantastic guitar player and educator with countless gigs under his belt, we dive into to preparing for early days of gigging. The guys walk through some of things you have to do before and during a gig to help be ready, battle nerves, and being a good hang.

Learn more about Corey's Lessons Here https://workingclassguitar.com/

JOIN US ON PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
MERCH: https://www.dippedintone.com/merch
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

DIPPED IN TONE IS:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

Timestamps
00:00:00 Intro
00:07:30 Mythos Enclosures
00:08:38 Thanks so much Patrons!
00:12:35 Hot Take
00:16:34 Heritage headstock or Gibson headstock?
00:23:13 Main Topic
00:25:00 The best place to start as a gigging musician
00:27:35 Being prepared
00:30:00 Understanding your gear
00:31:30 Having a pedalboard professionally built
00:33:50 Cable routing
00:35:00 Can you get by with less?
00:37:10 Listen back to your performances
00:42:15 About your attitude
00:45:30 Have fun!
00:47:03 Smile through every mistake
00:48:45 John Osborne mistake
00:50:30 Battling nerves
00:57:28 Rig Dip
01:10:55 Thanks again Patrons!
01:11:05 Big thanks to Corey Congilio!

Rhett and Zach catch up while Rhett is on tour with The Midnight. We dive into all that's going on and go deep on why Zach want's a Pearly Gates Les Paul now that they are coming back. We touch on why Collings are some of the best guitars in the world and much more.

JOIN US ON PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
MERCH: https://www.dippedintone.com/merch
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

DIPPED IN TONE IS:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

Time Stamps
00:01:24 Zach’s Update
00:03:00 Mythos 3.0
00:04:25 Dental Talk
00:05:00 Rhett’s Update
00:08:19 Zach got a truck!
00:10:19 Thanks Patrons!
00:10:51 Merch Plug
00:11:28 Hot Take
00:17:58 WE NEED YOUR HOT TAKES & RIGS!
00:18:40 Pearly Gates
00:23:23 Shout out to Reverb
00:26:00 Flipping... who deserves these guitars?
00:27:27 Why does Gibson do this?
00:31:50 Nobody else does this quite as well
00:35:20 On Fender
00:39:20 Spending this amount of money on some else’s guitar
00:42:07 Collings Guitars
00:55:50 Zach is getting a laser cutter!
00:57:00 Rig Dip
01:07:05 Rhett’s Shill

On today's episode, we test out YouTube's new Gemini-powered AI thumbnail generator on a clip of Rhett — and the results are so uncanny that we go on the record: any channel using AI-generated thumbnails or AI B-roll gets an instant "do not recommend" from us. Plus a quick follow-up on the D'Addario/Suno AI controversy, a spicy hot take on whether Stratocasters or Telecasters are more versatile, and an announcement that Fretboard Summit rig-dip submissions are now open to anyone attending in person. Then we get into the real stuff: Addison, Zach, and Rhett each walk through their actual current rigs — Addison's in-ear-monitor church gig board built around a Quad Cortex Mini, Zach's stripped-down Marshall JCM800 and modified Flying V, and Rhett's elaborate Axe-Fx III touring rack built to sound like his records live. We close it out by rating a viewer's wet/dry rig submission from Renan.

JOIN US ON PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
MERCH: https://www.dippedintone.com/merch
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

DIPPED IN TONE IS:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:30 Addison’s Update
00:01:45 Do you like trains?
00:03:53 Rhett’s Update
00:10:18 Thanks Patrons!
00:11:13 Come see us in Chicago at Fretboard Summit
00:11:58 SUBMIT YOUR RIG - dippedintone@gmail.com
00:13:10 AI Thumbnails
00:20:05 D’Addario - let’s move on…
00:23:35 Hot Take
00:34:19 Main Topic
00:35:22 Addison’s Summer Rig
00:51:32 Zach’s Summer Rig
00:58:17 Rhett’s Spring/Summer Touring Rig
01:07:20 Rig Dip
01:20:29 Join us on Patreon!

