It sounds amazing, but one of the Ecstasy's hallmarks are how it feels to play; really chewy under the fingers with a great balance of tightness, attack and note bloom. Modern classic for a reason.
I agree with all of this. I have my module running into the Power amp of a Pitbull UL. And it’s my hands down favorite lead sound and the feel is amazing.
Amazing comparison man, If Ihad to choose one, I´d go for the Vai module...the gain when boosted is killer, and I think that cleans will sound huge with a couple of your magic Fx settings, chorus, delay, reverb... But we are talking about big league preamps, the Bogner is one thing that I´d like to tweak all the weekend for sure!!
These are brilliant! The Synergy System would’ve been my next endeavor in amp tones, but having had all my gear stolen last year means I’m now forced to live within my means, and I’m now using the Helix and my AX8. If I do get the chance again to build back my gear, which took me 30yrs plus to acquire, I’ll dive into the Synergy System, but don’t get me wrong, AX8 and Helix do what I need them too and I am content... for the moment. Thanks again Leon for the great video! ✌🏼
I love the 80's sitcom version of For the Love of God that was cool! Nice playing dude! I still own the OG Legacy I need to check out the Synergy setup I've always like the idea of modules its a really cool idea, I remember when they were doing that with Kirk Hammett I just can't remember what amplifier company that was but I wanted one of those amps really bad back in the day!
Thanks for showcasing the Vai Synergy module. I’ve been looking at those recently. Always like hearing multiple takes from a variety of players to get a better idea of what they can do. Also, love seeing your Hamer Artist in the background. I thought it sounded great in your 5 minutes with the Marshall JTM 45 video. Looks like a Studio custom and a P90 special hanging next to the Artist. Don’t think I’ve seen you play those before. Keep up with the great content!
Yeah the Artist has a real baby 335 thing going on. Well spotted on the other two! I gigged that P90 special for a few years, absolute beast of a guitar.
I’m only 2 minutes into this vid so far but it already sounds like some mighty authentic Vai from here. As an Axe FX user it makes me want to get a Synergy system to complement the AFX!
@@LeonTodd I’ve tried the Leggy (I think? Whichever is the one modelled after Vai’s own amp) and found it so dark that it didn’t really work for me, even with treble and presence maxed out. I’ll give it another go with some different IRs and see where it goes!
@@jonroberts986 True story, the Leggy is based on the Gen1 Legacy I gave Cliff to keep several years ago when I visited the warehouse they work out of. They are big, greasy and dark amps. Such feel! The EQ stack in it is unusual compared to most big EL34 fire breathers. I used to gig with that amp and set it up for a singing lead tone, and used an MXR EQ in the loop to suck out the mids and give me a chunky riff tone you just -can't- get with the stock EQ. This also works well in the Fractal to make it a flexible beast.
Hey there Leon!! Hope this finds you well my guitar shredding brother. Hey I was wondering if you could please give me a clue on how to hook the Synergy to the Axe 3. to power amp.. Is it Axe into effects loop on the synergy and then out to power? Thanks so much! Ps. KILLER video!❤
Guitar - Synergy input. Synergy output - Axe-Fx input - axe-fx output to power amp input. Just use the in/out blocks that match the physical conenctions you've made.
Was kind of curious to hear the Vai module against something I am familiar with. I have the Ecstasy module so thanks for the comparison. It's also interesting to see how different everyone's EQ's are set too, I usually have the treble controls pretty much off and the Pre-EQ off because it's just too bright for me otherwise, just shows how different we all are :-)
There could be something to that: Vai used the original 100B and then early 101B's before his signature amp. I have a mid 90's 101B and that amp is a life amp. So good!
Wow! I could listen to that improv at the beginning forever! Close your eyes and sounded just like Vai. These modules sound great. I still kinda lean to just getting the real thing. How close do you think you could get on the Axe3?
Can you use a digital processor with this for effects? Tube tone with digital pedals sounds perfect. Also can you do a DI with just the preamps or do you need the power amp? Does the brand of poweramp matter?
