December Gear Spotlight FU-Tone
We caught up with Adam and chatted all things about him his gear and his amazing company!!
RBJ
When did you start the company and what made you decide to tackle the world of upgrades?
AR
I started FU-Tone.com in 2007. Ever since I was a kid, I just had to tinker with my guitar. I wanted to know how everything worked and why. While I was on a constant quest for answers, I was always finding ways to make my guitar function and sound better. In 1981, my first guitar was a $150.00 Hondo Flying V purchased at a Sam Goody record store. Not exactly a hot rod shredder guitar… But I was determined to make it rock! On my very limited budget (VERY limited…), I started to pimp out my prized axe. Over the next few months I was sporting a Kahler tremolo, Dimarizo Invader pickup in the bridge position and a Mighty Mite triple coil (trembucker) in the neck position (that sounded like crap but it looked super cool! Right around that time I was taking metal shop in high school. I loved metal shop and excelled in the class. Little did I know at the time that these two things would collide and change my life forever.
When did you start the company and what made you decide to tackle the world of upgrades?
AR
I started FU-Tone.com in 2007. Ever since I was a kid, I just had to tinker with my guitar. I wanted to know how everything worked and why. While I was on a constant quest for answers, I was always finding ways to make my guitar function and sound better. In 1981, my first guitar was a $150.00 Hondo Flying V purchased at a Sam Goody record store. Not exactly a hot rod shredder guitar… But I was determined to make it rock! On my very limited budget (VERY limited…), I started to pimp out my prized axe. Over the next few months I was sporting a Kahler tremolo, Dimarizo Invader pickup in the bridge position and a Mighty Mite triple coil (trembucker) in the neck position (that sounded like crap but it looked super cool! Right around that time I was taking metal shop in high school. I loved metal shop and excelled in the class. Little did I know at the time that these two things would collide and change my life forever.
RBJ
We are a music and gear blog so I have to ask first what music lit your fires and made you want to be a musician.
AR
I was a teenager at the perfect time! It was the age of guitar heroes! When it was cool to be a gunslinger. The hair on my arms would stand up and I was mesmerized by cats like EVH, Warren DeMartini, George Lynch, Vivian Campbell, Jake E. Lee and the entire movement. I could not get enough of these kind of players, going to every show that came to town and basking in the glow of the early days of MTV (not only did MTV play music back then, they played great music! Van Halen, Def Leppard, Queensryche, Dokken, Ratt, Motley Crue – 24/7!!!) Life was good.
We are a music and gear blog so I have to ask first what music lit your fires and made you want to be a musician.
AR
I was a teenager at the perfect time! It was the age of guitar heroes! When it was cool to be a gunslinger. The hair on my arms would stand up and I was mesmerized by cats like EVH, Warren DeMartini, George Lynch, Vivian Campbell, Jake E. Lee and the entire movement. I could not get enough of these kind of players, going to every show that came to town and basking in the glow of the early days of MTV (not only did MTV play music back then, they played great music! Van Halen, Def Leppard, Queensryche, Dokken, Ratt, Motley Crue – 24/7!!!) Life was good.
RBJ
I have seen some of your posts on Facebook and know you have a pretty impressive collection of gear I would love to hear about some of your favorite guitars and gear in general.
AR
I am lucky enough to have collected some cool gear over the years. I have gone through phases of different types of gear over the years. I am not a vintage snob by any stretch – I have a really cool 54’ Les Paul Jr. that has an insane history and is just a smoking player! I tend to favor “parts” guitars as I love to tinker and shape things into what feels and sounds right to me. My main axe is a purple Music Man EVH model. I have had about 25 of these go through my collection over the years – there is something special about my purple – it’s “THE” one. One of the coolest things I have is a Mu-Tron Bi-Phase. It is by far my favorite effect. If you ever get a chance to play a Bi-Phase through two amps (on a clean setting), you will fall in love with it and go on the hunt for one just like I did. Also – during the 70’s “lawsuit era” Ibanez guitars, they did an acoustic (in addition to the V, Explorer and Les Paul) – the Acoustic was a knock off of a Martin. They did it in 3 models (low, medium and high) – I fell in love with these mutts… I have all 3! They are not expensive or vintage pieces but they play and sound amazing! If you ever see one – grab it!
I have seen some of your posts on Facebook and know you have a pretty impressive collection of gear I would love to hear about some of your favorite guitars and gear in general.
