Robben Ford

marT · Post by **marT** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 5:32 am

I know he doesn't play marshalls or even your typical rock. But I had to check this guy out after I heard two people tell me that I "sound a lot like him".

Well he doesn't sound anything like me (I wish) but I really dig his playing. I am surprised no one has put him in the artists area until now.

Now I don't generally like pure guitar solo style "easy listening" tracks but I have to say I really LOVE his tone, the songs might not be great but IMO his tone is fantastic. I partly started this thread to find out if anyone knows what gear he runs? It sounds like a fender amp and for his nice saturated sounds it sounds like he might use a pedal? I really like it pedal or not.

I have been listening to the Tiger Walk album. Any other albums I should listen to?

mayrandp · Post by **mayrandp** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 10:34 am

I'm no Robben Ford expert but I dig his playing. Most of the the time he uses a Dumble Overdrive Special although he sometime uses Fender blackface amps such as Super Reverbs, Deluxe, Twins, etc. I don't think he uses any OD pedal, just a cranked amp. It's quite old but you might want to check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzVq9JsBLsI

My favorite Robben Ford album is 'Handful Of Blues'. I also really like his new album, 'Truth'. For jazzier, fusion, instrumental-type stuff check out what he did with Jing Chi.

There's an official Robben Ford discussion group at http://www.online-discussion.com/RobbenFord/

Mynameisfritz · Post by **Mynameisfritz** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 12:40 pm

Check out the early stuff with the Charles Ford Band. Especially 'Reunion Live' from '82, there are great tracks on it, not polished at all. Best RF I know so far...

marT · Post by **marT** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 4:57 pm

Thanks guys I did some more digging and that handful of blues album is pretty darn good. Amazing tone he gets.

I have heard good thing about those dumble amps. Anyone made a kit or clone of one?

I have been thinking about getting an Allen amp of sorts so that might get me more in his territory.

marT · Post by **marT** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 6:19 am

And what the hell does this guy ever make a mistake? every song I have listened to both live and studio its just so perfect.

Maybe that's actually his biggest downfall for me, its to precise and perfect. Sounds strange but I like things a little more "raw" I suppose.

Mynameisfritz · Post by **Mynameisfritz** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:24 am

Charles Ford Band in '83:

http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=rtC60g12PvU

http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=WB6QTYJ97EI

JimiJames · Post by **JimiJames** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:27 am

yup...Mr. Tasty.
His lead work/phrasing is killer. Choice of notes in a run "Question-Answer"
The only thing I always wait for is, for him to get explosive. At times he seems too calculated...but, it's ALL Good !

908ssp · Post by **908ssp** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 10:11 am

He uses a Zen Drive pedal in front of a Twin when on gigs with rented equipment otherwise a Dumble ODS. He is a favorite of the guys on TGP they have discussed his tone to death. His tone is far more popular than he is I would hazard to say.

marT · Post by **marT** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 6:20 pm

Definately true about his tone being more popular than he is.

That Charles Ford band stuff was awesome. Thats the kind of stuff I love.

I thought I read something about him using a Zen Drive. Thats why I thought he used a pedal of sorts.

He has pretty much single handedly made me want to get a 355, so many awesome players use them and they have such a great tone. I must have one.

JimiJames · Post by **JimiJames** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:13 pm

A 335 is a must have for Blues Cats... Here in Chicago Strat's, Les Paul's and the Semi Hollow's reign the circuit.

(I have a Blonde 1968 ES 340 (like this) that's going in for her first fret job. I can't wait to stroke Marilyn Monroe's hips again

)

jhullin · Post by **jhullin** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 12:41 pm

I got a peek at his gear at a local concert and it was a Les Paul>Zendrive>Super Reverb. Kinda expected to see an Overdrive Special. It sounded pretty damn good. marT check out the D'lite amps. I built one and I think they do a good job at RF tones...........

Billy Batz · Post by **Billy Batz** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 2:26 pm

Probbly doesnt want to drag the ODs out on the road anymore. Easy to get stolen. I was in on trading 'secrets' about his dumble years back when I did mine. Its funny how protective guys were about it and after trying that amp and not being that crazy about it (other then a nice novelty) the info is so useless to me.