Article & photos: bit.ly/TabBenoitRR Don't Miss an Episode: bit.ly/RIgRundownENL

@goodun6081

5 жыл бұрын

It would be cool to see a recent/current rig-rundown with Ry Cooder: last summer he had 4 amps and a custom-made tube preamp built into an old variac housing and known as the Green Man. And of course, a plethora of unusual guitars, including a Premier guitar (!). BTW, the amps were a vintage Premier 88, a small-ish tweed Fender of some kind (a vintage Princeton or Deluxe perhaps?), and two Standels (vintage or modern? Tube or solid state?). And for something completely different: a rig rundown for Steve Morse would be cool....

Tab played a show in town a few years back and one of the tuners broke on that 72 thinline during soundcheck. The venue manager called me and said "I know you can fix guitars. Can you come take a look at Tabs tele?" I asked "I mean yea totally, but like...he doesnt have a tech?" and I was told "His sound guy is his tech and the tour manager and all he knows about guitars is how to tune them." So I went down there and took the tuner apart to find out that it was just worn out and the teeth on it were so worn down that it was unusable. So I thought "Maybe my teles tuners will fit." They didnt. So I grabbed 3 guitars and took them to Tab and told him "Sorry man, I cant fix this without replacement parts on hand. But I brought 3 guitars and you can just use any of these. The tele needs a set up though." He grabbed my tele, played 1 lick and said in his cajun ass drawl "This'll do. I aint picky. Plug it in and turn it up." I thought "Dude...these others play way better." but I didnt say anything. So when he was halfway through the 1st or 2nd song of his set, his other thinline tele broke a string so I ran mine out to him, and did a quick string change (with the oil he mentioned at the bridge and the nut) on his guitar while he played "I Put A Spell On You" on my guitar. Hell yea I took pictures. Afterwards he said "Hey man, that thing needs a setup. It was fretting out on me." Ill never forget the day that Tab Benoit hated my guitar. He should have hated it. It was a cheap MIM tele that played like shit, but he made it sing man. It's crazy watching this video and reliving that experience exactly how he describes this stuff.

@bretschwartz

2 жыл бұрын

Great story! would your mim tele's neck have fit on Tab's thin line for the night? I think the bolt patterns would have lined up.

@nikonmikon8915

2 жыл бұрын

@@bretschwartz I suspect the thinline has a 3 bolt pattern

@joshuataft5541

2 жыл бұрын

That's a freaking great story. Makes me feel better mayb I could be a tec..I can tune and even put sht on lol

@joshuataft5541

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah great story had to say it again..what a great experience..and a great guy .both of ya

@timtime9167

Жыл бұрын

Too cool man. He played a BBQ joint in Tyler Texas. Real blues troubadour total authenticity.

If you haven't seen this man live you're missing out.

I've seen Tab several times & he's a phenomenal guitarist. So excited to see him on here.

This is my new favorite Rig Rundown. Tab seems like such a cool guy and I'm a sucker for a simple setup!

@heaart2145

5 жыл бұрын

Cool Kat indeed!

@joshuataft5541

2 жыл бұрын

I agree..sadly there aren't many men like this shown anymore.. the country seems to hide good guys like this..we have to search em out.. better than k pop for damn sure..feels like hone this episode

@jakestewartmusic

2 жыл бұрын

​@@joshuataft5541 I don't think anyone is hiding this stuff, I just don't think Tab and players like him are trying to follow the mainstream trends. Good news is with the internet and outlets like Premier Guitar, we can find talented folks like this! Nothing wrong with K Pop btw, not everyone's cup of tea but I prefer to be open to everything and artistically open minded! best to you!

@joshuataft5541

2 жыл бұрын

@@jakestewartmusic you are correct about being open minded for sure.

This conversation about amp blending is fascinating. Love the logic behind his mic placement.

I love this guy and his guitar playing is just getting better every year. Thoroughly enjoy his music and see him every chance I get.

Just saw him less than a week ago for the 2nd time and he is simply amazing. Straightforward. Plays his butt off. Very engaging with the crowd. Very funny. Played requests that were screamed out to him. Anytime he comes to south florida my wife and i will see him. Hes a gem

This dude is awesome, my favorite artist right here.