On today's episode, Rhett gives an update on the AI channel that was impersonating him — it's been taken down, but the bigger story is what's happening across YouTube right now: a cycling channel getting its video ripped off nearly scene-for-scene with AI voiceover, deepfake channels targeting female guitarists, and real creators quietly slipping AI-generated B-roll into otherwise genuine videos. Then a viewer hot take — "guitar culture and music culture aren't the same thing" — kicks off a real, personal conversation about hobbyist vs. professional identity, why we all feel pressure to monetize our passions, and why keeping something just for yourself might be the healthiest thing you can do. Plus a Patreon Q&A on how to find people to jam with if you're not on social media, a round of new music recommendations, an update on our live show at Fretboard Summit in Chicago, and we rate a viewer's genuinely wild daw-less synth-and-guitar rig.

JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
MERCH: https://www.dippedintone.com/merch
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

DIPPED IN TONE IS:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:18 Did you know we have Merch - dippedintone.com
00:01:22 Join us at Fretboard Summit!
00:02:11 Addison has a last name?
00:02:31 Thanks to all our Patrons!
00:03:00 AI still sucks, but Rhett’s imposter is gone
00:10:17 Addison’s Update
00:11:17 Zach’s Update
00:16:00 Hot Take
00:28:35 Taking care with our passions/hobbies
00:31:30 Zach’s got a new project coming
00:32:28 Wes Borland Masks
00:36:35 Patron Question - finding people to play music with
00:43:33 A quick conversation about Jazz
00:48:57 Radiohead?
00:50:03 Lyric or Melody?
00:54:09 What we’re listening to right now
01:00:27 Rig Dip!
01:10:35 Thanks again Patrons!
01:10:48 And don’t forget to join us live in person in August at Fretboard Summit
01:11:06 Merch Merch Merch!
01:11:21 What do you want us to talk about in the future? Drop your comment below!

BUY COOL GEAR (Affiliate Links):
Universal Audio Enigmatic - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/o42Mve
Fender Triple Caster - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qzRMvq
Suhr Classic S Antique - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEomG
Benson Delay - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeEb4b
Boss Roland DM-101 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/K0Nj5A
TC 2290 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/e1oz26
Universal Audio Volt 876 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeko9M
Boss Katana 50 Gen3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEom5
Shure 545 (new production) - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ravMyj
Echo Fix EFX3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/APzZMK
Helix Stadium - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LKVnJa

On today's episode, Rhett, Zach, and Addison tackle a hot take that gets genuinely spicy: do all guitars actually sound the same? Then Rhett opens up about having his channel ripped off by an AI slop account (and what that's revealed about how broken YouTube's copyright system is), before the three of them dig into the state of the guitar store industry — why local shops are struggling, how Fender's direct-to-consumer push is undercutting its own dealers, the disappearing amp-repair trade, and what shop owners can actually do about it. Plus, an update on our live show at Fretboard Summit in Chicago, and we rate a viewer's rig — Gibson Flying V, Les Paul Jr., Dr. Z amps and all — to one of the highest scores we've ever given.

JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
MERCH: https://www.dippedintone.com/merch
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

DIPPED IN TONE IS:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:24 Zach’s Update
00:04:46 Addison’s Update
00:06:23 Rhett’s Update
00:11:00 HOT TAKE
00:22:42 How to hear the details better
00:30:23 Thanks Patrons!
00:30:38 Come join us LIVE at Fretboard Summit
00:32:52 Main Topic
00:44:11 Repair tech? Maybe it’s your new job!
01:02:10 Our unsolicited advice to local guitar stores
01:08:20 Rig Dip

BUY COOL GEAR (Affiliate Links):
Universal Audio Enigmatic - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/o42Mve
Fender Triple Caster - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qzRMvq
Suhr Classic S Antique - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEomG
Benson Delay - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeEb4b
Boss Roland DM-101 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/K0Nj5A
TC 2290 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/e1oz26
Universal Audio Volt 876 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeko9M
Boss Katana 50 Gen3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEom5
Shure 545 (new production) - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ravMyj
Echo Fix EFX3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/APzZMK
Helix Stadium - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LKVnJa

