The enigmatic Texas-based outfit, This Will Destroy You, has long captivated audiences with their immersive soundscapes, blending elements of post-rock and doomgaze. Celebrating over two decades of their influential journey, including the 20th anniversary of their seminal debut “Young Mountain,” the band recently embarked on an anniversary tour, providing a unique opportunity to delve into the intricate gear powering their acclaimed live performances in this special Rig Rundown.
During their stop at Nashville’s Basement East, guitarists Jeremy Galindo and Nicholas Huft, alongside bassist Ethan Billips, offered an exclusive look at the meticulously chosen instruments and effects that define their sonic identity. Their collective approach to equipment highlights a blend of classic reliability and experimental innovation, crucial for achieving their signature atmospheric and powerful sound, perfect for any This Will Destroy You fan.
Jeremy Galindo, a long-time Fender Telecaster enthusiast, detailed his preference for the American Performer model, strung with .011–.052 gauges for added depth. His reliance on fingerstyle playing, complemented by remarkably thin picks, underscores a nuanced approach to his guitar tone. While a Music Man HD-130 remains his studio staple, Galindo favors a Roland Jazz Chorus 120 on the road for its consistent clean tones and tubeless dependability, showcasing a pragmatic approach to live sound for a touring Guitar Gear setup.
Galindo’s pedalboard is a testament to his enduring sonic pursuits, featuring stalwarts like the Boss DD-20 Giga Delay and the indispensable Tech 21 Boost R.V.B. These core effects are augmented by a diverse array of Effects Pedals, including the Walrus Canvas Tuner, Ernie Ball VP JR, Friday Club Fury 6-Six, Walrus Jupiter, Walrus Fundamental Ambient, Boss RE-20, and Mr. Black Deluxe Plus. A Walrus Aetos reliably powers this impressive collection of gear.
Nicholas Huft’s unique Fender Jazzmaster, acquired from Full of Hell’s Spencer Hazard, stands out with its distinctive “sandpaper texture” finish. His strategic choice to keep both pickups engaged and the rhythm circuit taped off emphasizes a direct, unfiltered signal path. Huft’s affinity for vintage solid-state amplification is fulfilled by his powerful Peavey Standard Mark III series, which delivers the requisite volume and raw power essential for the band’s dynamic range as a Post-Rock Band.
Huft’s pedalboard further illustrates the band’s commitment to sonic exploration, incorporating an ABY switcher alongside essential tools like the Boss TU-3 and Ernie Ball VP JR. His expansive collection of effects includes a Gremlin Machine Shop Worshiper, Dead Air Portrayal of Guilt/Matt King Dual Drive, Boss DD-200, Boss RC-500, Red Panda Context, Boss DD-3T, Beautiful Noise Exploder, and the ambient Walrus Slo.
Ethan Billips anchors the rhythm section with his Marcus Miller Sire bass, a nod to the band’s roots in utilizing accessible yet effective Bass Gear. The collective power of the band is amplified through a shared Darkglass Electronics Microtubes 500 v2 head, a robust choice for their weighty doomgaze sound, ensuring their low-end presence is always felt.
Billips’ meticulous Bass Player setup includes an Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner, a prototype bass overdrive from Mr. Black, and the formidable Death by Audio Bass War. Further shaping his tone are the Walrus Badwater, Danelectro Talk Back, Catalinbread Topanga, and a Radial BigShot ABY, collectively contributing to the massive low-end crucial for This Will Destroy You’s immersive soundscapes. Each piece of instrumental equipment is chosen to serve the band’s overarching artistic vision.
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