My experience seeing a Tab show, 2 for the price of 1. Music and comedy. Had a blast and wish he would tour more in my area. Love his gritty straightforward way of playing.

Never seen a pickguard like that, from playing. This man is a national treasure. What a wonderful songmaker.

Bottom line: He's pluggin' in heaps of raw talent combined with thousands of hours experience and he's smart enough not to complicate things rig wise. No wonder it all comes together on stage. Been listening to him since forever.

Gawd, this was wonderful! What a guy! Thanks John and PG.

What a cool guy! We saw Tab a few years ago in a smaller venue. It was probably the best show I've ever been to. Killer tone, playing & vocals. Tab is the real deal!

@zalinabrooks1198

Жыл бұрын

💯

Living on the Deep East Texas/Louisiana line I’ve been listening to Tab from the start. Never met a more easy going down to earth normal guy. Play on.

I've seen Tab more than 25 times. He NEVER disappoints. always a great show.

Thanks for the rundown . . . I never heard this guy before, what a guitarist and standup comic . . . "Night Train" is outstanding. Cheers.

This guy is the real deal. No pedals, stock guitars and simple, straight-ahead amplification. I love that he plays a 72 Telecaster Thinline, as I own the same guitar.

Just saw Tab last week in Solana Beach with JD Simo. An amazing show and I was amazed at the tone he had.

@shanemichaels8289

Жыл бұрын

I got a chance to open for him and talk with him before his set. Man it was amazing to see him play. Really nice guy, down to earth and laid back

@barrybmusic7742

Жыл бұрын

Love the Belly Up! Used to see JD around phoenix when he was like 12 another absolute monster!

Every guitar player should watch and listen to this guy....Tab Benoit. He makes total sense and everything he says rings the bell for me. Not only that, he is a RIOT.....wonderful sense of humour....humble demeanor too, a real mentor for anyone aspiring to play clean using mainly fingers... as I do myself these days Its truly inspiring to look at his rig as well...simple setup....personally I use the KISS formula too....i.e. Keep It Simple Stupid . Why complicate things? If it ain't broke don't fix it eh

@joshuataft5541

2 жыл бұрын

I agree completely

Thank you Don Ritter for making the most incredible amps! I have one will never need another.

I love Tab! Just saw him last night here in Orlando. It’s my first real concert since Covid and it was so fantastic to see live music again. He was on fire. Tab and the audience we’re also happy to be experiencing live music again.

@benallmark9671

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds awesome !

From one Cajun to another. Love the work he does

Tab is one of my top three favorite artist , Good old Southern Gentleman !

@pattyleabo426

5 жыл бұрын

bluesbondsman what’s your top 5? I’m not trolling just curious brother

No gizmo’s needed when you have such soul and emotions dripping from your fingertips as Tab does. Do not miss the chance to see him live!

What a wonderful man & such an amazingly innovative guitarist. Definitely, a true to his heart artist.

I met this man at Benny's in New Orleans before he took off. My friend asked if he wanted to start a band...Tab said he was honored but his first CD .. Album.. was just coming out...many great times at the Rock and Bowl on Carrollton. Great Great player funny too.

I can’t even think of another guitar player that has such a simple rig, hell I doubt if he even has a tuner..probably just still tunes by ear…and still manages to get different tones for every song….incredible 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Tab's RIGHT hand is the most expressive I ever seen and heard. Not only really fast but he'll be playing between pickups and then quickly right close to the bridge on higher strings with an upstroke for a dynamic, different sound and expression. I've played 50 years and I get totally MESMERIZED by watching his picking hand. A lot of guitarist watch the left hand seeing what's happening and learning and a lot players are not that interested in the right hand. (not having pedals makes one work for it) I defy you to watch his picking and not see an absolute master. Great singer too.

Pure simplicity in that rig and an entertaining personality. The hows and whys and the short stories made this one of the most entertaining rig rundowns.

Tab Benoit, hands down, one of the greatest shows I've ever experienced And I have been to some incredible shows

Is the gator head true bypass?

@jakemitchell1671

5 жыл бұрын

Good lawd that's funny!!! lol

@jakestewartmusic

5 жыл бұрын

It gives it that snappy, biting tone

@jakesnake66

5 жыл бұрын

@@jakemitchell1671 I wonder if it helps him with his scales?

