Rig Rundown: Billy Strings
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- The bluegrass-blazin’, death-metal-rooted whiz uses a few modulation pedals to twist the traditional music of Kentucky towards the psychedelic sounds of San Francisco.
Watch the episode: bit.ly/BillyStr...
Don't Miss a Rundown: bit.ly/RIgRundo...
Born William Apostol, Billy Strings (a nickname given to him by his aunt because of his fluency on several instruments) sharpened his chops in bluegrass alongside his father in Michigan. But to play music with musicians closer to his age, he started shredding in bands inspired by death metal bands Cryptopsy and Cannibal Corpse. While the death-metal thing never stuck (he’s still a regular listener of the genre), the energy, string-splitting proficiency, and raw power trickled into his bluegrass performances. He and his stalwart bandmates logged over 200 shows for a handful of years before recording his 2017 debut Tinfoil and Turmoil, which has many pillars of bluegrass (acoustic instruments, no drums, lightning-fast picking, strong vocal harmonies), but also features the rowdiness of death metal, modern-day tales of drugs and debauchery, and hallucinating delays and reverbs that usher in progressive jams. Months before his sophomore release, Home, hits the shelves, Billy Strings had the honor of headlining one of the Ryman’s Bluegrass Nights. And that’s where PG’s Perry Bean had the pleasure of spending some quality time with Strings to talk about the perfect acoustic guitar and why he uses pedals to break down bluegrass barriers while still paying reverence to the music’s forefathers like Doc Watson and Bill Monroe.
D'Addario Cradle Capo: www.daddario.c...
![Billy Strings Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour [2023]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JWp9Ha0gWfY/mqdefault.jpg)
![Billy Strings Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour [2023]](/img/tr.png)
Watch the episode: bit.ly/BillyStringsRR
Don't Miss a Rundown: bit.ly/RIgRundownENL
There's no such strings as Dee Addario . So what strings are they?
You say Da darrio b/c it's shorter and easier than Da Addario... Make sensio....?? COOL
Cool-iario !
WE EVEN
Not likely.
Evan Dando did most of this stuff years ago just using his fingers ...too tech
I name this style of music Spacegrass
@@russellzauner
I've been trying to pinpoint it; hard bluegrass, acid bluegrass.
Spacegrass?
I think you've done it, excellent.
Thanx!
UA-cam’s algorithm got it right and found a video of this guy in a basement playing dust in a baggie. And since then, I can’t stop watching videos of him. The guy has serious talent. Call me crazy, but he sort of looks like SRV too.
Same dude
Bro same
looked like young David Gilmour to me! Yep , I got sent to me Dust in a Baggie too, so glad they did!
Same thing for me. He pops up in my recommended list. Never heard of him before . 24 hours later I’ve been binge watching every video I can find of him.
Ditto. Just suggested it tonight.
Ever since this dude sang *Dust in a Baggie* in that living room (with the weed dealer who sticks around afterwards and doesn't leave), ive been getting him all over my youtube algorithm homepage. Anyone else?
yesss
Everyone else
yup, but i aint complaining lol, absolute legend
Me too...This Guy Smokes those strings...#BillyStringsKingofStrings !!!
lol
This guy is so genuine and real. I appreciate artists like this. I'm rooting for you brother. What an amazing talent.
this is the first interview ive watched after watching everything he plays, hes seems so down to earth and approachable
This guy makes me wanna throw my guitar out the window…. 😬
Billie singlehandedly restored my will to pick up my guitar as often as I can, I can`t even recall the last time it was so much fun to play. And I will play like that guy, even if it costs me a few fingers or a first born! And then one glory day, when I am finally worthy, the mighty one shall hear my prayer and so he let`s me join him for a little session. Just once, so I can die a happy man.
Billy seems like a really smart person. He has a laid back personality. He shows no big ego.
The interview on his guitar and equipment was great.
we see a blue grass legend before our eyes in our generation, so blessed. a true gift to all genres of music of this era.
I work for Martin Guitar and as much as I wish he was a signed Martin artist, it’s inspiring to find an artist that’s clearly in love with his instrument and his craft. The fact that he knows his pedals inside out and acts as his own tech shows just how much he loves music. Once the world gets back to allowing attended shows, I hope to find myself front and center for one of these psychedelic treats.
Sooooo, have you made it to a Billy show yet?
@@chrismadden9693 lol. I was gonna ask but I’m afraid he died in the pandemic?? Haha
Have the Clapton model you guys make. Beautiful work of art. Have it in sunburst. Now if Martin will start making a D-28 with a neck like the Marquis again. 🙏🏼🤞🏼
Interviewer: "That action is sitting there pretty high..."