On today's episode, Rhett, Zach, and Addison dig into a stack of Patreon questions: how to properly gainstage your drive pedals into an amp without going harsh and farty, whether the Jazzmaster's bridge design cost it the throne from the Stratocaster, and the non-gear skills every guitar player should be building (learn to solder, learn to play bass, record yourself). Plus, an update on our live show at Fretboard Summit in Chicago, and we rate a viewer's rig — and it does not go well./

JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
MERCH: https://www.dippedintone.com/merch
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

DIPPED IN TONE IS:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:35 Directionally challenged
00:05:30 E-Bikes
00:06:25 Addison Update
00:07:47 Zach Update
00:10:10 Rhett Update
00:11:48 We’re going to be at Fretboard Summit!
00:15:16 Thanks so much Patrons!
00:16:23 HOT TAKE
00:24:20 Gain Staging Overdrives
00:30:24 Being careful with wet effects
00:36:23 In a recording situation
00:37:04 When things get harsh
00:39:56 Learning your gear
00:40:50 Overlooked skills guitar players should work on
00:43:30 Troubleshooting
00:44:10 Learning to setup your instrument
00:45:25 Listen to your bandmates
00:46:16 Learn how to solder
00:48:09 Get a bass!
00:49:45 Rig Dip
01:00:52 Zach’s Shill
01:01:51 Rhett’s Shill
01:04:16 Addison’s Shill
01:06:51 Join us on Patreon

BUY COOL GEAR (Affiliate Links):
Universal Audio Enigmatic - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/o42Mve
Fender Triple Caster - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qzRMvq
Suhr Classic S Antique - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEomG
Benson Delay - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeEb4b
Boss Roland DM-101 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/K0Nj5A
TC 2290 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/e1oz26
Universal Audio Volt 876 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeko9M
Boss Katana 50 Gen3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEom5
Shure 545 (new production) - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ravMyj
Echo Fix EFX3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/APzZMK
Helix Stadium - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LKVnJa

On Today's episode, Rhett & Zach address one of the biggest questions in tone: does one really need an always on pedal in their rig?

Big thanks to the sponsor of today's episode, Sweetwater! Make sure to check out all the gear we use here and more: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/dipped-in-tone/

JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
MERCH: https://www.dippedintone.com/merch
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

DIPPED IN TONE IS:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:13 Artificial Intelligence (a real human wrote these timestamps, I promise)
00:07:37 Thanks Patrons!!
00:08:04 Thanks to today’s sponsor, Sweetwater!
00:10:18 Life is hard
00:09:22 Rhett’s Update
00:12:02 Zach’s Update
00:17:08 Hot Take
00:21:40 MAIN TOPIC: Always On Pedals
00:33:36 Let’s rant about amp modelers
00:38:50 BBE Sonic Maximizer
00:40:36 Always on EQ pedals
00:43:15 Always on compressors
00:46:19 Somebody make this man a Distressor in a pedal!
00:49:28 Always on overdrives
00:54:00 Learn the fundamentals of gear!
00:56:51 Who wants to see a High Voltage “Amp Day”?
00:57:48 Rig Dip
01:07:30 Zach’s Shill
01:09:41 Thanks again Patrons
01:09:48 And thanks again to Sweetwater for sponsoring today’s episode

BUY COOL GEAR (Affiliate Links):
Universal Audio Enigmatic - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/o42Mve
Fender Triple Caster - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qzRMvq
Suhr Classic S Antique - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEomG
Benson Delay - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeEb4b
Boss Roland DM-101 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/K0Nj5A
TC 2290 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/e1oz26
Universal Audio Volt 876 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeko9M
Boss Katana 50 Gen3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEom5
Shure 545 (new production) - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ravMyj
Echo Fix EFX3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/APzZMK
Helix Stadium - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LKVnJa

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave us a comment!

