Uli Jon Roth on His Sky Guitar

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3 жыл бұрын

One could argue that Uli Jon Roth invented neo-classical electric guitar and brought it to the masses through his work with the Scorpions in the ’70s. PG’s John Bohlinger caught up with Roth during his tour with Jennifer Batten and Andy Timmons for a look at his high-powered setup.
Originally a Strat man, Uli felt limited by the instrument and wanted something with more frets and a wider range of tonal options. The solution came in the form of the Dean Sky Guitar. Above the 27th fret, this scalloped-fret monster switches to whole-step fret spacing. The Sky Guitar's pickups are a custom four-coil humbucker with a second pickup hidden under the 24th fret. The electronics run off of phantom power via a stereo 1/4” inch input cable from a proprietary power source.
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Пікірлер: 162

@premierguitar 3 жыл бұрын

Watch the Rundown: bit.ly/UliJonRothRR Don't Miss a Rundown: bit.ly/RIgRundownENL Subscribe to PG's Channel: bit.ly/SubscribePGKZfaq

@evanward4303 3 жыл бұрын

Legend says there is no fan.

@ritchtaylor3831 3 жыл бұрын

LOL. Notice John's hair is not blowing.

@picassoboy52 3 жыл бұрын

Gibberish

@gscgold Жыл бұрын

😆

@munchkin2405 Жыл бұрын

He clearly said it !!! "7.52-53 i tend to use the force.."

@mckelljenkins1025 Жыл бұрын

LOL

@giustinoscalise3177 Жыл бұрын

He is the step between Blackmore and Malmsteen but his importance is so incredibly understated. His amazing playing was unheard of at the time he was in his prime. American audiences, if they were more aware, would've seen him as an equal to, if not better than EVH and Randy Rhoades. Both of whom deserve their recognition but Uli never got his as a player that emerged in the 70's and was an absolute badass. I can't emphasize enough how amazing he was compared to his contemporaries in technical prowess.

@user-yp2mw2ko9k 5 ай бұрын

What or who is "EVH", please ?

@ShiftysRevenge Ай бұрын

@@user-yp2mw2ko9k Eddie Van Halen

@CedricsSpecialLP 3 күн бұрын

@@user-yp2mw2ko9k Eddie Van Halen, guitarist of the band Van Halen.

@giuseppesoccio8933 3 жыл бұрын

No matter where Uli is, indoors or outdoors, his hair will always be blowing by the wind

@gurzair998 6 ай бұрын

it's in his contract dude.

@SharieFox 2 ай бұрын

@@gurzair998 I literally laughed out loud at this.

@markolsen4394 2 ай бұрын

Good one, wait you making fun of Uli,😂 HA

@yellowhouseproductions2959 Ай бұрын

When you see him in concert he is like a wizard or something.. he is majestic

@steevevatzguitartraining4185 3 жыл бұрын

The interviewer is so good. He literally allows Uli to go on and on... Great job..fascinating guitar.. respects to both....

@TSWerewolf 3 жыл бұрын

Gotta keep that wind blowin on his hair! Keeps up the mystical vibe.

@hchoe741 3 жыл бұрын

Wind? That's just always how his hair is. Hard to shampoo from what I hear

@helenabolhak840 3 жыл бұрын

Agree

@Thomas-dh7sv 3 жыл бұрын

lol I was thinking the wind just wanted to be in his hair

@markolsen4394 2 ай бұрын

His hair is lining it self up with Astral Skies

@irmasil3 Жыл бұрын

To quote the legendary Jason Becker: "Every time I hear Uli playing, I cry..." His vibrato is astonishing and his phrasing is always on the very edge...you really fell every note and it always feels like its gonna fall apart but it never does..Very very close to a violin player.

@JPIndustrie 3 жыл бұрын

“I mean it literally said in the contract ‘do not start recording without the fan on’ “

@stevemora7845 3 жыл бұрын

He was playing neo cleassical shred guitar many years before Yngwie, with the Scorpions. 👍

@saschaschneider6355 3 жыл бұрын

UJR was way ahead of his time and he doesn't really get the credit he deserves

@bertgetner9397 3 жыл бұрын

@@saschaschneider6355 He gives himself all the credit he need's.

