Weekly Interview 7/6/16: Caton Sollenberger of The Jauntee

Caton Sollenberger
The Jauntee
www.thejauntee.com
www.thejauntee.net
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How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place?

I’ve been playing guitar for a while, since I was about 5 I think. My father always played in rock bands, and my mom is also a musician, so that was certainly a big push for me. At around 8 years old I started taking classical piano lessons and learning traditional music theory, so maybe that’s where the “musician” aspect finally began to take hold.

Who have been some of your major musical influences, past or present?

Besides my dad, I’d have to say Trey and Jerry are two huge inspirations for me. I love music of all styles, and I think there is good music to be found in every genre, but listening to Phish and the Dead all through my formative years really left a lasting impression on my playing. As I grew older, I started really getting into the Jazz/fusion realm, with guitarists like Scofield and Wayne Krantz. WK has been an enormous inspiration for me, both in his playing, and in his approach to music/improvisation in general. Bill Frisell is a semi-recent discovery that has really moved me. Also, I’ve been really trying to force myself to transcribe some of the greats on other instruments — Bill Evans, Wayne Shorter, Miles, etc. As I’m sure is true with everyone, the list goes on and on.

What drew you to using pedals initially? Have you been using them throughout your playing career? How have pedals helped to shape your sound, or influence the style that you’ve created?

Initially I wasn’t into pedals really, I think because I didn’t know how to apply them. I had a ts9, a crybaby, and an assortment of some boss pedals, but pretty much stuck to the drive. Once I got to college and started playing with different people, I started to see and understand uses of delay more, and what it can do for you. From there, it was a box I couldn’t close. I’ve added A LOT to my rig since then; I find the ability to create a wide variety of textures very inspirational. At the same time, I think it’s important to consciously try and keep the “effecting” dialed back, to make the chosen moments more powerful.

What’s your current setup look like? Take us through your pedal rig (feel free to include amps and instruments as well if you’d like):

Like I said, this thing is massive:

Usual guitar choice is a Gibson ES-359, but I also occasionally run a Fender Jaguar or an SG.

CAE Wah >Archer IKON >TS-808 >Keeley 4knob Comp > RAT (this was actually added today.. Might not last.) > MF Boost. That’s my “tone” section. I like to have a number of different drive sounds to mix and match.

Next, I run a LoopMaster True Bypass switcher (if you run a lot of stomp boxes, I can’t suggest a purchase like this enough), every pedal separated for now.
>POG 2 >TC Corona Chorus >MXR Phase 100 >Custom Flanger (made by a friend, and boy howdy, it flanges) >TC Flashback Delay >MF-102 Ring Modulator (with EP on Frequency) >Whammy 2 >Fulltone SupaTrem >Boss DM-2w Delay (with EP) >Boomerang+ Phrase Sampler
In the shop is a Mutron III (original) getting fitted with a true bypass switch.

Run into a Mesa Express 5:50 plus 1X12, with a Mesa 1×12 Widebody ext cab. I’ve gone back and forth with using the LoopMaster out of the amp’s FX loop. But I’ve been messing more and more with amp generated distortion, and this can cause some issues with a hot preamp driving the effects in the loop. All a matter of taste.

Favorite type of pedal (drive, delay, fuzz, etc. – more than one answer is always acceptable!):

I have been really into Ring Modulation lately. Not sure about other options, as I’ve only played the moogerfooger, but the range of sounds you can get from the MF-102 is incredible. Depending on your settings, you can find tremolo sounds, grit/overdrive, chorus like sounds, and complete insanity. Hooked up with expression pedals, the possibilities are huge.

You’re stranded on a desert island – which three (3) of the following do you want to have?

Can I choose just 3 instruments?

I would choose a 70’s D series Martin, a 20’s Gibson Mandolin, and a decent banjo. Then I’d hope there were 2 other pickers stuck there somewhere too.

What’s up next for you/your band(s)?

Our tour on May 13th, and this summer The Jauntee will be all over, including stops at a number of east coast festivals, and our second trip to Colorado this year. We’re also playing the Catskill Chill Music Festival in September – many dates are posted, and more will be announced!

The Klon hype: Love it or Hate it?

Funny you ask this question… So up until about 2 months ago, I had never used any gain pedals besides TS types (9 and 808), and the Rat (and a DS-1, but that was a weird day). I knew I wanted a more transparent OD, and I had a few in mind I wanted to check out. Once I was able to try it, I very quickly I settled on the Archer IKON, and I adore it. Later that day before our gig, I was doing some research, and discovered the whole Klon war. According to J.Rockett, the IKON is using the last of the original diodes which were used in the Klon Centaur, and J.Rockett himself was in on the design circuit of the Klon. So it’s “supposed” to be the closest there is. But really, if you like the sound, that’s what matters. I certainly won’t be paying $2,000 for an overdrive pedal. But I’m sure I’d enjoy it if I got to play one. All that being said, I don’t like that Bill Finnegan threatens legal action when people try and recreate the “magic”.

Any last comments, promos or anything you’d like to talk about?

The most important thing for every guitarist to remember, is that if you like the sounds, and are having fun, you’re doing it right. Many purists would frown at the larger boards, and I can understand, as so many incredible guitarists get by with little to nothing. Even I have a second minimal board, as I think it’s important not to rely on pedals. But in the recent years with so many great companies coming out, and so many unique sounds to be made, I think experimentation is key. Again, to me personally, the more sounds available, the more inspiration there is to tap into.