The three of us finally get into something that's been on the calendar for a while: what actually makes a good Les Paul. Zach brings out all his Les Pauls, Rhett has his R9, and Addison shows off the 2007 Studio Faded he's had since he was 15. We talk about what to listen and feel for when you're shopping — weight, acoustic resonance, how the D and G strings behave, and why the nut is almost always the reason your Les Paul won't stay in tune. Plus PAF pickup obsession, the case for unpotted pickups, top wrapping, tone woods, and why the inconsistency of Gibsons is a feature, not a bug.
Hot take this week from Nicholas: flame tops and figured maple are ugly, and matching headstocks make a guitar look cheap. We're split.

Rig dip goes to Matt, who spent his life working in music stores and trading his way up to a rig that might be the most expensive we've ever seen. 1964 SG, 1957 Strat, 1964 ES-335, 1952 Telecaster, two Two-Rocks, a Friedman, and a pedal board with too much gain?

Thanks so much to the sponsor of today's episode, Sweetwater! Make sure to check out all the gear we use here and more: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/dipped-in-tone/

Check out our website & merch: https://www.dippedintone.com
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

Dipped In Tone is:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:49 Addison’s Update
00:01:23 Check out Nick Loux and the High Life
00:02:32 Zach’s Update
00:06:00 3D Print Talk
00:07:36 Rhett’s Update
00:09:23 Graham’s First Guitar lessons
00:12:02 Thanks to today’s sponsor, Sweetwater!
00:13:30 Thanks to all our Patrons!
00:13:53 Hot Take
00:20:07Main Topic - Les Pauls
00:23:12 The wand finds the wizard
00:24:13 Addison’s first guitar
00:28:13 What Rhett looks for in a Les Paul
00:30:20 What Zach looks for in a Les Paul
00:32:54 RE Tuning Stability (a proper nut slot and setup)
00:36:30 Pickups
00:38:50 WOOD AFFECTS TONE DOG
00:43:17 Anything with P90s
00:47:50 The differences add up
00:50:23 Top Wrapping
00:52:02 What to look for in your first Les Paul
00:57:02 Rig Dip
01:08:05 Thanks again Sweetwater
01:08:20 And a big thanks to our Patrons!

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave us a comment!

All three of us are back. Rhett's finally home after five weeks on the road with The Midnight, Addison has moved back to Kansas City (into the exact same house), and Zach is mid-kitchen renovation with no internet. It's fine. Everything's fine.

Hot take this week: why is basically every guitar pick the same teardrop shape? We get into pick materials, shapes, Blue Chips, the Carol Kaye felt pick thing, and the Tom Bukovac acoustic strumming trick you probably haven't tried.

Then things get serious. Fender has issued cease and desist letters to boutique S-style guitar builders across the EU, demanding they stop manufacturing, recall sold instruments, and destroy infringing inventory — all by Memorial Day. We dig into what's actually happening legally, why this almost certainly won't hold up, what it says about who's really running Fender now, and why LSL has launched a GoFundMe to fight back.

We also talk through the vintage guitar market losing its mind — including a 1959 ES-335 at Carter Vintage listed at $107,000 — and dip a rig from Cody in Portland, who built his own SG during COVID and put Gibson on the headstock.

Thanks so much to the sponsor of today's episode, Sweetwater! Make sure to check out all the gear we use here and more: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/dipped-in-tone/

Check out our website & merch: https://www.dippedintone.com
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

Dipped In Tone is:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

00:00:00 Intro
00:05:14 Rhett’s Update
00:07:02 Addison’s Update
00:0832 Zach’s Update
00:10:21 Thanks Patrons!
00:10:42 Big thanks to today’s sponsor - Sweetwater
00:12:04 Hot Take
00:22:15 What is Fender thinking?
00:48:39 The Vintage Market is insane
00:59:13 Rig Dip
01:06:32 Thanks again Sweetwater!
01:06:58 Join us on Patreon

Some of our favorite gear (Affiliate Links):
Universal Audio Enigmatic - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/o42Mve
Fender Triple Caster - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qzRMvq
Suhr Classic S Antique - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEomG
Benson Delay - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeEb4b
Boss Roland DM-101 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/K0Nj5A
TC 2290 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/e1oz26
Universal Audio Volt 876 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeko9M
Boss Katana 50 Gen3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEom5
Shure 545 (new production) - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ravMyj
Echo Fix EFX3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/APzZMK
Helix Stadium - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LKVnJa

