Rig Builders Episode 1 | The Game Show for Gearheads

What would you do if you had one hour to pick anything you wanted on Sweetwater.com? You’d build the ultimate rig! It’s the age-old question that every musician daydreams about. Thousands of guitars, amps, and a huge selection of pedals and all you have to do is choose!

In the pilot episode of Rig Builders, we sought to answer this question by inviting two special guests, Kyle Bull and Perfecto de Castro, to grab their laptops and square off as they attempt to build the ultimate dream rig. But there’s a catch:

The Theme of the Rig is a Surprise!  

Voting is now closed.

The Rig Builder Rundown

Spoiler Alert: Below we break down our contestant’s rig selections and the journey that got them there.

Sweetwater Makes it Easy

Sweetwater has long been the go-to resource for information and research on the hottest new gear. With a challenge that took our guests by surprise, it was handy to have a variety of options to help narrow down a rig. Whether shopping on the site or talking to their Sweetwater Sales Engineer, Perfecto, and Kyle used multiple resources to pick their gear and build their ultimate country rigs. InSync articles like “How to Choose a Country Guitar Rig” and “Best Guitar Pedals for Country” served as great starting points as Perfecto and Kyle began developing their rigs. Adding the right pieces of gear to their wishlists required a mix of personal preference, the helpful tools on Sweetwater, and trustworthy second opinions – which Sales Engineers Jake Barker & Jordan Garrett were more than happy to provide. Hearing is believing, which is why each Rig Builder spent so much time on product pages, listening to demos, reading buying guides, and absorbing detailed gear information you won’t find anywhere but Sweetwater. Of course, no country guitar rig is complete without the perfect country axe. That’s why Perfecto and Kyle used Sweetwater’s Guitar Gallery to browse photos of the actual guitars by serial number, comparing the weight, grain, and finish to help choose. Remember, there’s no better resource for music gear than Sweetwater.com

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With all the choices available on Sweetwater it was great to have my Sales Engineer to bounce ideas off of and look at things from a different perspective.”

Perfecto de Castro

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Perfecto’s Gear

Guitar & Amp

Perfecto kicks off his rig with a backline that would make Brad Paisley beam. The Fender Brad Paisley Road Worn Esquire is tailor-made for Brad’s brand of breakneck country pickin’. It’s lightweight, pre-aged, and packs a sneaky secret: a Seymour Duncan ceramic single-coil hiding under the pickguard.

At the business end of Perfecto’s rig is a single-driver Vox AC30S1. This weight-shearing classic combo provides ample output to handle most country gigs while supplying that Top Boost chime and snarl country players like Brad swear by. “The AC30S1 is in your face, aggressive, and raunchy,” Perfecto reasons. “I could have gone with a cleaner amp with a little more headroom. But in the end, I like the dirty stuff. [laughs]”.

Pedalboard

“It’s fairly simple, with a couple twists,” Perfecto teases of his pedal setup. It starts with the D’Addario XPND 1 pedalboard. Perfecto is quick to call out his board’s accordion-style expanding size and underside cable-management channel. “Makes it nice and neat,” he explains.

Perfecto’s country leads get a prominent squeeze from a JHS Pulp ‘N’ Peel V4 compressor. This is followed by the MXR M296 Classic 108 Fuzz and buddy Shawn Tubbs’s signature Revv Tilt Overdrive. “Shawn’s an amazing player,” Perfecto adds. “He skirts between country, fusion, and rock. So, I figured his signature overdrive would get the tones.”

Next in line are a Wampler Faux Tape Echo V2 delay and Eventide H9 Max multi-effects pedal, which together run the gamut for reverbs, delays, and modulation effects. Utility adds include the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 tuner, a Truetone 1 SPOT Pro CS6 power supply, and a multi-pack of Ernie Ball P06224 flat patch cables.

Kyle’s Gear

Guitar & Amp

The rusty star of Kyle’s rootsy rig is the Fender Jason Isbell Custom Telecaster. This aged re-creation of Jason’s high-profile Custom Shop Tele boasts a chunky mid-’60s neck and packs serious Tele twang, courtesy of two custom-wound signature pickups.

As for amps, a quick call to Sales Engineer Jake Barker steers Kyle toward a Mesa/Boogie Fillmore 50: a dual-channel combo based on an iconic country circuit. “I like to do modern takes on classic tones,” Kyle explains of his left-of-center amp. “Jake confirmed a suspicion I had that this amp would be a great choice.”