@@LeonTodd Thanks mate, i watched other videos where you play it. Sounds Awesome! I've been trying a lot of models on my CU24 and never tried the Jazz yet :O . Have a good one! Pat
@@LeonTodd The next model i try for sure! ! After years of trying, i ended up with the 78 neck and S-Deco bridge (custom shop with option alnico 2) and it's amazing , it was less expensive than a set of 57/08 and more interesting in my taste. I was looking for a less hot character and more vintage voicing on this PRS. Have a good one !
I love the vid and the playing, But......Why didn't you play Boston rain Melody again on the Ecstacy? Vai used an Ecstacy before his Legacy. I would love to hear how it performs on those Vai-ish leads. :(
Great video. Man, that thing nails those creamy Vai tones I love. So do you have to use the Synergy power amp with the modules and the preamp or can you use any power amp? Really, if you get the preamp to yell and bark, then the power amp just magnifies the volume it seems to me. Loving that green PRS. I've been considering a whale blue S2. I just completed my faxes and found out I was owed more than I originally thought, so may have to splurge and get one. 🤣 Life is short. Also looking at one of the reissues ( but better made imho) Ibanez RG 550 or 750 guitars with the low pro excellent trem and killer sun yellow like your Ibby. God I love those bright 80s colors. You can see those guitars from the back of the largest venue if you're in the audience. Great stuff man. You do an excellent job of explaining features and what's good and not so much. Thanks for that my friend!
Like Vai, I would probably have 4 modules. Although my choices would be different than his. My Choices would be both of these modules, an Uberschall, and the Friedman BE BB modules. Also Like Sodacake I like starting my day With a great Leon Todd video!! Have a great day!!
@@mrchrisbeaver Thanks for the response I really apricate it. I am hoping to get the Synergy system and use the Axe as an effects processor, I see a growing number of players doing this. Any thoughts?
Love the modules, especially the Vai lead tone! And I'm totally missing the point with this question, but what were you using for that really warm stereo echo in the opening lead stuff? You've been playing around with so many effects lately, is back to plugins for the recording, or one of the plethora of rack systems? :)
Hello from the USA MR. Todd! I was wondering if you may be willing to share your guitar setup preferences? as in string action, neck relief, string gauges, etc. im curious about your green and black PRS's. they always sound so great. but i was also curious if you set the action slightly higher on the black one considering its usually in drop C? EDIT: If you've done this video before, I would appreciate a link from someone.
Great question! both guitars have been plek'd so the actions are pretty low - the black SC is a little bit higher for the exact reasons you mentioned. Using Elixir nanoweb 10-52's on both
I’ve had a Bogner ecstasy on my wish list for years. Looking more and more at the 3534 small version. I already have an Atma so my question for you is....how does one justify more gear purchases to their wife?
An Ecstasy is worth it IMO. I have not played an Atma, but Inhave owned all of Bogners "big" heads and my 101b is still far and away my favorite. One of my top 5 heads ever and I have owned and played some nice ones. If you look, you can find them at reasonable prices.
@@LeonTodd thanks! I just bought the syn2, coming from a rocktron chameleon (yes, I’m an old guy!!!). Haven’t been real sure what to get for effects. Love your vids!
The Vai module sounds more "singing" when playing leads and with smoother edges overall whereas the Bogner sounds more "angry", "angular" and rock 'n' roll. I remember that Vai said in an interview that the Carvin sound that he uses is tailored for his playing style because most of the time he's playing lead lines and if he used something more aggressive and mid-focused, like a Marshall, he would rip the audience's head off! By the way, your PRS has Duncan Jazz in the neck and in the bridge? JB? The bridge cleans are not that inspiring...
Pretty sure I’m getting that Vai module next. I like the nice creamy 800-esque sound of the blue channel on the Vai module paired with his high gain channel.
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I believe the tones from the vai module are actually inspired by the carvin legacy .
Yes, but the gain channel on the Carvin Legacy amps was heavily inspired by the Bogners that Vai was using when they started designing them.