Rhett calls in from the road, one month into The Midnight's tour. Their drummer landed in the hospital mid-tour, a monitor engineer stepped in off the couch to save the show, and a fill-in arrived on 17 hours notice and crushed it. Also: Rhett blew up a Divided by 13 at Brooklyn Paramount and accidentally came home with a Kirk Hammett signature V.
Back in Nashville, Zach is keeping Mythos running and trying not to think too hard about it.
We dig into the Chase Bliss Big Time, Rhett unboxes the CXM 1978, and we settle the debate on whether beginners should factor in resale value when buying their first guitar. Plus a Dip the Rig from Chips in the French Pyrenees.

Thanks so much to the sponsor of today's episode, Sweetwater! Make sure to check out all the gear we use here and more: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/dipped-in-tone/

Check out our website & merch: https://www.dippedintone.com
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

Dipped In Tone is:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

TIME STAMPS
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:10 Zach’s Update
00:03:35 Rhett’s Update
00:06:18 Thanks so much Patrons!
00:06:38 Big thanks to today’s sponsor, Sweetwater!
00:07:12 Hot Take
00:12:10 Rhett’s been on the road with The Midnight (and rollercoasters)
00:23:03 Rhett blew up one of his amps
00:25:26 Two Rock & Divided by 13 have some of the best customer service
00:27:57 Rhett’s new Kirk Hammett Guitar
00:32:52 The New Chase Bliss Delay - The Big Time
00:50:21 Rig Dip
00:57:44 Zach Shill
01:01:03 Rhett Shill
01:03:37 Thanks again Sweetwater!
01:03:52 And thanks so much to all our Patrons

Some of our favorite gear (Affiliate Links):
Universal Audio Enigmatic - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/o42Mve
Fender Triple Caster - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qzRMvq
Suhr Classic S Antique - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEomG
Benson Delay - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeEb4b
Boss Roland DM-101 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/K0Nj5A
TC 2290 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/e1oz26
Universal Audio Volt 876 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeko9M
Boss Katana 50 Gen3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEom5
Shure 545 (new production) - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ravMyj
Echo Fix EFX3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/APzZMK
Helix Stadium - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LKVnJa

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave us a comment!

On this week’s episode, Zach & Addison share their thoughts on how consumerism and social media are affecting the pedal market and whether or not the internet can be trusted.

Thanks so much to the sponsor of today's episode, Sweetwater! Make sure to check out all the gear we use here and more: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/dipped-in-tone/

Check out our website & merch: https://www.dippedintone.com
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

Dipped In Tone is:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

TIME STAMPS
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:16 Addison Update
06:06:10 Zach Update
00:07:09 Thanks Sweetwater!
00:09:18 And big thanks to our Patrons
00:09:57 Hot Take
00:17:17 Main Topic
00:23:29 Differentiating between pedal makers and companies
00:29:35 Cutting through the noise, leaning into Youtube
00:33:41 Brainwashed Consumerism
00:34:48 Anderton’s take on the pedal market
00:36:15 The small drop thing
00:48:15 Dead Internet Theory
00:51:19 Rig Dip
01:04:32 Zach Shill
01:07:08 Addison Shill

Some of our favorite gear (Affiliate Links):
Universal Audio Enigmatic - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/o42Mve
Fender Triple Caster - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qzRMvq
Suhr Classic S Antique - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEomG
Benson Delay - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeEb4b
Boss Roland DM-101 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/K0Nj5A
TC 2290 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/e1oz26
Universal Audio Volt 876 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeko9M
Boss Katana 50 Gen3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEom5
Shure 545 (new production) - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ravMyj
Echo Fix EFX3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/APzZMK
Helix Stadium - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LKVnJa

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave us a comment!