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My Sales Engineer was really helpful.  Once I had settled on a different number of items, there were some A or B choices where I just had no idea.”

Kyle Bull

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Pedalboard

Like Perfecto’s, Kyle’s board build begins with a 1 SPOT Pro power supply and a TC PolyTune 3 tuner. But that’s about where the similarities end for the country contestants. Kyle’s packed Pedaltrain Classic Jr. is a veritable smorgas-board of tasty country tones.

First in line is a Sweetwater-exclusive Keeley Compressor Plus with wet/dry blend for subtle degrees of squash and squeeze. Following this is a one-two overdrive assault led by the Klon-based TC Electronic Zeus Drive and TS-based 9-way JHS Bonsai. “Because you couldn’t choose just one ‘Screamer; you had to have nine,” razzes host Mitch Gallagher.

Rounding out Kyle’s board are a BOSS GE-7 EQ (for “a high-end boost”) and a TC Electronic Flashback 2 delay tuned for country-fried slapback repeats. A multi-pack of oxygen-free MXR 3PDCP06s keeps cabling tidy, while a Mesa/Boogie footswitch handles channel switching for cleans and leads.

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Want to be on the show?

We’re looking for gearheads and music makers from across the country to become the star of the next episode of Rig Builders! If you think you or someone you know has what it takes to become a Rig Builder, please enter below:

Official Rules – Rig Builders Episode 1 Giveaway

No purchase or payment is necessary to enter or win and will not increase the odds of winning. Void where prohibited by law. 

By entering or otherwise participating in this Promotion (“Promotion”), sponsored by Sweetwater Sound, LLC (“Sponsor”), you agree to be bound fully and unconditionally by these Official Rules (“Rules”) and to Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Promotion.

• HOW TO ENTER

To enter go to https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/rig-builders-episode-1/ (“Sweetwater Website”) during the Promotion Period and fill out all requested information. Limit one (1) entry per household per month. The Sponsor reserves the right to, and at its sole discretion may, reject any entry for failure to comply with these entry requirements.

Submit an Alternate Method of Entry (“AMOE”) to the Promotion by emailing giveaway@sweetwater.com and providing the entrants’ name, valid email address, and affirmation of agreement to be bound by these Rules.

Only one entry allowed per eligible natural person during the Promotion Period. Employees, officers, and directors of Sponsor or any affiliate of Sponsor including any brand or any licensor or licensee of Sponsor, along with any immediate family members¹ or individuals who share the same household, whether legally related or otherwise, are not eligible to enter the Promotion or win the Prize. 

• Eligibility

This Promotion is open to any person who:

(a) is at least 18 years of age or older at the time of any entry with a valid government issued photo identification; 

(b) is a legal resident of the 50 United States and District of Columbia;

(c) Submits an Entry.

(d) This Promotion is void in Florida, New York, Rhode Island, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and where prohibited by law.

• Promotion Period and Drawing of Winner

The Promotion starts at 12:00 am EST on February 26, 2023 and ends at 11:59 pm EST on March 31, 2023 (“Promotion Period”). At the end of the Promotion Period, one (1) prize will be awarded to an eligible entrant selected at random by Sponsor from all qualified entrants (“Prize Winner”).

• Prize

The Prize for the Prize Winner is a package (collectively, “Prize”), consisting of the following items:

(1x) Dr. Z Z Wreck Jr. 1×12″ 15-watt Tube Combo Amp
(1x) Fender Player Plus Nashville Telecaster
(1x) Nobels ODR-1 Natural Overdrive Pedal
(1x) Wampler Ego Compressor Pedal with Blend Control
(1x) D’Addario XPND Pedalboard – Large
(1x) Ernie Ball P06224 Flat Ribbon Pedalboard Patch Cable
(1x) Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 PLUS
(1x) Gravity Picks Variety Pack (8 pc) 
(1x) Boss DD-500 Digital Delay Pedal
(1x) Keeley Red Dirt Overdrive Pedal
(1x) Universal Audio UAFX Golden Reverberator Pedal

Prize is not transferrable or assignable to any third party. Prize will not be paid out in cash directly to winner. If the winner is not eligible, Sponsor will randomly select an alternate winner.

In the event a Prize becomes unavailable, a prize of equal or greater value will be substituted.

The Prize Winner will be solely responsible for all federal, state, and/or local taxes, or for other fees or costs associated with the Prize or the entrant’s receipt of the Prize. The Prize Winner may be required to provide Sponsor with a valid social security number or submit a W-9 before the prize is awarded for tax reporting purposes. 

