Robben Ford and his Amps

Rolo_Tomasi · August 18th, 2007, 04:01 PM

Hello to all the nice Telly Players here!

I'm a Newbie in this very famous Telecaster Forum. My Question is about the Amps, my favorite Guitar Player use: Robben Ford.

I think he is one of the famous Guitar Players all over the World.

At November, 4th 2007, he plays at my Hometown in Dortmund, Germany and i'm lucky about this gig

A little Gift for you at tdpri

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwz8CoykyfE

What a great Player!

sultan59 · August 18th, 2007, 06:51 PM

I think I saw a Dumble in there, not that I ever saw one before, but I googled it and that's what it looked like.

Spidercaster · August 18th, 2007, 07:34 PM

I also think Robben Ford is amazing!!!!! I know he played a Dumble at some point but have no idea if he still is.

I wish he would play in the NY area one of these days.

Glen W · August 18th, 2007, 09:08 PM

Welcome Rolo!

Probably were Dumble amps in the clip. I'd guess that you'll see him using red-knob Twins, or maybe reissue Super Reverbs when he tours abroad. A few years ago at an NGW blues summit he mentioned that he didn't like taking the Dumbles overseas anymore. Could have changed his mind though - let us know what he uses!

GUITARmole · August 18th, 2007, 09:29 PM

Yeah, he's an amazing player but when I saw him live it was one of the most uninspired, boring, and short performances I've ever seen...which should be "impossible" for him since in this month's VG he talks about how he never plays poorly as long as his "sound" is there.

I like his recordings but I wouldn't pay to see him live again.

RnB · August 18th, 2007, 10:29 PM

Seen him many times. He's always good, 'cept once, on St. Patty's day, when he brought his wife up on stage and she sung Broadway Tunes...

Recently, he's been touring w/ Larry Carlton and they've both been playing their Dumbles. Robben was playing a Gold Top...'57 RI, I believe. He's doing a 5-nite run at Yoshi's in Oakland in Sept...

RF forum

RB

jimfog · August 19th, 2007, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GUITARmole

Yeah, he's an amazing player but when I saw him live it was one of the most uninspired, boring, and short performances I've ever seen...which should be "impossible" for him since in this month's VG he talks about how he never plays poorly as long as his "sound" is there.

I like his recordings but I wouldn't pay to see him live again.

Let me guess.......You're "Yellowjacket" from the Robben Ford board? Who had such a big problem because Ford didn't want flash photos going off in his face while he was playing? Same guy who signed up only to trash the show he saw.

Whatever, dude........

- Jim

MarkV · August 19th, 2007, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolo_Tomasi

Hello to all the nice Telly Players here!

Hello! Robben Fords discusses his amps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzVq9JsBLsI

It's a Dumble, but if you can't afford it buy a Twin (according to Robben)

JamonHamon · August 19th, 2007, 01:43 AM

He's used a Fender Red Knob "The Twin" for years

Colin Johnston · August 19th, 2007, 04:25 AM

When Carlton & Ford played London last month Robben was using a RI Super Reverb, a RI Twin, an OD pedal & a volume pedal. I believe the gold topp Les Paul isn't a reissue and belongs to Larry Carlton.

collinsman · August 19th, 2007, 06:11 AM

Robben usually uses a Dumble or a Twin.'

RnB · August 19th, 2007, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colin Johnston

I believe the gold topp Les Paul isn't a reissue and belongs to Larry Carlton.

+1 on that. Someone posted some Pics on the RF forum. It certainly doesn't look like a RI...
RF & LC pics

I had some other Pics stored of Robben & EJ playing Guitar Town Copper Mountain 7/30/05, where it looks like he's playing a '59 Flametop RI...
RF & EJ pics

I saw him once & he was using a Gold Top w/ p-90's, as well a cough cough...Strat! In the past, he always played 'Old Faithful'...his early 80's Fender Espirit. I think he wore the neck out on that one though. I would venture to say that's he's just like the rest of us. Obsessed!

When I was chasing his tone some time ago, I thought I could get there by getting one of his Sig guitars...lol, so I popped for a used one. It's an earlier MIJ '94 model that I've had for some time now. Don't play it much lately, but it's a smoker! He signed it for me one nite when he was playing w/ The Blue Line.

RB

jumpnblues · August 19th, 2007, 11:13 AM

There are a lot of R.F./Dumble-style amp devotees on the Gear Page forum. And from what I've read recently there, both Robben and Larry also use Two Rocks. However, they sometimes have to use rented backline amps which usually turn out to be Twin Reverbs and sometimes Deluxe Reverbs and Super Reverbs. Mostly the RI models because they're relatively cheap and easy to find. Just for your (further) information there are getting to be quite a number of "Dumble-style" amps to choose from that will pretty much cop the Dumble tone and then some for far less money than the cost of a Dumble. Some examples are: Two Rock, Fuchs, Glaswerks, Bludotone, Carol Ann, D'lite, and some others that escape my memory at the moment. All are top notch amps if you are a fan of that style of tone. Also, from what I've read, one of the cheapest of the bunch, the D'lite at a little over $2000., is one of the best of the bunch. You used to be able to get the amp in kit form but it is now only offered as a complete amp. That's probably more info. than what you wanted. Welcome to the forum.

Tom

johan · August 20th, 2007, 08:49 AM

No, Robben don't use Two-Rocks

Normally he use his Dumble Overdrive Special with a vertical Dumble 2x12" loaded with G12-65 speakers. For one-off or "bluesier" gigs etc he uses a BF Super Reverb together witha Hermida Zendrive.

Abroad he usually use a "The Twin" (red knob) or something similar (Twin Amp, Super Reverb etc). If it's a bigger tour (more $$$!) he brings his Dumble. The problem is shipping insurance. Too much $$$ to ship.

Guitars - he uses an old Fender Telecaster from early 60's, a Baker RF, Sakashta NouPaul or the old 57 Goldtop he got from Larry.

I came here to scan the board for info on his 60's Tele as I'll make a partscaster version of it this fall. I'll start a thread eventually. Still some questions I need to solve.

collinsman · August 20th, 2007, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johan

No, Robben don't use Two-Rocks

Normally he use his Dumble Overdrive Special with a vertical Dumble 2x12" loaded with G12-65 speakers. For one-off or "bluesier" gigs etc he uses a BF Super Reverb together witha Hermida Zendrive.

Abroad he usually use a "The Twin" (red knob) or something similar (Twin Amp, Super Reverb etc). If it's a bigger tour (more $$$!) he brings his Dumble. The problem is shipping insurance. Too much $$$ to ship.

Guitars - he uses an old Fender Telecaster from early 60's, a Baker RF, Sakashta NouPaul or the old 57 Goldtop he got from Larry.

I came here to scan the board for info on his 60's Tele as I'll make a partscaster version of it this fall. I'll start a thread eventually. Still some questions I need to solve.

You're right on the money..

jumpnblues · August 20th, 2007, 07:14 PM

Thanks for the correction. Hmmm...wonder where I got that info?

Tom

Rolo_Tomasi · August 24th, 2007, 03:56 PM

Thank you all. I think in Germany it's been very difficult to buy a used Dumble Overdrive. Fender Amps and Twins no Problem - and good Overdrive Pedals also no Problem.

The best of all is my new Telecaster Highway One and its Bridge-Pickup and Tone Control i used for Overdrive Sounds . Today I can say for many Years I have played the wrong Guitars.

Rolo

Big Tony · August 24th, 2007, 04:16 PM

That is some fine playing!

/ Tony

eggman · August 24th, 2007, 10:08 PM

Howdy,

Ford likes the Red knob Twin; it's his choice among mass produced amps. What does this amp have to do to get respect?
Surely it's no less reliable than many of the popular PCB re-issues.

Eggman

JamonHamon · August 24th, 2007, 11:07 PM

The stock Red Knob needs help

I have one with Groove Tubes and Jbl E120s
Wish Id have known of Webers 15 years ago

"The Twin" Its the ultimate Blues Amp

Paul B · September 9th, 2007, 02:22 AM

Rn B

What wood is the guitar made from ? Is the top spruce ?

