Paul Languedoc is the band's soundman. He built two of Trey's guitars, two of Mike's basses, the band's stage risers, and their monitors.

"A luthier by trade, the 36-year-old built his first guitar when he was 18, following how-to books. He later spent four years working for Alan Stack at Time Guitars in Burlington, Vermont, and by the time he was 28--when he went to work full-time for Phish--he had built hundreds of instruments. Since then, he has built only for Mike and Trey, and his beautiful designs and Old World approach to craftsmanship have given Phish its own unique instrumental identity. Paul has a preference for European hardwoods of the types used for building cellos, and he does incredible inlay work in mother-of-pearl and abalone. ... Gordon says Languedoc's striking instruments are only one aspect of the many talents he brings to the Phish sound. 'We're really lucky to have Paul. He gives us the freedom to do our own thing.' Paul Languedoc is interested in receiving inquiries regarding custom instruments." {From an article titled "Paul Languedoc's Custom Basses"; source and date unknown}

See also, profile from the newsletter (large graphic).

"A lot of other rock shows are so formatted, there's no risk. You have the sequencers, the lights going on at the right time, the setlist. But to see a band in a huge auditorium that goes on stage not knowing what they're going to play, there's something exciting about that."
-- Trey Anastasio, The Detroit News, 10/26/95