• Winner Selection

Winner will be selected in a random drawing (“Drawing”). The Drawing will take place within fourteen (14) days following the close of the Promotion Period. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received.

• Winner Notification

The Sponsor will notify the winner by emailing the winner within two (2) days of the Drawing (“Prize Notification”). To claim the prize, the winner must verify one’s mailing address, and any other personal information required for Sponsor to issue the prize, within 14 days of the Prize Notification, or an alternate winner may be selected. In no event is Sponsor required to attempt to contact the winner more than once. The prize will be forfeited if the winner cannot be reached; the winner cannot accept or receive the prize for any reason; the winner fails to timely respond to the Prize Notification; or the winner has violated these Rules. If the prize is a trip, the winner has 60 days to book the trip within the dates allowed. No transfer, assignment, cash redemption, or substitution of the prize (or portion thereof) is permitted, except by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. Prize winners are responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes. Winner must provide Sponsor with a valid Social Security number or taxpayer identification number before prize will be awarded. If one or more prizes, with a total value of $600 or more, are awarded to winner during any calendar year, a proper tax form will be issued. In the event a giveaway prize becomes unavailable, the Sponsor will make reasonable efforts to substitute the giveaway prize with a prize of equal or greater value.

• Operation of Promotion

The decision of Sponsor as to the selection and eligibility of potential winners will be at the Sponsor’s sole discretion and is final.

• Odds of Winning

The odds of winning will vary depending on the number of total eligible entries received.

• Publicity, Waivers, Disclaimers, and Releases

By submitting an Entry, Entrant grants Sponsor the right to contact the Entrant via telephone or electronically. 

Subject to applicable law, Prize Winner irrevocably grants the Sponsor, and its licensees, successors, assigns, and sub-licensees, the right and permission to use his or her Entry to the Promotion (including any text, photographs, or other content), his or her name, address, and general and biographical information about the person including a photo for advertising, promotional, and/or publicity purposes in connection with this Promotion or other similar marketing initiatives of the Sponsor, in all forms of media and by all manners (now or hereafter known), worldwide, in perpetuity, and without any obligation to provide notice, royalties, or consideration beyond the awarding of the Prize to the winner, unless otherwise precluded by law.

By submitting an Entry, Entrant represent and warrant that he or she owns all intellectual property rights in the content including ownership of any copyright and that the content does not violate the rights to publicity, copyright, trademark or other rights of any other person or entity; that any third party featured in the content is over the age of 18 or is a person for whom you have the rights such as your children; and that you have the legal right to use such content in your Entry. 

Entrants including Prize Winner agree that Sponsor has permission and a license, worldwide, perpetually, on a royalty-free basis the right to repost or utilize all entries to the Promotion for its own marketing and promotional purposes in any manner Sponsor chooses.

By participating in this Promotion, each entrant agrees to release, discharge, indemnify, and hold harmless Sponsor, its affiliates, and each of its respective licensees, brands, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors, successors, and assigns from and against any and all claims, liability, costs (including attorneys’ fees), losses, damages, fines, or injuries (up to and including bodily injury and death) of any kind arising out of or related to i) the entrant’s participation in the Promotion; ii) any acceptance, possession, misuse, or use of the Prize; iii) any alleged violation of the rights of publicity or privacy, claims of defamation or portrayal in a false light; iv) any error or limitation, whether intentional or unintentional, that causes the entrant to be unable to fully participate in the Promotion; and v) any typographical, technical, electronic, human, or other error in the printing, offering, selection, operation, transcription of registration or entries, or announcement of any Promotion related activity and/or Prize.

Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Rules will not constitute a waiver of that provision or bar the Sponsor from enforcing that term in the future. Entrant waives any right it may have to claim ambiguity of these Rules or any advantage or effect on interpretation that may arise from any such claim. 

• Disqualifications

If the Sponsor, at its sole discretion, determines that an entrant has or intends to take any action or inaction that is designed to or has the effect of allowing the entrant to cheat, obtain an unfair advantage, to circumvent the Rules, or otherwise interfere in the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of the Promotion (“Cheating”), the Sponsor may disqualify the entrant from the Promotion as well as other existing or future Promotion that may be offered by Sponsor in the future.  Any winner or potential winner determined by Sponsor, at its sole discretion, to have been engaged in or attempted Cheating will be immediately disqualified and will forfeit any right to a prize or be obligated to refund the prize to Sponsor if already awarded. 

Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any Entrant who Sponsor determines is inconsistent with the values of Sponsor and its brand including but not limited to individuals who through speech, social media posting, or actions condone, engage in or promote discrimination, violence, obscenity, hate speech, defamation or libel, degrading or demeaning any group or persons based on race, religion, disability, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or sex. 

• Privacy and Protection of Personal Information

Entrants understand and agree that Sponsor will obtain and store certain personal information, including but not limited to their full legal name, address, email address, phone number and if required to be provided to Sponsor by a potential prize winner, a social security number, along with general information about any prize winner for the purpose of administering and/or managing this Promotion as well as complying with applicable laws, regulations, and rules. This use is in addition to any other uses as specified in any applicable agreement, terms of use, or privacy policy of Sponsor. Entrants understand that such personal information may be transferred for processing or storage to a jurisdiction outside of the state in which it was collected. Entrants have the right to request their personal information not be used for the purpose of administering and/or managing the Promotion and understand that such a request will cause them to be automatically disqualified from this Promotion, as well as potentially other existing or future promotions offered by Sponsor. To engage in this privacy request, or any other similar request, entrants should contact the Sponsor in writing at the address described at the end of these Rules or as otherwise specified by Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.     

• Governing Law and Limitation of Liability

All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules or the rights and obligations of entrants or Sponsor in connection with this Promotion are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the State of Indiana or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of any other state’s laws.

ENTRANT AGREES THAT TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW: 1) ANY AND ALL DISPUTES, CLAIMS, AND CAUSES OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR CONNECTED WITH THE PROMOTION, OR ANY PRIZE AWARDED, WILL BE RESOLVED INDIVIDUALLY, WITHOUT RESORT TO ANY FORM OF CLASS ACTION OR AWARD; 2) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, JUDGMENTS, SETTLEMENTS, AND AWARDS WILL BE LIMITED TO ACTUAL THIRD-PARTY, OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS INCURRED (IF ANY) NOT TO EXCEED [$8,440.86 USD], BUT IN NO EVENT WILL ATTORNEYS’ FEES BE AWARDED OR RECOVERABLE; 3) UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ANY ENTRANT BE PERMITTED TO OBTAIN ANY AWARD FOR, AND ENTRANT HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO SEEK, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS AND/OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE, OTHER THAN ACTUAL OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES, IF ANY, OR ANY RIGHT TO HAVE ANY DAMAGES MULTIPLIED OR OTHERWISE INCREASED; AND 4) ENTRANT’S REMEDIES WILL BE LIMITED SOLELY TO A CLAIM FOR MONEY DAMAGES, IF ANY, AND ENTRANT IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO SEEK INJUNCTIVE OR EQUITABLE RELIEF.  WHERE SUCH EXCLUSIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED BY LAW, THEY DO NOT APPLY.

Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, unreadable, incomplete, damaged, stolen or misdirected entries; lost, interrupted, or unavailable network, server or other connections; miscommunications, computer or software malfunctions; transmission problems; technical failures; garbled transmissions; damage to user’s software or transmission devices; or other errors or malfunctions of any kind, whether human, mechanical, electronic or otherwise. Proof of submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor. Once submitted, no entry can be returned or confirmed. All entries once submitted become the property of Sponsor. 

• Dispute Resolution

Sponsor is always interested in resolving disputes amicably and efficiently, and most participant concerns can be resolved quickly and to the participant satisfaction by emailing customer support at giveaway@sweetwater.com. The parties agree to finally settle all disputes arising out of or related to this Promotion only on an individual (not class) basis through arbitration which decision and award (if any) are final and binding with limited exceptions provided by law. The arbitration shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association, and the arbitrator shall be selected according to the rules following service of a demand for arbitration. 

• Sponsor Contact

Sweetwater Sound, LLC, located at 5501 US Highway 30W, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 and giveaway@sweetwater.com. Sponsor will not confirm receipt of entries or provide general information about the Promotion that is provided in these Official Rules.

• Winner List

A list of Prize Winners can be found at www.sweetwater.com/giveaway/previous-winners.php.

¹ For the purpose of this Promotion, immediate family members are defined as spouses, partners, parents, legal guardians, siblings, in-laws, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. Further, for the purpose of this eligibility requirement of the Promotion, any roommates or housemates are considered to share the same household.