Billy: "Is it?"
😂😂
Well... Billy eventually goes on to say "yeah I play hard so I guess it is a little high."
Lol ya that interview such a damn square we want to see Billy, not you interview square
@J G There's this guy who had a super low action. Chet Atkins. Not sure if you've heard of him? lol. But I loved watching Chet play and how his fingers just glided over the strings.
If it's not "high" enough, it'll just buzz! 🙈🙉🙊🐵😂💯
The guy interviewing him is geeked out of his mind
Goddamn right he is lol
Reminds me of the guy that just found Volbeat lol WHAAAAAT ISSSSS THISSSSS
russell zauner where is said guy?? I want to watch lol
Must've been the dust in the baggie
I was thinking the same thing. Nashville meth is super clean.
Billy is a rare young talent that exudes a genuine joy/enthusiasm when he plucks his guitar strings! A real treat to hear him play!
Only a jealous idiot would "thumb down" this video. Billy, I just discovered your playing and the future of bluegrass is in very good hands. The baton has been passed forward to you, my friend. I grew up when Tony Rice was about your age and changing the bluegrass future with David Grissom. Now, it's Billy Strings. Your playing is genuine. Thank you. Jeff Adams
Billy is an amazing talent with the character to match! Indeed the future of music...
Billy is just a humble genius
I have a whole new appreciation for Billy now. I knew he was a great player, but now he just seems like a regular guy who gets geeked out on guitars and pedals. That’s awesome. Good luck Billy! I hope your career continues to soar!
“I get a lot of guff from like the bluegrass purists that think this is blasphemy...but I’m just having fun.”
Hell yeah man!
Nah theyre intimidated and not where shit is headed. The purist freaked out when dylon went electric.
@Russell E Simonetta Ha! No doubt. Some people want time to stand still, trying as they will to deny the fact that as time moves forward things evolve and grow. . Especially things ofan aesthetic nature, such as music!
@@ga0425 If everyone thinks this way, then eventually the traditional roots will be lost forever. That's why the purists get upset.
@Tom Noble I understand where you’re coming from Tom, but I just don’t see that happening. I look around and I see people in all sorts of different arenas, dedicating their spare time if not their lives re-creating the past. For instancete Society For Creative Anachronism & other renaissance fair type organizations that emulate, study and try to re-create as best they can aspects of the mid evil times. I’ve seen it extended to medieval Japan and other Ancient, Asian cultures. There are Civil War re-creationists that go deep into the cultures & ways of life of that particular time in history. Not just the battlefield stuff. And to some degree, I guess steam punk. Emulating and tried to re-create and live like a certain area of past history.
When it comes to music, first thing that comes to mind is symphony and orchestra music. It’s been taken, embraced and modernized throughout the last few centuries. Yet the majority of performances in any town or city that has an orchestra, will be painstakingly, accurate Presentations of what the original composer actually wrote, performed on instruments that existed at the original times of composition.
To me, music of any style or genre, is one of the greatest things about being alive. To experience music live, again for me at least, is one of the greatest things ever in the entire history of greatest things. My intention wasn’t to criticize or put down purism and roots. I believe history of any subject is extremely important and valuable. (I’m saddened at the apathy & lack of curiosity so many people seem to have when it comes to historical knowledge in this modern world).
I was trying to express that it shouldn’t matter if someone’s branching away from tradition or purism, as long as they are having fun. If others are having fun being a part of it or even just observing it, there should be no criticism or concern. Because people are having fun. (Full disclosure, I’m pro fun)
I also believe that there will always be people, perhaps like yourself, that derive their greatest amount of pleasure and maximum fun from the more pure, traditional roots of music. And as long as people Of that nature make sure they share their knowledge of the roots of any genre with others, be it through performance or conversation, I truly believe that the concern you expressed won’t stand a chance of happening.
this dude gets it .
Keep working Billy. We are sick of the crap being fed to us by the machine. Please don’t let them make you sell out. “Everything’s the same” is awesome. Can’t wait for the rest of this new album
We need to support Billy Strings by buying his music and encouraging our friends to do the same!
Eloquent and gentlemanly, just an awesome musician, so happy he's getting the rewards for his work now. Love this guy
"Change is what moves things forward." Really excited to see what crazy innovations this guy will come up with in the future.
If you have never heard Billy Strings play live you are truly missing out on something special. Look him up on youtube. This young man is amazing!
He is an amazing player . However, I must say his live show was a bit one dimensional.
@@crisprtalk6963 I hope they are using this break to work on new material. I hear ya....