@MatsJonason 3 жыл бұрын

Oh, yeah. Yngwie was totally obsessed with Uli when i got to know him back in 1978. Used to play Sail of Charon (amazing song) all the time. He had just come out (if ever did) of his Blackmore phase. Later there would be an Al DiMeola phase...

@crusheverything4449 3 жыл бұрын

@@bertgetner9397 - If you’re saying Uli is egotistical, you’re full of shit. If you’re saying his playing gives him all the credibility he needs, I agree wholeheartedly. Which is it?

@ObjectiveDynamics 3 жыл бұрын

I met all of The Scorpions in 1975 when as a relatively unknown band they played a bar in my hometown in the North West of the UK. Me and the bass player in our band sat with them after the gig and talked until the small hours. They had some tales! They were also a great bunch of guys and nobody was happier than me when they made the big time

@guskalogeros9021 Ай бұрын

Amazing. Do tell some stories !!

@bigimskiweisenheimer8325 3 жыл бұрын

I think his guitar just turned the channel on my TV

@rafasounds-qi5rm 3 жыл бұрын

He's a great story teller in a germanic way. He's accurate and detailed. He takes his time to convey the most precise message. Americans like everything fast and flashy and preferably with a lot of kicks and explosions

@garnetbezanson1404 3 жыл бұрын

Both can be enjoyable though.

@idontknow-lc8bz 2 жыл бұрын

Don't hate Nazi

@grishmann1man441 Жыл бұрын

The man is an absolute legend without question!!!

@kevinspake7338 3 жыл бұрын

This guy is great. He has chased his muse and found his own way. That guitar, while wasted on me, is a beautiful tool, tuned to fit the craftsman, not the other way around.

@patandmacmusic 6 ай бұрын

And it’s SO apparent the joy and excitement that he has for talking about it and playing it

@JimDewdGuitars 3 жыл бұрын

That double neck just sitting in the background like no big deal 😳

@picassoboy52 3 жыл бұрын

His strat playing on scorpions Tokyo tapes is some of the best ever. Speedy Coming etc, incredible playing, and so long ago....

@irmasil3 7 ай бұрын

The Sky guitar is probably the only guitar I would be willing to pay premium money. It's such a rare and unique instrument.

@4tensUknow 2 жыл бұрын

Uli is a gift!

@samgreenly8941 2 ай бұрын

Ya,, This guy is one of the master gurus of Gutair sounds and tones pioneers..💯% and of course his extraordinary playing...❤

@phydauex Ай бұрын

Got the Taken By Force record in high school 70's) and Uli has been the avatar ever since. Such a unique and iconic style and approach. Part hippie, part wizard, all heart and vision.

@stevemorse108 3 жыл бұрын

Lets face it Germans have never been scared of being kitsch (the appearance of this instruments) ....they invented the word....not taking anything away from Uli Jon Roth's talent and contribution to rock music...he seems like a very down to earth and humble man. The interviewer is indeed great....just listening and letting his guests express themselves.....Oprah could take some pointers from him.

@paulsimmons5726 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! Some guitar he's got there! I enjoyed John's allowing Roth to explain at length about his amazing guitar 🎸! The whole tones at the top of the fretboard was as cool as any other feature on the guitar. Very well thought out piece of gear, for sure!

@KingGrio 3 жыл бұрын

Dogs love Uli Jon Roth solos because he hits those sweet notes they like to hear.

@CaptainTrips2020 6 ай бұрын

Now that's innovation. Everyone now wants the vintage LP burst sound or a vintage strat sound or just off the shelf "metal" guitars. But this man actually went beyond anything available and made what he wanted. If i were to walk by that guitar, I'd think man that is one ugly design, having no idea it's all about function. I didn't even notice the third pickup until he pointed it out at the end. A true guitarist. All those awesome riffs and solos with the Scorpions and his still moving forward.

