Alex Lifeson is a guitarist who needs no introduction to our audience. For fifty years, Lifeson’s innovative approach to rock guitar playing in RUSH resulted in numerous classic hit songs and breathtaking album releases that deftly straddled the line between rock and progressive rock. Alex Lifeson is worthy of his place among the finest guitarists of all time, and his unwavering love of guitar has led to a number of exciting new instruments and amplifiers that bear his nickname, Lerxst.
We had a chance to speak with Lifeson regarding his gear choices throughout the years, his exciting new signature guitars, his custom amplifiers (that are now commercially available), and the dreamy new music he’s creating with his band, Envy of None.
Lerxst Amplifiers
While Lifeson's hand-wired Lerxst amplifiers were available for custom order over the past few years, they are now available in standard production models from boutique amp builder, Mojotone. Whether you crave Alex's favorite, Marshall-esque tone from his EL34-based OMEGA amp or you prefer the tighter sound of his lower wattage, 6L6-based CHI, these amps provide a variety of power and feature options. For more details, click here.
Want some of that Lerxst amp tone but don't need another amp?
Check out the new By-Tor pedal here!
Lerxst Guitars
A partnership years in the making, Lifeson teamed up with Canadian luthiers, Godin Guitars, to recreate his iconic “Limelight” guitar, or more specifically, a better version of his Hentor Sportscaster guitars (highly modified Strat-style guitars) from the ‘80s. The guitars were just introduced at the 2024 NAMM Show, so expect a bit of a waiting list to get your hands on these iconic instruments. These HSS configured guitars feature your choice of a Floyd Rose locking tremolo or a Vega Trem bridge and custom Mojotone pickups. For more information, click here.
Lerxst Guitar Introduction at the 2024 NAMM Show
Envy of None
2022 saw the first release from Alex Lifeson’s new band, Envy of None. Along with Andy Curran (bass), Alfio Annibalini (guitar, keys), and Maiah Wynne (vocals, keys), the group of multi-instrumentalists delivery a dreamlike tapestry of sound that finds Alex playing some of his most ethereal guitar parts ever. In fact, some of the music you might think is synthesizer is actually Alex getting creative with the sound of his guitar. This fabulous alternative/electronic/ambient music bears nothing in common with Lifeson’s work in RUSH, which is just how he likes it.