This is one of the realest Rundowns Ive seen. Billy just enjoys nerding out with a guitar and gear, and he's stoked to talk about it!
Billy is super cool guy . Humble, and a great artist. He is a walking librarian of Doc Watson and all the bluegrass legends. Multiple genres very versatile dude. Lots of talent, and a great attitude. Thanks for the education on your setup.
And here I was, thinking Billy is the New Hope of Traditional Playing, but NO, he is the new hope of traditional music.
Obviously a skilled craftsman of sound, yet still based in the tradition of tunes.
This cat crept right up into the top artists I love to hear.
What a rarity these days. 🙏
I heard this dude for the first time yesterday, on that video where he plays a song on a couch. I thought “seems like a nice guy”.
Fast forward to now, the guy is saying “heck”. Gotta love a pure artist who’s just being himself.
I love seeing Billy get excited talking about his gear. Seems like like a really good guy.
Sisters is about a three hour drive from my house, and, Billy Strings is going to blow up bluegrass and American music for new generations of listeners. This is awesome! Thanks for this.
'I wish I could learn to play a bit lighter actually'
Stop right there Billy...
Ha! I thought that 😁🤘
He's gonna have to eventually. SRV did. Young hands inevitably give way to old hands
Victory Mansions Billy, you’re doing just fine buddy! Don’t change a thing!
Ole billy never veers off his spot. I envy people like him . He’s a great talent and I hope he is doing this for a long time ✌️
It can be like a, ""weeoownt"! Best description of a pedal ever. Love Billy Strings
It’s been a wild ride these few years. I watch this video every so often, but I’m scrolling through the comments for the first time. Bill and the boys are the truth.
Enjoyable Rundown! Billy is very articulate and passionate about his sounds. He demos better than almost all I’ve seen on PG.
just found some of his music here on youtube. love his vibe. a real artist who is excited about what he is doing.what got me the most is when he spoke about people being scared that he might change something. the world needs more artist like this who are prepared to push the envelope. you are young man. plenty time for you to still grow. and grow you will. long happy career for you man.
Surprisingly dope and intricate setup. I never would have guessed he'd have so many effects!
I don't play guitar and everything they talked about was completely foreign to me but still endlessly fascinating. The interviewer was very good about eliciting without getting in the way and Billy's description of his set-up and demonstrations of results was very cool to hear. What a great innovator - he is definitely blazing trails.
Great guitar players aren't born they're made with thousands of hours of practice and you can tell Billy has put in his time. Truly a great player
that's absolutely not true. pretty much all the great players were 'naturals'.
@@bjornegan6421 As a performer I can tell you that’s absolutely not true. you can have all the natural talent in the world but it takes practice practice practice
@@ChrisB5String i didn't say it didn't take practice. what i'm saying is no amount of practice can make up for talent.
@@bjornegan6421 no amount of talent will exclude you from practice. It’s a mute point. Quantifying talent is something that can really only be done in retrospect and even then is always going to be to some degree subjective.
Practice is measurable and IMO the true necessity in growing or developing talent. Anyone who you can name as an example of talent is equally an example of time and effort.
@@mattpropp9192 no
Everything I learn about Billy, the more I like him! I was lucky enough to see him live in August, and was totally blown away by him and his band. Not only as the music amazing, but you could tell the guys were having an absolute blast! Can't wait to see them again.
Well, another wonderful look into the mind & talent of Billy S. Thanks for doing this kind of interview, just hearing Billy talk calmly about what he does....I grew up w/ the likes of the Dixie Dregs, The New Grass Revival & other edge pushers so I dig Billy's approach to making things old sound not quite as old & still letting the old show thru. Can't wait to see how his career journey goes!!
Muir boy... One of the best to ever do it! It really is amazing!
Tonight is the first time I've checked out interviews with Billy--I've been listening to his music for about a year. It's great when a musician you enjoy comes across as a decent human being. The story about his father's guitar (different interview--search for it) is epic. Rock on young man. Was supposed to see him live again in May, but @#@#@$ virus will probably cancel the show. I'll catch him down the line.
Earl Scruggs spent years looking for people like you, don’t apologize Billy your a revelation.!,, When I came from Scotland I played bluegrass banjo, and never thought of making a living at it, because after playing, night after night, the crowd only wanted a few popular tunes, we all know what they are,! Through all the adulation and nerves I could copy earl quite well ( better than most) but never saw young people in the audience, so, worried about music, especially bluegrass, nowadays volume and flamboyance substitute for talent, but definitely not in your case.