The cleans are fender
Bogner Ecstacy is maybe my all time favorite lead sound
It sounds amazing, but one of the Ecstasy's hallmarks are how it feels to play; really chewy under the fingers with a great balance of tightness, attack and note bloom. Modern classic for a reason.
I agree with all of this. I have my module running into the Power amp of a Pitbull UL. And it’s my hands down favorite lead sound and the feel is amazing.
Great singing lead tones and excellent grind! The faces are just icing on the cake LT!
Steve Vai DID use a Bogner Ecstasy head at one point. Not sure when. I'm sure not long after his use of Marshalls. Soldano Super Lead was also used.
Your demo sold me on the Vai module. Thanks.
0:56 “For the Love of Todd.”
Very legacyish to be sure! Love it!
Thanks great demo
best Vai Syn module demo to date! excellent job LT! love your Vai improvs🔥🤘🔥🤘👏
You gotta use that 421 more often for micing, that sounds so good
Yeah I think I've found the sweet spot with it!
Amazing comparison man, If Ihad to choose one, I´d go for the Vai module...the gain when boosted is killer, and I think that cleans will sound huge with a couple of your magic Fx settings, chorus, delay, reverb...
But we are talking about big league preamps, the Bogner is one thing that I´d like to tweak all the weekend for sure!!
Ecstasy, but they both sound great! I have the Friedman BE-BB and will be adding the Ecstasy very soon.
These are brilliant!
The Synergy System would’ve been my next endeavor in amp tones, but having had all my gear stolen last year
means I’m now forced to live within my means, and I’m now using the Helix and my AX8.
If I do get the chance again to build back my gear, which took me 30yrs plus to acquire, I’ll dive into the Synergy System, but don’t get me wrong, AX8 and Helix do what I need them too and I am content... for the moment.
Thanks again Leon for the great video! ✌🏼
Pretty righteous tones from this thing!
I love the 80's sitcom version of For the Love of God that was cool! Nice playing dude! I still own the OG Legacy I need to check out the Synergy setup I've always like the idea of modules its a really cool idea, I remember when they were doing that with Kirk Hammett I just can't remember what amplifier company that was but I wanted one of those amps really bad back in the day!
Randall
Thanks for showcasing the Vai Synergy module. I’ve been looking at those recently. Always like hearing multiple takes from a variety of players to get a better idea of what they can do.
Also, love seeing your Hamer Artist in the background. I thought it sounded great in your 5 minutes with the Marshall JTM 45 video. Looks like a Studio custom and a P90 special hanging next to the Artist. Don’t think I’ve seen you play those before.
Keep up with the great content!
Yeah the Artist has a real baby 335 thing going on. Well spotted on the other two! I gigged that P90 special for a few years, absolute beast of a guitar.
The Bogner module is a must have with the Synergy series. That thing rocks! But the FAS model does it for me! 👍
Cheers, I’m ordering mine tomorrow!
Im a Vai Fire Garden kind of guy so the Ecstasy module IS my Vai module :)
The Crying Machine was the first time I heard Vai and it sill floors me to this day!
Great playing Leon !!!!!
Too kind, thankyou!
I’m only 2 minutes into this vid so far but it already sounds like some mighty authentic Vai from here. As an Axe FX user it makes me want to get a Synergy system to complement the AFX!
The Legacy Amp in the Fractal is a beauty if you havent tried it.
Yeah give it a whirl, don't be afraid to crank the treble and mid for the singing lead thing
@@LeonTodd I’ve tried the Leggy (I think? Whichever is the one modelled after Vai’s own amp) and found it so dark that it didn’t really work for me, even with treble and presence maxed out. I’ll give it another go with some different IRs and see where it goes!
@@jonroberts986 True story, the Leggy is based on the Gen1 Legacy I gave Cliff to keep several years ago when I visited the warehouse they work out of. They are big, greasy and dark amps. Such feel!
The EQ stack in it is unusual compared to most big EL34 fire breathers. I used to gig with that amp and set it up for a singing lead tone, and used an MXR EQ in the loop to suck out the mids and give me a chunky riff tone you just -can't- get with the stock EQ. This also works well in the Fractal to make it a flexible beast.