@scottperrin9655

5 жыл бұрын

The gator head is definitely in the wrong place in his signal chain. I know there's no "wrong way to do it" but...everyone knows it should go last run through the effects loop.

@aobyungcp4330

4 жыл бұрын

His gator looks phenomenal

I wasn't sure, but All these comments have sealed the deal for me. He's going to be playing 20 minutes from me in 2 months. I'm there!!

@goodun6081

5 жыл бұрын

Tap is so good that after seeing him play in New England last summer, we flew all the way to his home town of Houma Louisiana last October to see him at the three-day Voice of the Wetlands Festival that he hosts. By the way, admission to that Festival is *free*! We will also be seeing him play closer to home later this year, although the next concert we are scheduled to see is Richard Thompson in just a couple of weeks...

@Patrick_B687-3

4 жыл бұрын

So, did you go and how much did you love it. Seen him a few times here in Tx.

@benallmark9671

3 жыл бұрын

Did you go ? If so how was he ?

Tab has less gear than almost anyone I can think of yet this was one of the best all time "Gear Rundown"s. I love Tab's music!

One of the best RRs': humour included. Thanks Tab and PG!

Love Tab, he's such a genuinely nice dude. He could literally walk onstage without an instrument and make the show well worth the price of admission just with his humor and charm alone. I was privileged to get to see him play at the Natchitoches Christmas Festival several years back-- he stuck it out through a few hours on an outdoor stage in upper-30s temps (on the riverfront, at that) and gave a great show, then came right back off his bus with a glass of brandy and a cigar and signed autographs, took pictures, and made everyone there feel like his best friend, for another hour at least. Unfortunately, most of his shows are up north, and the ones he does play here in his home state are mostly down in Cajun country, so it's hard to catch him anywhere nearby in the northern area of Louisiana, but like I said, he's more than worth the price of admission!

Tab Benoit; an absolute master of music!

Love Tab! One of the best, funniest, and most humble performers out there. I make a point to see him every time he rolls through.

when Tab hit the scene in the early 90's, i saw him at a show in the DC area & there were maybe 10 people in total at the place ... Tab walks out in his blue jeans, flannel shirt, and work boots & you would've thought he was playing to 10,000! he broke a string on nearly every song :) one of the more awesome shows i've ever been too

“Remember, that’s what we’re doing right??. We’re using these tools to deliver a song”. That’s my rig rundown takeaway.

Gotta love the simplicity…. Reminds me of the old saying “Beware of a man with just one gun.”

A breath of fresh air seeing a guy with a simple rig who actually knows how to get the best out of it instead of having a bunch of goofy pedals.

I saw Tab at Ruby's Roadhouse about 5-6 years ago. Great show. Love the bass player too.

Tab played at one of our first music on the halfshell seasons here in Roseburg Oregon in a park by the river all those years ago ... and just set the place on fire. Fantastic and still well remembered. Thanks again Tab, you're welcome here anytime!

Such a great approach. I love his playing, and he clearly knows his stuff.

Drowning on dry land by him is great. 🎸

Great choice. Tab is destined to be a blues legend. Already is to me.

Love Tab- such a cool dude and great player... great interview 🙌

Tab’s one of my favorite musicians, his Cajun brand of blues is unlike most others and will definitely make you stomp your feet…awesome guitar player as well as a great vocalist ✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼

I just loved this Rig Run Down video with Tab Benoit. It's great to see that a guitar can be played without too much tech when it's in the right hands. 👍👍👍👍👍

I only came across this guy on KZread about a year ago. He is definitely on my to see list. I love his sound.

Saw/heard Tab last night in Petaluma last night. I can attest this "simple rig" works very very well indeed. Lots of colors coming out of his setup by using technique, and feel. What a great musician, and person. Extra bonus was hanging out by his bus as he smoked a cigar, and took time to chat, and tell great stories. Fan for life...

Like everyone has said...if you haven’t seen this man...do yourself a favor and go ! You will not be disappointed . He is the real deal and seems to be a genuine human being!

Tab is so cool! I got to meet him years ago when his cousin, who, at the time, was a good friend, introduced me at a show.

Tab is a true artist raw true sound not to mention great voice.