@J.Burrough 3 жыл бұрын

Cool vid. It’s actually been out there a while. Glad you brought it up front again.🤘🏼

@Superjet113 3 жыл бұрын

and just when you thought that was it, wait! Its get better! Love it.

@gordondyer1 3 жыл бұрын

It is Sunday morning June 19th 2020 my GOD a door to the perception of sound has been REALISED and other worlds are waiting to be experienced - life continues to unfold - thank you!!!

@iantucker4070 2 жыл бұрын

I've seen Uli in concert just once in 1997 on the G3 tour - it was an experience I'll never forget - a true living legend...

@ralphralpherson9441 Ай бұрын

The lights in the neck for fret markers are awesome

@diannecarpenter7718 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video!!🎤🎸🎵🥁

@carmineanastasio 3 жыл бұрын

Does the guitar have a built in fan?

@markgoyette6827 3 жыл бұрын

Most beautiful display... Love this so much. My hero

@jaysjams1517 3 жыл бұрын

I saw him play in a small venue. He's an amazing guitarist.

@BlackFlag1719 3 ай бұрын

And I always thought it was just an unusual-looking seven-string! I am amazed.

@AlBirdy4TD Жыл бұрын

No doubt - a living legend! And I met him twice in Person 😃

@mikhailshi 3 жыл бұрын

Such a brilliant instrument

@AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE 3 жыл бұрын

A legend and legendary guitar.

@rodentcafeteria 3 жыл бұрын

The way his guitar is designed, you don't initially notice that the lower cutaway of the guitar is completely gone. And, he still has that white Strat from his early Scorpion days! Cool.

@BMIGuitarist 3 жыл бұрын

Uli's playing created that beautiful guitar.

@patandmacmusic 6 ай бұрын

I find it interesting that he mentions Ritchie Blackmore. I feel like they both are kinda two sides of the same coin. Uli’s got mellow and light/ethereal energy, and Ritchie’s intense with dark/evil imagery

@llillo32 7 ай бұрын

Amen, mr Roth, word up👏👏👏👏

@doublebguitarplayer9434 3 жыл бұрын

Wow. That has to be the most unique guitar on the planet lol. Very cool looking to. To much for me but I guess once you learn it all it gets easier. I would love to play it tho. Great video. Thanks John. Love the channel.

@ShineWhite-bb1fg 5 ай бұрын

Thank you very much.

@samuelaguero443 3 жыл бұрын

This man is a legend!!!

@drloqutis2492 3 жыл бұрын

Uli is one of the best such a great guitarist!!!

@aquilarossa5191 3 жыл бұрын

His tone back in the day with a Marshall and a Strat takes some beating. Lots of players go searching for better, but what they had to begin with was the one.

@sinnersdwarf7138 3 жыл бұрын

I love how even in interviews his hair has to be flowing with the wind..

@crusheverything4449 3 жыл бұрын

Maybe the guy just doesn’t like to be hot.

@jaymeselliot8181 3 жыл бұрын

I've never seen a guitar do that stuff. That is a hugely powerful EQ/boost circuit...its like a sonic shape shifter

@martinmullen71 7 ай бұрын

What a great guitarist and guitar !!

@Viper-dz2kw 3 жыл бұрын

The ridiculous length of this guitar always looked so cool, it must feel so badass to put this guitar on

@crusheverything4449 3 жыл бұрын

It does.

@evanwilliams8908 3 жыл бұрын

The holy grail to all guitar modders. I want one!

@BubbaZen10 2 ай бұрын

Wow, Uli has a new fan!

@stuartmenziesfarrant 2 жыл бұрын

That Sky guitar is a mixing engineer's nightmare! lol

@antrygis1 7 ай бұрын

Yes, EVH, Randy Rhoads, etc. But when Uli's 1st solo LP Earthquake came out, you were basically saying, "Who?" Frank Marino was up there with him and Michael Schenker at that time but even Blackmore could only do bits of what those 3 were doing.

