Robben Ford Discussion

SuperReverb2 · Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 3:55 pm Post subject: Robben Ford and PRS Guitars?

Hi:

Sorry if this has been covered here before, but I couldn't seem to find much info with the search function.

Does anybody know if Robben Ford has tried using PRS guitars? (singlecut, etc.) If so, does anybody know what his thoughts were on them. NOT trying to start a flame war, just trying to see if he's tried them and if so, why he's not using them.

Thanks

Chuck
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diatonicdude · Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 9:34 am Post subject:

I do know that in the sleeve of the "Mystic Mile" CD he mentions thanks to Paul Reed Smith. It would be interesting to know how their acquaintance was forged.

DD
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Ian Hurtt · Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 6:53 pm Post subject:

David Grissom (Joe Ely, Storyville, Dixie Chicks) played a PRS Goldtop forever as his #1 that he said was built for Robben Ford. Don't know why it didn't stick, but possibly Robben hooked up with the endorsement with Fender/Gene Baker.

JohnnyZ · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 5:31 am Post subject:

Ian, how about a review of your new Baker (whatever they're called now)?

Ian Hurtt · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 8:09 pm Post subject:

iain · New Member Joined: 03 Feb 2005 Posts: 3 Location: UK

I've seen several references to Robben owning or borrowing PRS guitars, although I've never actually seen him use one. He's mentioned in the PRS book (p. 85); PRS apparently made a small number of McCarty models with their tiger eye finish (the first time this colour was used). One of them was for Robben, another went to Steven Seagal (apparently he's a movie star). I've also seen the reference to Robben in connection to David Grissom's Goldtop (he's a fantastic player).

Robben and PRS seem to be a natural combination but he seems to be very loyal to Gene Baker, even though PRS would probably offer a more lucrative endorsement deal. Kudos to Robben. I have to admit that I love PRS guitars; I used to own one before I decided to go acoustic. It was a great guitar.

Daved · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 8:35 am Post subject:

diatonicdude · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 12:47 pm Post subject:

thanks for the headsup Daved!!!

Wait for it..................... Wink

DD
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MoreMojoPlease · Newbie Joined: 12 Dec 2010 Posts: 2

Hello. Recently got curious and googled my guitar.

I think I have the guitar in question (if there is only one involved). I have have a mutual friend with Paul, so I got a chance to play it when it came available. This was well over ten years ago.

I wanted it right away, since I loved the McCarty anyway, so one with bigger frets was just what I wanted. Plus it had a coil splitter with gives me more sounds to play with.

McCarty's with a trem unit were not made. A coil splitter wasn't available in the beginning either.

It was made in 94. I heard the same thing someone said here, that he liked it but it wasn't his thing. Good thing for me.

Robben's name was printed in pencil under the finish in the tremelo cavity.

Here's what is sounds like (when I play it anyway)
http://soundcloud.com/stevies_amp_shack/blues-shuffle-improv-with-prs-rf-mccarty

Mystery solved?

Here's the front view.

[/img]

veldt666 · Member Joined: 29 Jul 2003 Posts: 40 Location: Scotland

I attended Robben's clinic in Ojai, this past Otober.
Since I was visiting from Scotland & had no guitar with me, Robben / Anne very kindly loaned me a guitar to use on the day.
It was a PRS hollowbody in black, which, I can only assume belonged to Robben.
Anne initially gave me a 70's ES335 to use, but Robben said, he may use it himself, so swapped it for the PRS.

Either way, I was most gratefull, just having a guitar to use.

I always wondered what happened to the CS336, He used some time back, when he was onstage with Elvin Bishop?

I'm sure he has a few, which never see the light of day.

MoreMojoPlease · Newbie Joined: 12 Dec 2010 Posts: 2

johan · Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 2:38 am Post subject:

MoreMojo -

That early McCarty made for Robben you tried must be the one David Grissom has played ever since.
Is it the one Grissom played on Nothing but the blues from the Mystic Mile record?

Pic from his site:

FordFan · Member Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 34 Location: New Jersey

I just came across this post.
I do believe I have the "Mystic Mile" guitar in question that is seen on the back cover. It dates to 1993, and was confirmed as Robben's and being built to his specs, by a gentleman named Rick at PRS guitars.
It is indeed a very early McCarty Model with custom Dragon pickups and push pull coil tap on both pickups, but a one off with a deeply carved top, and a tune-o-matic bridge and stop tail piece.

Nick-O · Senior Member Joined: 09 Jul 2014 Posts: 67

This all very cool. I would love to hear a sound clip of that PRS. I got in to this too late to hear the clip of the gold top. You are super fortunate to have that guitar man. Well done.