While Joe is an acoustic musician, the sound system he uses is state-of-the-art. A series of three rack-mount boxes, plus complete MIDI controlling give him an amazing level of control over the sound. He regards his sound system as an instrument in itself!

• AMPLIFICATION: A 400 watt RMS stereo Audio Centron RMA-800 amplifier is used as the primary driver.
• EFFECTS: The system incorporates a stereo Yamaha FX 500 as the main effects box, with reverb, chorus, flange and all the other available effects needed. In addition, a stereo GSP Legend 21 is used for a "second" stage of effects, usually in the background. Combine this with the stereo amp, and the sound is breathtaking indeed.
• MAGIC BOXES: One of Joe's guitars is connected to a Roland GR-1 Guitar Synth. This enables him to produce a full range of sound in live performance ranging from slap bass to full orchestral strings ..... and more! In the song "Beacon Hill," Joe uses BOTH effects boxes plus the GR-1 to give an incredible seven layer sound!
• VOCAL: Joe uses a DigiTech Vocalist II to produce up to four parts of harmony on many of his songs. The result makes his solo performance sound like a full string band! This harmony is used in moderation, to not detract from the essentially solo nature of the performance.
• MIXING: Two mixers are used: The final mix is done thru a 16 channel Fostex 2016 line mixer, while the instruments are initially mixed thru a 16 channel Tascam MM-200.
• SPEAKERS: We can plug into your speaker system, using standard 1/4 " jacks (we can adapt to darn near anything), or use our pair of Peavey speakers.
• ELECTRICAL OUTLETS: Only one is needed.
• SET-UP TIME: 45 mins to one hour from arrival to end of sound check.
• The system is controlled by the performer from stage with a DigiTech PMC-10 MIDI controller. No sound tech is needed.

The basic instrument line-up is usually: