For 16 years, Between the Buried and Me have helped shape and define progressive metal. Thanks to guitarists Dustie Waring and Paul Waggoner, the melodic playing style and menacing guitar tones are distinct and unmistakable.  If you’re looking to find out what guitars and amps they use, then you’re in the right place.

In this edition of Geared, we are breaking down Dustie Waring’s rig!

Dustie is a longtime user of PRS guitars and in 2014, he was honored with a signature model. The PRS Dustie Waring Signature is based on the popular Custom 24 model. This limited edition guitar features a mahogany body with a beautifuly carved maple 10-top and a 25” rock maple neck. The well-cured mahogany offers him a seriously thick tone with a massive low end. The guitar was outfitted with a Floyd Rose Tremolo and came stock with his own Dustie Waring signature DiMarzio pickups. (Although it came stock with the DiMarzios, Dustie is currently using a prototype signature Seymour Duncan Pickup set). Coupled with black hardware and a satin top, the PRS Dustie Waring definitely adds some class to his setup.

(If you’re not convinced or you’re just interested in hearing more about why PRS make great guitars for metal, go read our article: PRS for Metal?)

Although Dustie has been primarily using PRS, he also owns and has used several Ibanez S series, a Jackson Dinky, and a Mayones Regius 6 Custom.  All of his guitars are tuned to C# and to help create a proper tension on the 25” scale, he uses D’Addario .11-.56 gauge strings.

(You can read more about creating proper string tension in our guide to string gauge)

Whether it’s live or in the studio, Dustie uses a Fractal Axe-Fx II XL to dial in his guitar tones. For his rhythm tones, he is using the FAS Modern amp patch with a TS 808 in front of it. Interestingly, instead of using a power amp, Dustie is using a PRS Archon head to power his Axe-Fx into his Port City 2×12. His cab is fitted with Veteran 30 speakers. According to Dustie, the Veteran 30s are similar to the classic Vintage 30, but with some added thickness for the heavier rhythm parts.

His pedalboard layout is fairly simple. His favorite pedal is his Port City Salem Boost, which he says makes just about everything sound better…Other than that, he has a Polytune, two Mission expression pedals, and the Axe-Fx MFC-101 Mark III controller.

Gonna sell this Axe-fx Ultra. If you're interested, email: [email protected] #Btbam #fractalaudio

A photo posted by Dustie Waring 🦉 (@dustiewaring) on

Not only do we upload new editions of Geared weekly, like our Brent Rambler piece, but we also upload awesome articles daily with theory lessons, gear reviews, songwriting tips, and more!

Also, don’t forget we are authorized dealers of PRS guitars! Although Dustie’s guitar was a limited edition run, we can still help you find the PRS of your dreams or even order a custom Private Stock.

This article written by Zac Buras, our editor located in Louisiana.

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