Cory Wong x Electro-Voice | Building a Guitar Modeling Rig for Stage & Studio

On Thursday, September 26, 2025, GRAMMY-nominated guitarist, producer, and bandleader Cory Wong joined us live from Guitar Center Hollywood for a special event presented in collaboration with Electro-Voice. In this performance and Q&A session, Cory walked through how he’s crafting a guitar modeling rig for both stage and studio, blending modern technology with his unmistakable rhythmic precision and clean-tone aesthetic. He demonstrated how he integrates Electro-Voice loudspeakers and monitoring systems into his setup, shared his approach to tone shaping, and performed selections from his catalog — including “Airplane Mode.” The conversation also covered Cory’s creative process, performance philosophy, early influences, and advice for emerging guitarists pursuing innovation in tone and technique. Check out the gear that Cory used in the stream: Electro-Voice ZLX-8 2-Way Passive Loudspeaker: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Electro-... Electro-Voice EVOLVE 30M Portable Line Array PA System: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Electro-... Electro-Voice EVERSE 8 Weatherized Battery-Powered Loudspeaker With Bluetooth: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Electro-... Electro-Voice PXM-12MP Powered Coaxial Monitor: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Electro-... Electro-Voice RE520 Condenser Supercardioid Vocal Microphone: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Electro-... Cory Wong Signature Fender Stratocaster: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender/C... Chapters 02:38 - Intro with Cory Wong and Steve from Guitar Center 04:42 - A Rundown of the Different Signal Paths that Cory Is Working With 07:25 - Cory Wong’s Take on Innovation and Being Open to Trying New Things 09:17 - How Cory Wong Integrates Electro-Voice ZLX-8’s Into His Live Modeling Rig 12:32 - Cory Wong Demonstrates His Live Modeling Rig 14:20 - Cory A/B Tests His Rig Through an Amp vs. Through EV’s ZLX-8 Speakers 18:12 - Cory’s Philosophy on the “Foot-on-Monitor” Solo Stance 19:36 - What’s in Cory Wong’s Monitor Mix in a Live Setting? 21:48 - Cory Wong on the Importance of Active Listening 23:30 - Cory’s Take on the Beauty of a Dry, Clean Guitar Signal 26:05 - On Using Picking Dynamics to Craft Your Tone 29:22 - What Was Cory Wong’s First Guitar and Rig? 32:20 - Cory’s Early Lessons as a Guitarist 34:11 - Cory Wong’s Early Influences as a Young Musician 38:20 - How Cory Developed His Sense of Time and Rhythm 43:22 - Cory on His Inclination to Share His Knowledge With Others 47:08 - Cory Wong On the Universal Qualities of Good Musical Collaborators 52:49 - How Cory Compares Everyday Products to Serve Natural Curiosities 54:40 - The Development of Cory’s On-Board Preset on the Electro-Voice EVOLVE 30 PA system 56:21 - How Cory Uses the Electro-Voice EVERSE 8 in His Everyday Life 57:51 - Cory Wong on His Current Practice Routine 1:02:09 - Cory Playing Through the Electro-Voice EVOLVE 30 PA system 1:07:30 - On How Playing Through the EVOLVE 30’s Compares to a Combo Amp 1:09:43 - Cory Wong Discusses His Rhythmic Approach 01:13:50 - Cory Wong Plays “Airplane Mode” Live at Guitar Center Hollywood 01:18:55 - Cory’s Favorite EQ Pedal 01:20:45 - Cory’s Take on Gain Staging and His Lead Tone 01:24:35 - On the Difference in Feel Between Playing Through an Amplifier and Going Direct Into a PA system 01:28:09 - Cory’s Current Musical Influences 01:29:42 - Cory’s Predictions for the Future of the Music Industry 01:32:15 - Cory Wong’s Advice for Young Players 01:34:54 - Cory Wong’s Top Gear Picks: $20, $200 and Unlimited $ 01:38:35 - Outro