AR
I am lucky enough to have collected some cool gear over the years. I have gone through phases of different types of gear over the years. I am not a vintage snob by any stretch – I have a really cool 54’ Les Paul Jr. that has an insane history and is just a smoking player! I tend to favor “parts” guitars as I love to tinker and shape things into what feels and sounds right to me. My main axe is a purple Music Man EVH model. I have had about 25 of these go through my collection over the years – there is something special about my purple – it’s “THE” one. One of the coolest things I have is a Mu-Tron Bi-Phase. It is by far my favorite effect. If you ever get a chance to play a Bi-Phase through two amps (on a clean setting), you will fall in love with it and go on the hunt for one just like I did. Also – during the 70’s “lawsuit era” Ibanez guitars, they did an acoustic (in addition to the V, Explorer and Les Paul) – the Acoustic was a knock off of a Martin. They did it in 3 models (low, medium and high) – I fell in love with these mutts… I have all 3! They are not expensive or vintage pieces but they play and sound amazing! If you ever see one – grab it!
RBJ
The list of artists that have chosen FU-Tone is beyond impressive everyone from Slash, Scott Ian, George Lynch, Mick Mars, Warren DeMartini, Phil Collen and on and on. What is it like to not just work with great musicians from around the world but the people that set the bar on music in general.
AR
This is obviously the coolest part of my job. I totally play it cool on the outside – but on the inside I am pinching myself and still freaking out a bit. The posters on my bedroom walls and MTV have come to life right before my eyes. I am totally blessed to have these guys as clients and friends. Once the shock value wears down, the real fun begins. I love to tinker and A/B stuff with my guitar heroes. I love to discuss tone with them and try new things. I learn so much from these guys! I am totally blessed to work with such amazing cats! It is really a dream come true. It is a total Twilight Zone moment when one of my guitar heroes is making me a turkey sandwich while I am sitting in his living room tweaking his iconic guitar… Is this fucking real??? I am blessed!
The list of artists that have chosen FU-Tone is beyond impressive everyone from Slash, Scott Ian, George Lynch, Mick Mars, Warren DeMartini, Phil Collen and on and on. What is it like to not just work with great musicians from around the world but the people that set the bar on music in general.
AR
This is obviously the coolest part of my job. I totally play it cool on the outside – but on the inside I am pinching myself and still freaking out a bit. The posters on my bedroom walls and MTV have come to life right before my eyes. I am totally blessed to have these guys as clients and friends. Once the shock value wears down, the real fun begins. I love to tinker and A/B stuff with my guitar heroes. I love to discuss tone with them and try new things. I learn so much from these guys! I am totally blessed to work with such amazing cats! It is really a dream come true. It is a total Twilight Zone moment when one of my guitar heroes is making me a turkey sandwich while I am sitting in his living room tweaking his iconic guitar… Is this fucking real??? I am blessed!
Adam and metal legend Zakk Wylde
RBJ
You offer so much more then just upgrades customers can actually build their dream tremolo what made you take it to that level and will they fit right into a Floyd setup guitar?
AR
I always use myself as a barometer to see if something is a good idea – “would I buy it?” As FU-Tone grew, I really wanted to make the custom bridge option a reality – and I did. It was very important to me. Who knows which bridge is perfect for you…? YOU DO! So why should some cat who does not even play guitar tell you how your bridge should be? Just as everything else, the hacks try to copy FU (poorly I might ad…). Actually – the next version of the FU-Tone Bridge is coming out very soon – it will be called “FU2”!
RBJ
The PMS (Pickup Mounting System) is such a brilliant well thought out design where did the idea come from and how does it work.
AR
The real credit on PMS goes to my partner in the project – Mike Learn of Learn Guitars and Airbrush. Mike is an amazing guitar maker and the sickest airbrush guy in the game! The PMS is a patented product that takes the concept of direct mounting pickups even further. When a pickup is in a mounting ring it is just hanging there “listening” to the strings vibrate. When you direct mount it to the body of the guitar “a-la Ed Van Halen”, the pickup is being fed from direct body vibration. Now – add in a bar of bell brass between the pickup and the body – supercharging the vibration feed! We are very happy with the PMS!
RBJ
I have had questions from people after my write up I did last month about my FU-Tone upgraded guitars and one of the main ones are the theory behind most of the upgrades and how they add the tone (Brass Blocks, Clamps etc). For the people that are still on the fence for these cheap ways to really add massive tone would you explain it to us?
AR
The easiest and best example flat out is the brass Big Block. Mass = increased vibration. Plain and simple! Add in a quality material like bell brass and you can’t miss. With brass Big Blocks starting at 34.95, I can’t see a bigger bang for your tonal buck then just swapping out your block for an FU-Tone block. I see guys doing everything under the sun… new pickups that cost hundreds of dollars, neck replacements, this and that… I will put a brass block up against any upgrade and I am willing to bet that you will not find a bigger improvement period – and especially not at 35 bucks! I also tell the skeptical guys: try it – if you are not 100% satisfied, send it back for a full refund. What do you have to lose? ) I have never gotten one back…
RBJ
Do you have any more products you sell or any other companies you are involved with that the modern musician can benefit from
AR
My three companies are: www.FU-Tone.com - Of course FU is based around tonal upgrades for locking trems but I also cater to Strat bridges, acoustic guitars with my brass and titanium bridge pins, stop tail pieces and more! www.BoogieBodies.com which carries replacement necks and bodies. Lot’s of fun stuff there – check it out and build your own guitar! www.Dtuna.com - Dtuna is my baby and was my jump off into the professional guitar universe 22 years ago! (And it does not hurt having EVH as your partner!)