Hey there Leon!! Hope this finds you well my guitar shredding brother. Hey I was wondering if you could please give me a clue on how to hook the Synergy to the Axe 3. to power amp.. Is it Axe into effects loop on the synergy and then out to power? Thanks so much! Ps. KILLER video!❤
Guitar - Synergy input. Synergy output - Axe-Fx input - axe-fx output to power amp input. Just use the in/out blocks that match the physical conenctions you've made.
The Bogner rhythm tone was the best sound in the vid IMO.
Was kind of curious to hear the Vai module against something I am familiar with. I have the Ecstasy module so thanks for the comparison. It's also interesting to see how different everyone's EQ's are set too, I usually have the treble controls pretty much off and the Pre-EQ off because it's just too bright for me otherwise, just shows how different we all are :-)
Funny, the Vai module sounds really near to my red channel on my old XTC 101B (90's model) ! More than the Bogner module!
There could be something to that: Vai used the original 100B and then early 101B's before his signature amp. I have a mid 90's 101B and that amp is a life amp. So good!
@@SluggerStark Yes, I try many amps but always go back to the 101b!
Straight up review.. Excellent stuff
Both are really cool sounding pre amps.
If I end up buying Synergy systems, them I'm blaming YOU for it Leon!
Good one!
Vai module hands down.
I might grab a SYN-1 and try some of these modules...I'm getting more & more convinced, and it's more affordable than buying new amps.
The Syn-1 is wicked, add an extra 2 channels to your amp!
Wow! I could listen to that improv at the beginning forever! Close your eyes and sounded just like Vai. These modules sound great. I still kinda lean to just getting the real thing. How close do you think you could get on the Axe3?
Can you use a digital processor with this for effects? Tube tone with digital pedals sounds perfect. Also can you do a DI with just the preamps or do you need the power amp? Does the brand of poweramp matter?
Very nice ! Love it great tone and playing ! I'm very curious about your PRS , what SD pickups are in there ?? Thank you very much
JB/Jazz set
@@LeonTodd Thanks mate, i watched other videos where you play it. Sounds Awesome! I've been trying a lot of models on my CU24 and never tried the Jazz yet :O . Have a good one! Pat
@@MrPatdelisle Jazz is probably my favourite neck pickup. Not as in love with the JB but it's good enough for rock'n'roll!
@@LeonTodd The next model i try for sure! ! After years of trying, i ended up with the 78 neck and S-Deco bridge (custom shop with option alnico 2) and it's amazing , it was less expensive than a set of 57/08 and more interesting in my taste. I was looking for a less hot character and more vintage voicing on this PRS. Have a good one !
I love the vid and the playing, But......Why didn't you play Boston rain Melody again on the Ecstacy? Vai used an Ecstacy before his Legacy. I would love to hear how it performs on those Vai-ish leads. :(
Sounds brilliant mate!
Great video. Man, that thing nails those creamy Vai tones I love.
So do you have to use the Synergy power amp with the modules and the preamp or can you use any power amp? Really, if you get the preamp to yell and bark, then the power amp just magnifies the volume it seems to me.
Loving that green PRS.
I've been considering a whale blue S2. I just completed my faxes and found out I was owed more than I originally thought, so may have to splurge and get one. 🤣 Life is short. Also looking at one of the reissues ( but better made imho) Ibanez RG 550 or 750 guitars with the low pro excellent trem and killer sun yellow like your Ibby. God I love those bright 80s colors. You can see those guitars from the back of the largest venue if you're in the audience.
Great stuff man. You do an excellent job of explaining features and what's good and not so much. Thanks for that my friend!
DO IT!!!!!
@@LeonTodd I may do it buddy. That PRS is calling my name. Love that trem and the wide fat neck and the 25" scale length.
Did you need a gate for the Vai module ?
very good playing!
Like Vai, I would probably have 4 modules. Although my choices would be different than his. My Choices would be both of these modules, an Uberschall, and the Friedman BE BB modules. Also Like Sodacake I like starting my day With a great Leon Todd video!! Have a great day!!
