Robben Ford Discussion

[kirk95]

Hey can you guys help out Ron? I am slammed all this week traveling.

Thanks

-----Original Message-----
From: Ronald
To: David Henderson
Sent: Tue, 29 Jul 2003 22:28:46 +0900
Subject: Re: 7/28/03

Hello David,
I guess Robben Ford would be the closest answer. Do you know what type of equipment set up was used by him in Jing Chi Live? Especially amps and pedals. Not that I know much, actually hardly at all, but I like his sound very much. Also like the sound in his Blue Line days, which is most probably Dumble and Marshall. This is not possible to get for the ordinary person, and I was recommended Fuchs Amps as the next closest thing.

What is Two Rocks like?

What is the best way to copy the guitar style of Robben Ford? I only listen
to the cds.

Regards
Ron
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[GraemeD]

This might be too obvious !

....but if you read the CD Inlay under OUR SPECIAL THANKS, theres stuff there about pedals & stuff !

[renico00]

Ron

If you're looking to get the Jing Chi sound or any Ford sound, then you have to look for a Dumble-type amp or pedal. Robben has pretty much used the same 100watt Dumble Overdrive Special for the past 10 years. I have heard recordings of Fuchs, but never played one personally. With that, I would still feel comfortable telling someone to get a Fuchs. I have played a early model Two Rock. I build my own custom amplifiers -- some Dumble-type and the Two Rock was in the Dumble region. The Two Rocks are very pricey and I'd probably say check out Fuchs first, but you might be able to get a good deal on a used Two Rock. This will get you part way there.

Next, you might want to have a little delay in the effects loop. Robben has a small rack that he uses with the above mentioned ODS. The rack has a TC 2290 and a Dumbleator. The Dumbleator is just an effects loop interface. If you were to get a Fuchs, then it would have the equivalent of a built-in Dumbleator. The TC 2290 is used for some slap-back delay, but it is an expensive unit and is not really needed. Instead I would suggest a TC G-Major to do the job. The G-Maj is inexpensive and would give you some extra options. Or you could go with the TC D-Two for delays only.

Robben's standard guitars for the past few years have been a Tele and some type of hollow chambered double cutaway with humbuckers. Although it has humbuckers, he often used the coil split. At one point he was with Fender and then moved to Baker and now who knows.... we're still waiting on that.

Conclusion:
Guitars - Tele and Semi-hollow with humbuckers
Amp - Fuchs or Two Rock (Dumble-type)
Effects - TC G-Major or D-Two (delay)
Misc - Ernie-Ball volume pedal, Dunlop 535Q wah, Planet Waves cables

That should about cover it. The specifics of what he uses constantly changes. These are the basics or essentials to get you in the ballpark, but that is all it will do. Robben could plug into a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and still blow your mind. It's not about the equipment -- it's about how it's played. Good luck.

See ya
Jeff

[kirk95]