Do you have any more products you sell or any other companies you are involved with that the modern musician can benefit from
AR
My three companies are: www.FU-Tone.com - Of course FU is based around tonal upgrades for locking trems but I also cater to Strat bridges, acoustic guitars with my brass and titanium bridge pins, stop tail pieces and more! www.BoogieBodies.com which carries replacement necks and bodies. Lot’s of fun stuff there – check it out and build your own guitar! www.Dtuna.com - Dtuna is my baby and was my jump off into the professional guitar universe 22 years ago! (And it does not hurt having EVH as your partner!)
RBJ
FU-Tone gives people the impression that your upgrades are for Floyd Rose equipped guitars do you have upgrades or blocks for other tremolo's from other makers? (Ibanez, Fender etc)
AR
Yes! Of Course! I make blocks for Ibanez bridges, Schaller, Gotoh, Jackson, Strats, etc. As I said before, I also to pins for acoustic guitars, Les Paul parts, accessories, tools, tuners, all sorts of swag and other fun stuff! Stop by the FU-Tone site and snoop around a bit.
RBJ
Brass is usually what a person hears about but I have seen Titanium really taking off with players what is the difference between using brass and titanium on guitars with upgrades?
AR
That is a question that I am asked every day… What is the difference between brass, copper and titanium? I could write a book on the subject! I could do demo after demo… And none of it means anything! It is all selective. I can give you my opinion – and it is just that – an opinion! Tone is in the ear of the beholder! Anyone who tells you “this is the best” is trying to sell you something! Here is an overview – All of the Big Blocks give you more sustain. Mass = sustain. Size does matter! That being said, Brass gives you a nice warm sound with big bell like tones that layer nicely and wrap you in a warm blanket of tone. Copper is similar to brass with an accented scooped mid section that will take you back to the 80’s! Titanium is all of the above with a note separation that cuts through the mix like a laser gun. Think Phil Collen…
RBJ
What words of wisdom would you give the musician out there that is dreaming of being the next Metallica or Black Sabbath.
AR
Be yourself! Learn everything that you can from your heroes and march forward to the beat of your own drum! When people tell you that you can’t do it – march harder and faster! Somewhere down the road those same people will eat their words (and most likely copy your shit and try to pass it off as their own…) – Be innovative – do not be afraid to set your own mark. It is better to take a shot and fail then to have never tried at all. Where is the next guitar hero? I am totally waiting for him (or her!)! We are all waiting for this… Maybe it’s you!
RBJ
Any last words to all the amazing people reading this?
AR
Thank you! Thank you for taking the time to read this! Thank you for all of the support and love! Thank you for making FU-Tone the company it has become! I could not do any of this without you! I am just a regular guy who loves guitar – playing it, building them, chasing tone, talking about them, sharing ideas, trying new things. I love talking “tone chasing” with the biggest players in the world or a kid from Kansas who is just getting started. It’s all the same to me – we are all just guitar dorks! I love it, and I would not have it any other way!
FU-Tone's Brass Claw - Tremolo Stopper - Brass Block
When Warren Demartini, Phil Collen, Slash, Eddie Ojeda, C.C Deville, Mick Mars, Micheal Wilton, Scott Ian, Scotti Hill, Dave ''Snake'' Sabo, Tommy Shaw, Wolf Hoffman, Zakk Wylde, Vivian Campbell, DJ Ashba, Erik Turner, Joey Allen, Orianthi, Rick Nielsen, George Lynch, Alex Lifeson, Nuno Bettencourt, Phil Demmel, Micheal Sweet, OZ Fox, Gus G and so much more all back these products then you know there is something about them that stand up beyond all the copies or the other products out there. These guitar players are the ones that defined tone defined music and defined what it is to be a rock god and they all use FU-Tone in there guitars cause no other product can give them the tone they need on stage or the studio!!!
I also use FU-Tone products to get my tone, I have three of my top axes locked and loaded from top to bottom cause I cannot trust my tone to anything else!! I did a talk about one of my guitars that are FU-Toned out you can read it here.
Link for RBJ FU-Tone Equipped Guitar.
https://www.facebook.com/FuToneFanPage
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