I’ve listened to Tab over the years, but haven’t seen him live. He is a riot! Love his demeanor and practicality. Seems like he’s “good people” as we say in the South! 🤙🏻😎🎸

@bluekestral8316

3 жыл бұрын

I've seen him twice. Definitely an experience

I sat right behind his amp in Annapolis MD many years ago and he was playing a very loud Twin with that gator head up on top. He always keeps it Nice and Warm.

From the Bayou all the way to Nashville love you Tab Benoit

Been waiting a long time for this one.

Great rundown!Tab knows a lot in a good sound!

obviously super talented vocalist and guitar player, but had the chance a few years back to see him play with "THE FUZZ" [police cover band]... no mic to tab,,,, unbelievable drummer!!! after the show got to have a drink with him at the bar... super nice guy,,,, love me some TAB!!! crack the pieyea!

Great rundown. Top man.

Tab really is a great drummer!!

Saw him tonite in Colorado he played his ass off! Killer show we had a blast!

This was excellent!

Sweet rundown!😁

Tab is a hoot and a gentleman got to play him a couple times and a good drummer to boot.

Hadn't heard of this gentlemen . ...but what a super cool guy , really humble and laid back . Awesome sense of humor too. Will be checking him out more.

@luc2o

5 жыл бұрын

You will not be disappointed.

That’s so cool after watching all your shows I always wondered about the guitar I knew it had some miles on it but it still sounds awesome👍❤️✌️

Tab Benoit is the real deal a trusty Thinline Custom Fender and great amps that's it. I had teh chance to see him playing at the Jazz Fest and it was amazing

Nice! Glad you guys are branching out to more New Orleans based musicians!

@mickeythompson24

Жыл бұрын

Be cool if they would do Flow Tribe or The Meters

I can't believe this is real! One of the greatest blues guitarist of all time!

Anybody else yell at John, "Don't touch his guitar!!!"? I know it wasn't just me who did...lol

Love Tab !!!!

great dude and great artist. honest guy

Tab is one Hell Of An Artist!

Tab is great! Seen him at the Moon in Tallahassee many times!

Humble,real,and talented---win,win,win.

Tab is awesome!!! What a cool cat!!! Just him a guitar and his amps!! Too cool!!

Great interview. Down to earth gentleman. I need to see him. Peace*

Tab is my blues hero.

His laid back demeanor really doesn't represent the fire breather he is on stage. He tells some damn funny stories, too.

Tab , China dishes 🍽 & wall color's! September 2020 , things are mynute in comparison. Spiritual the best is yet to come. Thanks for making me " smile' Tab Benoit. Rig rundown 👍❣💜 tf goodman 🙃🤔V

Great episode

Tab Benoit,, godfather of blues 🎸

I was born in 72 funny you say it's and old guitar HA "mystery is in the music" yes indeed!!! Saw John Lee Hooker as a child, blues impacted me ever since, Great interview thoroughly enjoyed , thanks

Been enjoying PGRR's for years. J.B. is my favorite host/interviewer. This is hands down my favorite episode to date. Can't say I'm familiar with Tab Benoit's music. Been hearing his name for years. Turns out, he's an amiable, seasoned pro with an impressively dialed in stage set up. I, too use a Clayton (.063") tri-tip pick for the very same reason. Don't have to check to be "on point".

Tab’s the shit! Wow, so humble.

Tabs the coolest cat.... Great FEELER of music.. way down to earth..!! live ON tab 👍👍💌 --Huge fan from Minneapolis --

Sparse rig but cool rundown. I live in Houma, Tab's hometown. I don't really know him but I'm friends with his bass player Corey, who is an amazing bass player. Tab seems a good guy though and he's def an authentic Cajun/Blues musician so it's cool to see him get the recognition. (May yeah sha!)

Wow what an interesting bloke, loved this one mate

John’s going for the Billy Idol look.

I saw him break many strings over the years!!! True story

Yaas! Been waiting for this!

This guy is soooo cool Tab!!

Love his sound and the way he thinks...plug in guitar, turn it up, and go!

Tab is so interesting to listen to.

My favorite part was when John said “ that’s some bayou shit “ .. love Tab ....

Efect pedal companies you're done! Tab's here!

Thank you