Thanks so much to the sponsor of today's episode, Sweetwater! Make sure to check out all the gear we use here and more: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/dipped-in-tone/

Check out our website & merch: https://www.dippedintone.com
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

Dipped In Tone is:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

TIME STAMPS
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:23 Collective Sigh
00:00:29 Zach’s Update
00:02:50 Rhett’s Famous Novo
00:04:48 Addison’s Update
00:07:50 Rhett’s Update
00:11:52 Thanks to all our Patrons!
00:12:19 And thanks to today’s Sponsor - Sweetwater
00:13:20 The Universal Audio pedal giveaway winner
00:14:03 HOT TAKE
00:23:03 Main Topic - April Q&A
01:05:07 Rig Dip
01:13:28 Thanks again to all our Patrons
01:13:49 And big thanks to Sweetwater!

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave us a comment!

Zach, Rhett and Addison dive into the Fender Lawsuit and chat about what it means for the future of that body shape in the EU. We also demolish a hot take about nice gear. Buckle up everyone!

Check out our website & merch: https://www.dippedintone.com
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

Dipped In Tone is:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

Time Stamps
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:43 Zach’s glasses aren’t right
00:04:18 Rhett’s update
00:09:26 Zach’s update
00:14:50 Addison’s update
00:17:15 HOT TAKE
00:30:32 Thanks so much Patrons!
00:30:53 Send us your hot take - dippedintone@gmail.com
00:31:11 Main Topic - Fender’s Trademark Fight
00:32:23 The Facts
00:34:45 Comments on Thomann & Harley Benton
00:36:20 How will this affect higher end brands like Suhr?
00:37:20 Comparing to Gibson and maintaining ownership
00:42:39 Where do you draw the line?
00:45:31 Guitar companies are struggling
00:47:45 Innovation
00:50:51 Does the market really want innovation?
00:52:33 What the pedal market wants
00:53:17 Is this the death of the boutique industry?
00:57:21 The Power of the niche
00:57:09 Rig Dip!

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave us a comment!

Welcome to the March Rig Dip Marathon! Today we are looking at some incredible fan-submitted rigs and reacting to one of the most insane Reverb listings we've ever seen.

Huge shoutout to Reverb.com for sponsoring this episode! It's the place to buy new and used gear! Check out https://www.reverb.com/dippedintone

Check out our website & merch: https://www.dippedintone.com
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

Dipped In Tone is:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

00:00 Intro
00:27 Zach’s going to Awesome Con
01:30 Certified Turbo Dorks
03:00 The Ghostbusters Community
06:13 Rhett’s New Toy
12:40 What’s after Turbo Nerd?
13:34 Addison’s Sam Club Convention
15:28 Thanks Patrons!
15:48 And a big thanks to Reverb for sponsoring today’s video
24:50 Rig Dipping Marathon
25:36 Rig 1
30:11 Rig 2
35:15 Rig 3
43:24 Rig 4
51:19 Rig 5
01:00:30 Rig 6
01:07:55 Become a Patron to have your rig dipped
01:08:25 Thanks again Reverb!

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave us a comment!

James Santiago is BACK! This time we're talking about how to properly use plugins and dive into just what makes the UA Paradise Guitar Studio so special. It's an amazing guitar plugin, let's talk about it!

Huge thanks to Universal Audio for sponsoring this episode! Get your own copy of Paradise Guitar Studio Here: https://www.uaudio.com/products/paradise-guitar-studio

GIVEAWAY! Thanks to UA, 1 lucky winner will get a one UAFX pedal of their choice. Enter below:
https://kingsumo.com/g/3odqodm/universal-audio-x-dipped-in-tone-giveaway

Check out our website & merch: https://www.dippedintone.com
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

