Cory Wong’s Pedalboard Odyssey with Sweetwater

Cory Wong kicks things off by taking us into the heart of his pedalboard, built in collaboration with Sweetwater. As he says, the fun started when he tasked Matt Duncan, Sweetwater’s guitar pedals guru, to help create the ultimate travel-friendly rig. Cory’s demands were clear: it had to fit within his suitcase and withstand countless flights. Despite the miles and TSA tampering, this pedalboard stands strong.

Cory is visibly stoked about the outcome, sharing how his pedalboard has toured the globe without losing a pedal or a cable. It’s a testament to Sweetwater’s craftsmanship and attention to detail, proving they can make a sleek, durable setup that packs a punch. Ever the road warrior, Cory notes how intuitive it is to have all his gear securely packed and ready to roll, reflecting that Sweetwater nailed the brief perfectly.

The pedalboard’s origins underscore the importance of having gear that not only sounds great but also withstands the rigors of travel. It’s not just about function but about nurturing creativity on the move, ensuring every performance is as dynamic as it is resilient.

Cory dives into the details with the Shure GLXD16+ Digital Wireless Guitar Pedal System. He praises its reliable performance and convenient tuner feature, noting how it liberates him from the chaos of extra cables. For Cory, having a wireless system right on the pedalboard is a game changer, allowing quick setup without compromising sound quality.

The star of the show, however, is the Neural DSP Quad Cortex. This beast of a pedal packs everything Cory needs, from electric guitar to bass presets, all in one robust unit. With its touch screen and versatility, Cory can create intricate patches tailored to his performance needs. He reveals a surprising bit about using it in stomp mode, where he manually toggles effects—highlighting his appreciation for hands-on engagement.

Cory’s enthusiasm is contagious as he talks about his custom amps, like the “Amp Snob” and “Clean Machine,” blended to perfection for his signature tone. He shares his pleasure in discovering how the Neural DSP engineers nailed the blend of classic amp sounds, ensuring his live rig retains the warmth and depth he craves. The Quad Cortex offers Cory a world of sonic possibility, a blend of old-school feel with modern tech savvy.

Next, Wong dives into the Wampler Wong Compressor and the Jackson Audio Optimist Overdrive, cornerstones of his sound palette. The Wampler Wong Compressor, co-developed with Brian Wampler, merges essence with innovation. With its blend knob for parallel compression and an XLR out, it offers both nuanced control and practical direct-out functionality.

Cory discusses his attachment to the pedal’s versatility, comparing its mid-boost feature to the legendary Clapton mid boost. This pedal allows him to finesse his live sound with clarity and power, effectively marrying studio finesse with stage dynamism. Meanwhile, the Jackson Audio Optimist Overdrive delivers dual overdrives that give Cory’s tone substantial crunch and drive.

With dual modes on the Optimist — a blend between familiar circuits like TS-808 and Klon — Wong relishes the balance it provides. His setup demonstrates a deep admiration for gear that flexes in both the studio and on stage, adapting to his dynamic playing style. Ultimately, both pedals enhance his tone, proving once again that crafting unique sounds involves both creativity and making smart gear choices.

Cory Wong fans, meet the Hotone Wong Press, a volume/wah pedal that embodies Cory’s signature style and needs. Born from a collaboration with Hotone, this pedal took years to perfect. It combines volume, wah, and expression functionalities, making it a jack-of-all-trades for any modern guitarist using modeling gear like Quad Cortex or Kemper.

Cory explores how the Wong Press differs from its predecessor, the Soul Press 2, owing much to its enhanced durability and refined sweep of wah and volume. This isn’t just an engineer’s fancy; it’s designed with the musician in mind, ensuring it plays well under pressure on the road. Road durability makes it the pro choice, he explains, and the addition of LED lights is pure candy for the eyes during a gig.

Cory emphasizes the thoughtful engineering that went into creating a pedal that, despite its size, feels right underfoot. It delivers superb control and a more musical sweep, capturing the nuances of live performance. Wong’s pride in this creation is palpable, reflecting his commitment to developing gear that meets the demands of both stage and studio life.