Author Topic: Vai and the Rat (Read 7112 times)

LiamH · « **on:** August 11, 2006, 10:36:54 AM »

The other day I posted something somewhere on here about Steve Vai using an Ibanez (not proco) Rat. I read about this years ago and it always stuck in my mind. I think a few posters thought I was going nuts. And then I could later find no mantion of an "Ibanez Rat" anywhere on the internet.

Here's a picture of Vai:

http://www.tcelectronic.com/Default.asp?Id=8873

The ibanez is there on the board just as I once saw it in a magazinr wayback. Vai is using a Keeley mod.

Anyway I posted this because Vai always mentions the SD1 as being the core of his tone and never seems to mentions the TS...and er that's it. Not too interesting but at least do not have early on set alzhiemers.

Eric · « **Reply #1 on:** August 11, 2006, 01:15:39 PM »

I read somewhere, I forget where, he used the TS when he plays faster parts because the DS1 doesn't sound as good.

blue · « **Reply #2 on:** August 11, 2006, 02:36:23 PM »

saw this thread's name and thought, "that's be a great name for a Vai album!" Steve Vai and The Rat, has a ring to it don't you think?

LiamH · « **Reply #3 on:** August 11, 2006, 03:12:46 PM »

I borrowed my mate's Wydle Overdrive, and have been mucking about with it and the TS9 and the proco rat. Couple the TS9 with either and you get some sounds that will put hair on your chest.

As for Vai and the Rat......for some reason it makes me think of Vai and Satch...maybe that baldy cut of his makes him look at bit ratty.....(well a hairless one anyway).

Oh dear I might get blacklisted for such a comparison.

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #4 on:** August 11, 2006, 05:18:31 PM »

That is not a Rat pedal !
That is an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9DX- maybe modified by Keeley

http://www.robertkeeley.com/product.php?id=36

LiamH · « **Reply #5 on:** August 11, 2006, 05:27:53 PM »

I spotted that, but I think Vai has used a modded Ibanez for years and it might not have been a Keeley. The thing that is bugging me is that I saw one for sale on the web somewhere and it was called something along the lines of "Ibanez Tubescreamer (RAT - Vai/Satriani). I should not even be waffling about this as it is just some stupid thing I have in my head. I am going to dig out my vinly copy of Flexable and see if it mentions it on there.

fps_dean · « **Reply #6 on:** August 12, 2006, 03:21:36 AM »

The RAT is made by Proco. Vai has never used one as far as I know....

He's used a tubescreamer periodically and often a DS-1 usually Keeley modded but often not, and a Boss OD pedal, SD-1 I think is the model but Im probably wrong...

gingataff · « **Reply #7 on:** August 12, 2006, 03:45:18 AM »

Quote

"Ibanez Tubescreamer (RAT - Vai/Satriani).

That wouldn't be RATT would it?

Vai probably did use a Rat pedal at one time, after all he used to play Strats with dimarzio XN2 pups and onboard active preamps, and Jacksons with Kahlers. He used to play 7 strings once upon a time too.

LiamH · « **Reply #8 on:** August 12, 2006, 10:15:22 AM »

It could have been a Ratt. The reason I am interested is I liked Vai's sound when with alcatrazz. I also know that I saw this old modded TS at least knicknamed a "Rat".

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #9 on:** August 12, 2006, 10:38:06 AM »

Quote from: gingataff

Quote
"Ibanez Tubescreamer (RAT - Vai/Satriani).

That wouldn't be RATT would it?

Vai probably did use a Rat pedal at one time, after all he used to play Strats with dimarzio XN2 pups and onboard active preamps, and Jacksons with Kahlers. He used to play 7 strings once upon a time too.

Like on Ebay where someone is trying to draw attention to what they are selling by putting other brands in the title?

Like: Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (Rat/Boss/MXR/VAi/Satch)

The Alcatrazz sound maybe had something to do with the wall of old Carvin amps he used back then- they did have a different kind of sound - somewhat cleaner as I recall than Marshalls etc

LiamH · « **Reply #10 on:** August 12, 2006, 12:18:44 PM »

Ignore me all, this is just some personal obsession!!! I am convinced I read it either on an Alcatrazz sleeve, or in Guitar Player magazine. Either that or passing 35 has addled my noggin.

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #11 on:** August 12, 2006, 06:00:13 PM »

http://www.vai.com/Machines/livegear_alcatrazz.html

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #12 on:** August 12, 2006, 06:08:22 PM »

Vai playing Malmsteen stuff!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ierC-kbhM1Q

Afghan Dave · « **Reply #13 on:** August 12, 2006, 07:31:23 PM »

Watching all those clips on youtube of Vai through the years reminds me why I was such a fan.

The guy could dominate the largest of stages with ease! A consumate showman and astounding player.

I personally think that he excelled in band formats though and I'd love to see him do something other than solo albums and G3.

Guess that time has passed forever.....

LiamH · « **Reply #14 on:** August 12, 2006, 07:32:14 PM »

I must be wrong. I admit defeat. My brain must be addled by far too much abuse of my body between the ages of 18 and 30