Inside Kiki Wong’s Guitar Journey: Gear Choices and Life Lessons
This month on “Bought & Sold,” Kiki Wong of the Smashing Pumpkins shares her musical journey, from her first electric guitar to her current touring setup, while also reflecting on some of life’s deeper questions.
First Steps into Guitar
What was the first significant guitar you purchased with your own funds?
My inaugural guitar was a Slammer by Hamer, part of a beginner’s package that included a Fender 15-watt amplifier, a few picks, a strap, and a hefty dose of motivation to practise.At that time, I had no understanding of pickups or neck profiles; I simply wanted to play Metallica and heavy riffs after learning on an acoustic guitar.
Back then, the internet wasn’t as accessible as it is now, so I drew inspiration from guitar magazines and frequent trips to Guitar Center.
It was during one of those visits that I stumbled upon the beautiful Ibanez S series. The model number S40DXQM stuck in my mind, and I knew it was the guitar I had to have.
Eventually, my mom and I saved enough money to buy it for my birthday.It was a transformative experience, especially with its ‘Z Tremolo’ floating bridge that allowed me to experiment with dive bombs like Dimebag Darrell.
Unfortunatly,it was stolen from my car in Downtown LA in 2015,which was a devastating loss.
Recent Purchases and Special Gifts
What was the last guitar you acquired and what motivated that purchase?
The most recent guitar I bought was a Strandberg Boden Essential,intended as a gift for my amazing guitar tech,Pat Ryan,while on tour with the Smashing Pumpkins.He consistently goes above and beyond to keep my gear in top shape, and I wanted to give him something special that he could use on the road without compromising on quality.
Memorable Bargains and Gear Stories
What’s the most remarkable deal you’ve ever scored while buying guitars?
While I strive to live a somewhat minimalist lifestyle,my guitar collection often contradicts that goal! One memorable story involves an amp rather than a guitar. When I joined the She Demons, a female punk-rock supergroup formed by Jerry Only of The Misfits, I needed my own amp for our upcoming 34-date tour across the US and Canada.
With only $500 in my account, I scoured craigslist for something suitable. I found a Marshall JCM2000 head and cabinet listed for $1,500. Lacking the funds, my brother Eric, a fellow shredder, helped me cover half the cost.
After a two-hour drive to Orange County, I met the seller, who worked in production for slash. After hearing my story,he agreed to sell me the stack for $1,000,believing in my potential.That moment marked a turning point for me, as it was the first time I felt equipped with quality gear for a performance.
Regrets and Lessons Learned
What’s the biggest case of buyer’s remorse you’ve experienced after purchasing gear?
In high school, I always dreamed of owning a Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier half-stack, but it was far beyond my budget. Instead, I settled for a Peavey Triple XXX 212 combo amp, which was powerful but left me wishing I had saved enough for my dream amp.
Have you ever sold a guitar that you now deeply regret letting go?
I struggle with selling gear in general. While I try to live minimally, my guitar collection tells a different story! I recall selling my very first guitar to my drummer in a grungy metal band for $50. He covered it in SpongeBob stickers and then set it on fire! It’s a funny memory, but I wish I still had that guitar for sentimental reasons.
Advice for Aspiring Guitarists
What’s your best tip for anyone searching for their ultimate guitar?
Simply put, go for it! There’s something magical about the connection between musicians and their instruments. The best music often comes from being in the right emotional space. If you find a guitar that inspires you, don’t hesitate-get it! The longer you wait, the more likely it is indeed to be gone.
Recent Guitar Shop Adventures
When was the last time you browsed a guitar shop, and what caught your eye?
While on tour in Asia with the Smashing Pumpkins, we just wrapped up our Japan leg. Someone recommended visiting guitar Street in Tokyo. My fiancé and our two-year-old son, who is obsessed with musical instruments, joined me. We strolled through streets lined with collector guitars, vintage models, and unique Japanese instruments.It was a delightful experience for both of us!
Choosing Gear Wisely
If you had to choose, would you prefer a high-quality guitar with a budget amp or a budget guitar with a premium amp?
I’m all in for a great guitar paired with a budget amp.This preference holds true for my home setup, where I’ve been using a Line 6 Spider III 15-watt amp as 2007. It’s been the backbone of many of my TikTok videos, despite some criticism of my tone. But it’s what I love, and it’s been part of my journey since childhood. On tour, however, having top-notch gear is essential.
If you could only use humbuckers or single coils for the rest of your career, which would you choose and why?
Without a doubt, I’d choose humbuckers.They’re essential for achieving that gritty, grungy metal tone that I adore.
Kiki’s Essential Rig
My pedalboard is powered by a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 3 Plus. The signal chain into the amp starts with the guitar, followed by a Shure Axient wireless system, then a Dunlop Cry Baby 95Q wah-wah, leading into the Interstellar Audio Octonaut Hyperdrive.
Next is the Chase Tone Fuzz Fella, which connects to the Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork. Following that is the Axess Electronics Compatt/A [Input] Buffer, leading to the analog Man Mini Chorus before reaching the amp input.
In the effects loop, the signal flows from the amp send to the Dunlop Volume Pedal and Boss TU-3S, then to the Walrus Audio Lore pedal, followed by the MXR Joshua echo pedal with tap control, and finally back to the amp return through the Axess Electronics Compatt/A [Input] Buffer.
The entire setup runs into a Revv Generator 120 head, connected to a Marshall JCM2000 1960A cabinet housed in an ISO box.
