1 Topic by Rocky (edited by Rocky 2012-09-21 08:47:08)

  • Rocky
  • Rocky
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Topic: Gearheads - what's Joe using here?

This is the video, from ANDY Live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9QO9OpsdqU

That first E chord right from the off - it still sends me into raptures, the tone, the depth, the pure power, it's personally the most listened to live chord ever in my life! I just go all, well, erm, gooey, when I hear it. I appreciate not all will agree with me, but beauty is in the ear of the listener.

The LP appears to be a 60 reissue, with slim taper neck, would this be circa 94/95? (I wonder, does Joe still have this guitar or ever play it now?)

Reason I recognise it is, as in my avatar, I have a '94 Classic Plus with the "1960" on the pickguard and I have only just realised this monster sound has seemingly been created from the same animal I own! I want to create this sound, I just have to, and before I die.

So, here's my questions to you so more knowledgeable than I that you might be able to have a stab at answering:

  • Is the LP what I think it is?

    • Are the pick ups standard Gibson stock?

    • Is that tone created through the Marshall alone?

    • What other, if any, effect is he using to create that tone?

I'd love to know smile

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
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Re: Gearheads - what's Joe using here?

I'm sure its a Les Paul Classic from what year I have no idea.  I know Joe never changes things out and has even chimed in to tell us that if you got to change pickups on a guitar then you should pass on it.  He toured with Les Paul Classics at that time period because you don't take vintage guitar on the road when your still making a name for yourself.  If you watch this video here it might help you understand about what he was doing in that time period http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC0MRnKm … re=related also at the time he need a clean sounding amp and used a Line 6 Flextone II at some point but that was quickly replaced I'm sure.  You can see the Jubilee amps behind him and I think that's the real reason your so in love with the tone.  That and I think he had some Budda amps.

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  • From: New York
  • Registered: 2011-02-13
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Re: Gearheads - what's Joe using here?

I'm pretty sure it was purchased new the same year that ANDY Live was recorded, 2001.

Gibson Custom Joe Bonamassa Ltd Signature Les Paul VOS # 31
  • macg1
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Re: Gearheads - what's Joe using here?

guitars, amps, and pedals.  a pick.  amps are mic'd.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • Rocky
  • Rocky
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Re: Gearheads - what's Joe using here?

Thanks for the thoughts all, it helps create a picture. I was of a mind to think that the distortion was the Jubilees on their own creating that, but perhaps not, given how deep that roar is.

macg1, you have been even very helpful too. The "pick" could be the key ingredient I was missing. I'll try it that, unless it was a vintage gibson 0.94mm pick from May 1984, which could be hard to find or replicate. wink

  • From: North Carolina
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Re: Gearheads - what's Joe using here?

No he uses a Jazz III, trust me that Jubilee is a lot of it.  His touch is the rest.

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  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
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Re: Gearheads - what's Joe using here?

AD3THREE wrote:

No he uses a Jazz III, trust me that Jubilee is a lot of it.  His touch is the rest.

agree 100%

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
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  • jim m
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Re: Gearheads - what's Joe using here?

He got it in 2001 from the Gibson factory in Memphis. He later added a PAF for the neck pickup. It was retired when he bought his first Historic Murphy.

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