@rs-xr3ty 2 жыл бұрын

A true master

@kouzelna3295 6 ай бұрын

Damn he's awesome 😊

@jeffdiltz4356 3 жыл бұрын

Glorious hair. Glorious.

@bryanmannoia8410 3 жыл бұрын

lol. no one wearing a bandana on their forehead has glorious hair. he is so bald on top but at least he was born with magic fingers.

@fernandogiuseppea.8259 11 ай бұрын

Magnificent guitar❤❤❤❤🎸🎸🎸

@markgoyette6827 3 жыл бұрын

Magnificent

@zeppelinmexicano 6 ай бұрын

Great player but also a bit of a great guitar builder and electronics buff. Very interesting guy.

@Viperfitness 9 ай бұрын

Uli!!! ❤

@craig4fsu 3 жыл бұрын

This is great. John just lets Uli take it away.

@DavidOakesMusic 3 жыл бұрын

John is the fan.

@jondunmore4268 19 күн бұрын

Wherever Uli stands, automatic rockstar winds swell up to blow his hair back.

@guyincognito1423 2 жыл бұрын

$27,000 for a guitar?!?!? Does it come with or without the wind machine?

@matthewpaluch777 3 жыл бұрын

😎👍🇩🇪🎸🎼💣 ULI! THEE Godfather of Neoclassical!

@adgtr383 3 жыл бұрын

What piece is he playing from 11:06

@johnnypk1963 Жыл бұрын

Great rig and what an absolute master level player UJR is. Always been a fan. As a guitar builder myself, I’m left in awl of his guitar for many reasons. But I must say however, the crude brass “S” ruins the astatic quality of the guitar completely for me, add to that the lack of a lower bout…and it’s just off-putting to look at.

@garfmaul3327 3 жыл бұрын

It shreds Ya

@thescarletandgrey2505 Жыл бұрын

Uli Jon Roth aka The BF-109 of Rock Gods

@Angelrat666 3 жыл бұрын

11:48 from Interviewer to fanboy in 1 second

@user-sx3yc3yb8j 5 ай бұрын

Wish I had a.left handed purple gold colour màple 6 string

@bryanmannoia8410 3 жыл бұрын

I'm giving Uli a thumbs up because he is a guitar god. I would give you a thumbs down for reposting old gear clips.

@davidasher22 3 жыл бұрын

He’s like if Einstein decided to become a rockstar.

@kalvin3691 3 жыл бұрын

yeah dude they kinda look the same.

@hensoakira Жыл бұрын

Jimmy page

@greglawrencemusic 3 жыл бұрын

At first it was; WTF? Then it became; "I can dig it."

@destianpatrianagara1119 3 жыл бұрын

Lmao ikr there must be something special behind that freaky design

@DL-mb1ly 4 ай бұрын

This guitar must've been inspired by Neil Peart's description in '2112'. 😊

@kliffmcburtney 7 ай бұрын

1000 loves for Uli. ❤ Lovely man 🎸🌈🌈🎶

@richpeltier9519 4 ай бұрын

That's Hendrix's ghost blowing his hair.

@cupofshutupjuice 3 жыл бұрын

P.G. John, please don’t wear another tight shirt ok. John: ima wear my new flesh coloured tight shirt for today’s interview!

@picassoboy52 3 жыл бұрын

Everyone else: you're shallow and shouldn't give a shit

@cupofshutupjuice 3 жыл бұрын

SWL- 1 geez. Haven’t you got a bridge to guard or some children to scare. Calm down!

@CloudsBeyond 3 жыл бұрын

Good interview and interesting to hear Uli talk more about the Sky guitars but VERY DISRESPECTFUL for the camera man to keep farting - you can clearly see the flatulence blowing Uli's hair back. The camera man should have showed respect - gone out the room farted and then returned.

@410142109 6 ай бұрын

I think he`s King Arthur with his magic sword!.

@ZalMoxis 7 ай бұрын

Host - Wow!!!! Uli - Ya I know I'm cool....