I think I'd go this, T/DLX, Uber and Ecstacy or Deliverance. Such a fun system.
Would love to hear the Vai module compared to the Legato 100 and Cali Leggy models
BASED ON HIS CARVIN LEGACYS ALSO BRO!!!!!
Tone at 10:22 is pretty badass
One thing missing for this vid IBANEZ guitar :)
The legacy and Vai modules are based off Vais use of bogner ectasy plus a lot of mid scoop
do you feel that these modules sound better than what the ada mp1 has to offer?
I have started on my rack journey, but the Synergy system is tempting. What are your thoughts of the synergy vs, some of your other rack gear or amps?
Would be interested in hearing a comparison between the Axe FX 3 and Synergy versions of the same amps.
@@mrchrisbeaver Thanks for the response I really apricate it. I am hoping to get the Synergy system and use the Axe as an effects processor, I see a growing number of players doing this. Any thoughts?
first! love starting my morning with a Leon Todd vid.
Morning!
Love the modules, especially the Vai lead tone! And I'm totally missing the point with this question, but what were you using for that really warm stereo echo in the opening lead stuff? You've been playing around with so many effects lately, is back to plugins for the recording, or one of the plethora of rack systems? :)
hey leon do you use your fm3 with the synergy rig ?
Did you used the Synergy 5050 power amp in this video?
Yes indeed
Hello from the USA MR. Todd!
I was wondering if you may be willing to share your guitar setup preferences? as in string action, neck relief, string gauges, etc. im curious about your green and black PRS's. they always sound so great. but i was also curious if you set the action slightly higher on the black one considering its usually in drop C?
EDIT: If you've done this video before, I would appreciate a link from someone.
Great question! both guitars have been plek'd so the actions are pretty low - the black SC is a little bit higher for the exact reasons you mentioned. Using Elixir nanoweb 10-52's on both
@@LeonTodd Thank you sir! keep up the good work!
I’ve had a Bogner ecstasy on my wish list for years. Looking more and more at the 3534 small version. I already have an Atma so my question for you is....how does one justify more gear purchases to their wife?
An Ecstasy is worth it IMO. I have not played an Atma, but Inhave owned all of Bogners "big" heads and my 101b is still far and away my favorite. One of my top 5 heads ever and I have owned and played some nice ones. If you look, you can find them at reasonable prices.
Great player
have you been to the usa before?
Sounds great! What are using for fx?
Soundtoys Echo Boy and a pinch of Valhalla Room
@@LeonTodd thanks! I just bought the syn2, coming from a rocktron chameleon (yes, I’m an old guy!!!). Haven’t been real sure what to get for effects. Love your vids!
The Vai module sounds more "singing" when playing leads and with smoother edges overall whereas the Bogner sounds more "angry", "angular" and rock 'n' roll. I remember that Vai said in an interview that the Carvin sound that he uses is tailored for his playing style because most of the time he's playing lead lines and if he used something more aggressive and mid-focused, like a Marshall, he would rip the audience's head off! By the way, your PRS has Duncan Jazz in the neck and in the bridge? JB? The bridge cleans are not that inspiring...
Correct, JB in the bridge. I generally don't like bridge humbuckers for cleans as this demonstrates :p
Love the intro jam, so unlike Leon Todd i would say... :) Nice Vai references... Cheers
great comparison also thanks for using a mic'ed cab ....awesome stuff
Any time!
Love the Vai module. The gain channel almost sounds like it has more in common with Soldano/Recto circuit.
Pretty sure I’m getting that Vai module next. I like the nice creamy 800-esque sound of the blue channel on the Vai module paired with his high gain channel.
Finally got the Vai module this week, and WOW it has massive tone!
Was that a major key For the Love of God!?
it's the "boston Rain melody" backing track plus FTLOG licks :p
is it just me or the gain channel of the vai module does sound like a modified boss ds-1 :D
Just you bud
At least your not having sexual movements with your guitar like you know who does lol!
That's for the OnlyFans account
@@LeonTodd LMAO! Cheers!
@@LeonTodd Made my day :-D
Who.???
Vai
@@jcalzada74