UberProAudio caught up with Oren Maisner, lead vocalist and guitar player in the Miami Florida based progressive power pop/rock band Jacobs Ladder. We discussed the bands new EP "Back To Life" and the different guitar gear and equipment that Oren uses in his guitar rig. Keep reading for 5 Quick Questions with Jacobs Ladder frontman Oren Maisner!
UberProAudio: Tell us about the new Jacobs Ladder EP, "BACK TO LIFE". How does it compare to past recordings you guys have done?
Oren: This EP is a more smooth and concise package of Ladder. Yes it’s got the heavy grooves our fans love, but we do it in a way on this EP that’s more easily digestible. We took the time and effort to create songs that are punchy and lovely at the same time. Venturing into uncharted territory on ballad-esque songs like "Enchantment", we're providing a fuller flavored serving on "BACK TO LIFE".
UberProAudio: Our readers would love to know exactly what gear you are using in your live guitar rig. What Guitars/Amps/Effects/Strings/Picks do you take out to live shows?
Oren: Dunlop Picks are always between my fingers. Ernie Ball has been my strings of choice for quite some time. It's the 10-52 hybrid pack I opt for to give my sound the widest possible range of frequencies. As far as my effects go I've always used a clean, vintage and modern distortion sound. Super Phaser and Acoustic Simulators have always been in my repertoire but with "Back To Life" I've also incorporated a delay effect. I've been running my guitars through a Mesa Boogie Nomad 55 head for years really, because it can get heavy, clean and vintage. My Cab is a VOX 4x12 but recently I've used a Marshall and Orange Cab. Orange Cabs are hands down my favorite and I plan to use them exclusively from here on out. When we started out I had a Sammick SG and an Epiphone Les Paul. Both guitars broke at the neck repeatedly and about 2 years ago we brought our portfolio to Gibson and they decided to sponsor us. I've been alternating between a Les Paul Double Cutaway and a Studio Les Paul ever since.
UberProAudio: Did your studio rig for the new EP differ at all from your live rig? If so, what different gear was used in the studio?
Oren: Yes it did. We were lucky enough to get to pay a visit to the Beverly Hills Gibson Showroom and hand pick some axes that we did use. One was a triple pick-up Standard Les Paul we used for a lot of heavier parts and the other was a standard SG for some lighter clean parts. We ran my guitars through Soldano, Marshall and Bad Cat amps with Hiwatt and Marshall Cabs.
UberProAudio: Which pieces of guitar gear in your rig do you prize the most? Do you have any new gear on your wish list?
Oren: My most prized piece of equipment is my blonde-wood Double Cutaway Les Paul, hands down. I would love a wireless system for my guitar but I've heard so much skepticism about them, it has to be a big investment.
UberProAudio: You guys are known for touring hard. With the new EP out, what is on the horizon for the band that we all should know about?
Oren: We definitely plan on getting out there but it will be at more premier venues and events. We are planning on infiltrating the online scene a lot harder than before. Yes we've done our thing on MySpace but with "Back To Life" it’s to infinity and beyond!
Find out what Jacobs Ladder is up to at http://www.jacobsladdermusic.com