Dipped In Tone is:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

TIME STAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:58 Rhett’s driven 25k miles in his new car
03:08 He has an oscillating saw
03:20 Zach is redoing his kitchen
04:44 Confessions of picky husbands
06:42 Addison is hunting for a 335?
09:15 Is Gibson building their best guitars?
12:08 Zach, you got a problem with locking tuners?
14:59 Thanks Patrons!
15:45 Thanks to today’s Sponsor, Universal Audio
16:36 James Santiago ladies and gentlemen
17:43 How do we properly gain stage for guitar plugins?
25:05 Paradise Guitar Studio
35:50 Using Pedals with plugins
43:28 UA goes to the ends of the earth for good tones!
45:55 What is a bright cap?
53:40 Two sides of the same coin: how you hear the guitar
01:03:06 How many features are too many features?
01:16:08 Thanks again UA!
01:16:45 Shills

Some of our favorite gear from 2025 (Affiliate Links):
Universal Audio Enigmatic - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/o42Mve
Universal Audio Volt 876 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeko9M

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave us a comment!

In this episode the guys talk about Rhett's tour. We catch up and discuss the gear and the journey of Rhett playing with The Midnight for upcoming shows.

Huge shoutout to Reverb.com for sponsoring this episode! It's the place to buy new and used gear! Check out https://www.reverb.com/dippedintone

Check out our website & merch: https://www.dippedintone.com
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

Dipped In Tone is:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

TIME STAMPS
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:18 The gang’s back!
00:01:44 Life Updates
00:13:26 Today’s Sponsor - reverb.com
00:14:!5 Reverb Listing Dip
00:24:00 Main Topic
00:57:46 Thanks so much Patrons
00:58:22 Rig Dip
01:08:13 Email us!
01:08:23 Thanks again Reverb!
01:09:17 Zach’s Shill
01:10:52 Rhett’s Shill

Some of our favorite gear from 2025 (Affiliate Links):
Universal Audio Enigmatic - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/o42Mve
Fender Triple Caster - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qzRMvq
Suhr Classic S Antique - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEomG
Benson Delay - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeEb4b
Boss Roland DM-101 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/K0Nj5A
TC 2290 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/e1oz26
Universal Audio Volt 876 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeko9M
Boss Katana 50 Gen3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEom5
Shure 545 (new production) - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ravMyj
Echo Fix EFX3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/APzZMK
Helix Stadium - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LKVnJa

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave us a comment! Rhett was on the road when Zach and Addison dove into NAMM 2026 and Wood Wire Volts. Lots to talk about! Check out our website & merch: https://www.dippedintone.com Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone Dipped In Tone is: Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan TIME STAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:41 The Nashville ice storm 02:41 Hard drive failure 07:33 Hot Take! 15:34 Thanks Patrons! 15:58 Main Topic 50:00 Final Thoughts 56:15 Shills Some of our favorite gear from 2025 (Affiliate Links): Universal Audio Enigmatic - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/o42Mve Fender Triple Caster - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qzRMvq Suhr Classic S Antique - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEomG Benson Delay - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeEb4b Boss Roland DM-101 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/K0Nj5A TC 2290 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/e1oz26 Universal Audio Volt 876 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeko9M Boss Katana 50 Gen3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEom5 Shure 545 (new production) - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ravMyj Echo Fix EFX3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/APzZMK Helix Stadium - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LKVnJa

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave us a comment!

Check out our website & merch: https://www.dippedintone.com
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dippedintone
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone

Dipped In Tone is:
Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com
Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.com & https://highvoltageguitars.com
Produced & Edited by Addison! https://www.instagram.com/addisonsauvan

TIME STAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:30 What’s New
09:02 The Winner of the UA Volt Giveaway!
10:13 Hot Take
17:15 The most underrated guitar sound ever
18:13 What’s 2026 looks like for the Dipped fellas?
56:50 Rig Dip!
01:08:00 Shills

Some of our favorite gear from 2025 (Affiliate Links):
Universal Audio Enigmatic - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/o42Mve
Fender Triple Caster - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qzRMvq
Suhr Classic S Antique - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEomG
Benson Delay - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeEb4b
Boss Roland DM-101 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/K0Nj5A
TC 2290 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/e1oz26
Universal Audio Volt 876 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeko9M
Boss Katana 50 Gen3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DyEom5
Shure 545 (new production) - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ravMyj
Echo Fix EFX3 - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/APzZMK
Helix Stadium - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LKVnJa