@destianpatrianagara1119 9 ай бұрын

I wonder why 3 band EQ isn't more popular in guitars

@christianboddum8783 8 ай бұрын

It would make the signal low impedance which doesn't always play nice with traditional amps. A long time ago I had a custom guitar put together and thought the idea of an active boost for solos would be good, it didn't work, the low impedance changed the frequency curve dramatically and sounded bad. It could work for Di. recording though, it would fly through a mixer.

@booboodadfool8015 3 жыл бұрын

Shit look like a dark souls weapon

@craigmacgibbon9166 2 жыл бұрын

This guitar is beyond any of you. RUN

@gepardretardieu4931 3 жыл бұрын

His guitar design and his playing style go well together. I like neither. 11:49 John is in pain for having to say something. Haha!

@dwarfman78 3 жыл бұрын

Pourquoi ? Le gars était bon original et novateur période Scorpions. Aujourd'hui moins j'avoue...

@Olegstuff21986 3 жыл бұрын

Let's see your playing style ... Uli Jon Roth is a great guitar player.

@darthslater6077 3 жыл бұрын

i WISH HE WOULD GO BACK TO STRATS AND MARSHALLS HIS TONE ISNT VERY GOOD WITH THESE NEW GUITARS AND BLACKSTAR AMPS. I KNOW HE LOVES THESE GUITARS BUT YOU LISTEN TO THE OLD TONES OF THE SCORPION DAYS..OUTSTANDING!! THIS STUFF, NOT SO MUCH.

@efa666 3 жыл бұрын

Uli once accosted me while I was playing a Les Paul and kept saying I stole his guitar design, when I tried to explain he just kept kicking me in the shins and growling into my face. Nice guy though

@crusheverything4449 3 жыл бұрын

Didn’t they tell you not to take the brown acid, man?

@efa666 3 жыл бұрын

@@crusheverything4449 but they taste so good

@masternippleblaster 3 жыл бұрын

Repetition... We all seen this before and we all have liked it before so what's the point?

@ThomasOnGuitar 3 жыл бұрын

This is one for the books man.. A hall of fame'er spinal tapped rig rundown.. 🙈🙈🙈

@MarshallAmpMan 2 жыл бұрын

wish they could have made these with sellable prices to the common man, these guitars are way too expensive for the average player.

@Zabba5 6 ай бұрын

Love listening to Uli. Such an interesting person

@DennisCharretteakaDenChea 3 жыл бұрын

Cool sounds,.....Sponsored "Head n Shoulders"

@cultfilmfreakreviews 3 жыл бұрын

this guitar goes to 111

@evilangel8194 4 ай бұрын

At first he was hesitantent to then dean guitar offered him a nice payday or lots of free gutiar and a cut on everyone sold

@rafaelzengo5534 3 жыл бұрын

Cool guitar, but we all want to know about JIMI HENDRIX'S BLACK BEAUTY, MAAAAAAAAAN

@saschaschneider6355 3 жыл бұрын

I find those guitars hilarious, but in a good way. Unfortunately they're much too expensive for me to buy one just for fun

@saschaschneider6355 3 жыл бұрын

@MVia Swedish? Last I checked he was German although he might have British citizenship now with him living in the UK and Brexit coming and whatnot

@ZachMcCordProg 10 ай бұрын

Man has the most intonated guitar ever lol

@rhessex 9 ай бұрын

Does his hair always do that?

@donw.k.6877 Ай бұрын

He is a fantastic guitarist player, but I'd love to hear him play his Strat again. The Sky guitar sounds horrible. Even when covering his own tunes from the Scorpions, it is greatly inferior sounding to the original. It is a jack of all trades guitar that is master of none. It sounds nothing like a Les Paul or a Strat in his demo, just very processed and brittle. Sometimes a great artist does their best work when they are operating within limitations. Just like his Fender strats sounded better than his cutting edge Sky guitar, I think his writing was better within the context of his original band. Would still love to see him live though because he will always be a great and original musician.