There are many youngsters like you coming along and cheering us old bastards up, I have been an innovator all my life and love to see it in music , sometimes it goes over the top, or just away from me, maybe.? Billy your a beacon don’t burn out, enjoy it,!
Good info on this setup. It shows his maturity and willingness to experiment and develop his skills. You can't be afraid of change. You have to embrace it and own it. I become a more faithful fan everytime I watch another video.
It’s funny watch other guitar players who play with him for first time on stage.They watch him for a minute then see he really is that good,break out in a big smile and then just jam.I’ve seen 4-5 do it.He’s so humble and just loves playing guitar.
Absolute beast of a player!
Billy -Enjoyed listening to your discussion. I have played bluegrass for about 45 years, so I may not be on the same wave-length. However, I always wondered what you think about things and your presentation shows that you are a real pro!
#billystrings I appreciate your willing to take a traditional feel and spin bluegrass with a new take. The reason that it works is talent, your runs are difinately different but still holds taste. Please accept this moniker with a smile “Hank Jr. of Bluegrass”.
He’s built the signal chain I’ve had in my head. Glad I found this video. Gonna keep checking out his music.
It's great to see Billy rolling along, year after year. Started from the bottom, now he he'ah!
This was really cool. He has a much more involved rig than I imagined. It was awesome watching him just be a regular dude getting geeky about pedals like the rest of us...only when he demonstrates and utilizes them live, he's a virtuoso guitar playing doing so :)
27 year old man plays like a legend!
I think the one word or phrase to describe Billy Strings is Guitar Savant, wow he hand looks like its floating above the fretboard but he plucks the strings so hard. Just amazing!
Definitely savant, very devoted, or both IMHO. Currently my one word description is "Boat" ('Beast' of all time) on his way to being a Goat... he's a 'kid'. jeje
6:40 "I haven't been breakin 'em"
**Knocks on wood**
Idk why but that made me laugh
Such a cool guy. So down to earth.
It was a perfect teachig chat. I'm not a pro guitar player, but I think I learned a lot of what happens behind the hands of the player to get the final sound. Thanks!
One of the guitar gods, that's not to forget the band very instrumental lots of talent . god bless them all. From Corpus Christi, Texas✌
I miss padre island..and norm
Aside of his playing..I really love his tunes
That digging into those strings is because you’re passionate about what you’re doing, don’t ever lose that!!
Billy crams more notes into each bar than is humanly possible by any other other.
my favorite young guitarist. he gives my hope for the future
[Billy changing a broken string onstage in front of everyone]
"Geez, I wish I was playing a show right now".
it really happened or just joke?
I just discovered Billy and became an instant fan. I just sent a video to my Class of '68 forum doing Working Man Blues so another 400+ baby boomers are now aware of him.
like we used to say back in the day ... keep on, keepin on ... you are sellin out shows because of you're awesome and unique bluegrass sound
Love the video. This man is in a class of his own.
this guy was a solid interviewer!! Good job man. Billy was acting kinda stoned out the whole time but homeboy just kept the conversation moving at a comfortable pace giving Billy all the time he needed to gush about his gear. Love you guys, hope to see y'all at the thanksgiving dinner with the family! tell Sharon to facebook message me because the man is coming to fix my phone connection tomorrow. XOXO
Metal bluegrass !!! Really a unique sound. I'm hip.
Thank you for your strong sense of self, Billy. Never lose you, it's gorgeous. You were one of the people who inspired me to finally buy my Yamaha. Thank you sir. 👏🎶
The interviewer must've gotten ahold of a little bit of dust in a baggy.
Poor Perry. People always putting him on blast for the yayo.
@@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer lmao.. dunno whether or not you're joking, but I get where they're coming from..
😂😁
Lol that’s Perry. He’s just like that.
If I was interviewing Billy Strings, I'd be pretty jumpy too 😂
He’s so respectful and humble. Brilliant young man!
Billy is so above my technical prowess.
Thanks!
I love the boutique builders I’m having a Rosa built for me right now could only wish I could play it anywhere 1/2 as good as this kid plays 👍
The PASSION he has is INCREDIBLE!! What an AMAZING talent!!
Now IBMA guitar player of the year 2019 ,and best new artist,they may question some of his innovation but they know he's the present rising star in bluegrass,he get young people to listen who know nothing about bluegrass.
And some not so young
I'm not even a real blue grass fan. Don't....or should i say didn't go out of my way to hear it until I found this young man. Got me hooked Billy Strings. I know you know but your fuckin' good man
What a nice person. I like the chemistry... Intersting and fun video. Thank you.
You can tell Billy’s a nice guy . He’s a legend in his time for sure.
Billy Strings, you’re such a fantastic guitar player and singer/Songwriter. Your hair is so long! I’ve been growing mine out for 13 months and I think yours is longer! ☺️
Props to my buddy Kevin for telling me repetitively for checking out Billy Strings.
The only bluegrass I listen to and it's daily. He's got an incredible story and he is musical perfection.
Arguably one of the best flat pickers ever, yet he's still as excited as a kid in a candy shop.
ever? hardly, but he is amazing..
@@svenlittlecross He is a kid!!LOL.
@@tomreichard5337 oh then i change my mind
@@svenlittlecross no offense meant here. He is a fantastic player. I was just responding to the comment about him being like a kid in a candy shop.
@@tomreichard5337 sorry man didn't realize, cheers!
I grew up with a guy named Dave Salyer. He’s just a natural born picker. He moved from Ohio to Nashville long ago and played studio for a long time and then was Barbara Mandrel’s guitar player for years. He still plays the Opry. Dave and Daphne is their act. Good guy. Check him out one day. Cheers. I just love watching Billy play.
Predominantly go hard as I can,but cut my teeth in Atlanta's Drivin'N'Cryin' so absolutely love Billy's stuff,just plain killer...
Scarred but smarter!
Hope your teeth are okay
What a freaking talent, what a story! Absolutely rooting for him
Billy is disciplined, articulate and confident, and now a multimillionaire. The interviewer needs more time to find out who he is.
I doubt the he's a multimillionaire at this point but I'm sure he's making a good living.
Multimillionaires have guitar techs. He said he doesn’t have one. I hope he becomes one though. He’s a great player.
1000x yes on breaking the G string with elixirs. I switched to D’Addario exp’s a couple years ago for that same reason. So glad to hear Billy say that too. Thought it was only happening to me.
Billy does to the guitar like Jeff Austin used to do to the mandolin. They both seem possessed by the music and their instruments. Love you Billy and RIP Jeff
Saw Jeff in Mexico. He was one of the best.
So thrilled w the great new talent out there, this kid is top notch already. Wait till he is an old timer!
Worlds fastest talker vs. worlds chillest talker
Cocaine vs weed
Best guitarist I've heard since Johnny Marr
Had to laugh at 6:15. Looks like Billy studied at the "Johnny Hiland School of Guitar Product Placement" haha! Kidding aside, great player and seems like a cool dude
Man,Billy Strings is one bad ass guitar playing dude.His picking is unreal.I,m a new fan,and hoping to watch his live shows one day.I love the speed pickers like Albert Lee,Roy Clark,Vince Gill and all the others i didn,t mention.Keep doing what you,re doing young brother.You,re awsome
High action and 13s the guy must have some hulk fingers!
Those are mediums for acoustics.
hes a beast
That's not unusual for Bluegrass.
Will
That’s normal for bluegrass.
@powbobs So you’re saying Indica/Sativa hybrid, not just straight Indica?
Seen Billy when he came to Detroit, GreenSkyBluegrass played that night as well. A Show that I'll never forget, Billys guitar playing is straight bad a s s!!!
Beautiful guitar. Molly Tuttle also has one, but then those who never heard of Billy Strings probably haven't heard of Molly Tuttle either, possibly due to living under a rock.
@marlene riggs Out from under the rock marlene? Sounds like you took it personally!
Two of the finest pickers I’ve heard in a long time.
They pick quite a bit together. I'm guessing whoever bought one first let the other one play it and they wanted one too.
Just a thought, when and if you break a string, use that moment to talk to the crowd and just tell them a story. You tell stories with your songs then to fill the void just share a piece of yourself! People will flock to that and it creates such an organic moment between you and the crowd! Be blessed!
I really expected this video to just be: "Well, this here's my guitar, these are my fingers and this is a pick."
That was basically.tommy emmanuels rig rundown lol
This is THE best interview I've seen with Billy, hands down!! It's like you guys have known each other for years here. Bravo and SUBSCRIBED !!!
Our new one with Billy comes out Wednesday! It’s an hour-long episode
@@premierguitar Ahh, well then, it's good timing that I found your channel when I did. I'll pass the word!!
Perry, you guys do a great job. These nerds in the comments would complain no matter what you did.
ahhh man.. thanks for doing this Billy! i've been playing for almost 30 years but have never plugged in and want to but had no idea where to start. now i do....i'm gonna pick up an amp and one of those womb pedals by friday.
"innovation is cool man" Right on
This is the interview the world needed with Mr. Apostol.
Love Billy, amazing guitar player, he's the future.