Can you send me more pictures by any chance ?

jumpnblues

Why is the D'lite a better choice out of all the makers you have listed ? I was able to get the last of the kits recently

JamonHamon

Why is the The Twin a geat blues amp ?

Regards

Freedom Fries · September 9th, 2007, 06:49 PM

I toured the EU w/a Chicago blooze band in 95 and 96 and the red-knob Twins were always in the backline. Because of tour budgeting (and I was a "hire") this was the amp rented for me. Not impressed but they're built like a brick bidet and more dependable than a Peavey.

jumpnblues · September 9th, 2007, 07:04 PM

I have absolutely nothing to go on except what I've read on the Gear Page Forum. I know almost nothing about Dumble inspired amps. I'm not even sure if that's how you describe them but I think most people know what I'm referring to. I wish I could be more helpful to you regarding the D'lite. The sound clips on their website are impressive though.

Tom

hotgoalie11565 · September 9th, 2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colin Johnston

When Carlton & Ford played London last month Robben was using a RI Super Reverb, a RI Twin, an OD pedal & a volume pedal. I believe the gold topp Les Paul isn't a reissue and belongs to Larry Carlton.

You got to see them? You're killin' me.

Robben and Mr. 335 are two of my favorites.

SushiDanWah · September 9th, 2007, 09:55 PM

Here he is in 1997, plays a Strat one song and a Tele the next - and sounds like Robben no matter what he is playing

Looks like he has the Dumble behind him and a couple DD3s next to his tuner and volume pedal...

Strat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PizOj...elated&search=

Tele:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUcov...elated&search=

Which sounds better, you all can decide

Dano

August 18th, 2007, 04:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rolo_Tomasi TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany Age: 44 Posts: 11	Robben Ford and his Amps Hello to all the nice Telly Players here! I'm a Newbie in this very famous Telecaster Forum. My Question is about the Amps, my favorite Guitar Player use: Robben Ford. I think he is one of the famous Guitar Players all over the World. At November, 4th 2007, he plays at my Hometown in Dortmund, Germany and i'm lucky about this gig A little Gift for you at tdpri http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwz8CoykyfE What a great Player!

August 18th, 2007, 07:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Spidercaster Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York Posts: 997 5 Photos	I also think Robben Ford is amazing!!!!! I know he played a Dumble at some point but have no idea if he still is. I wish he would play in the NY area one of these days. __________________ "Just keep one thing in mind............I may remember it all differently tomorrow." - Neil Young

August 18th, 2007, 09:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
Glen W Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2003 Location: CT Age: 59 Posts: 796 9 Photos	Welcome Rolo! Probably were Dumble amps in the clip. I'd guess that you'll see him using red-knob Twins, or maybe reissue Super Reverbs when he tours abroad. A few years ago at an NGW blues summit he mentioned that he didn't like taking the Dumbles overseas anymore. Could have changed his mind though - let us know what he uses! __________________ Go big... or stay home.

August 19th, 2007, 04:25 AM	#10 (permalink)
Colin Johnston Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland Age: 36 Posts: 594	When Carlton & Ford played London last month Robben was using a RI Super Reverb, a RI Twin, an OD pedal & a volume pedal. I believe the gold topp Les Paul isn't a reissue and belongs to Larry Carlton. __________________ "on the trail of the lonesome pine... caster"

August 19th, 2007, 06:11 AM	#11 (permalink)
collinsman Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2006 Location: " Land Of Ten Thousand Taxes" Posts: 986	Robben usually uses a Dumble or a Twin.' __________________ The Tele, my favorite axe and I love the Players - Albert Collins, Roy Buchanon, Robben Ford, Danny Gatton, Jerry Donohue, & many others.

August 18th, 2007, 06:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
sultan59 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Whidbey Island Age: 49 Posts: 345	I think I saw a Dumble in there, not that I ever saw one before, but I googled it and that's what it looked like.

August 18th, 2007, 09:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
GUITARmole Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,097 45 Photos	Yeah, he's an amazing player but when I saw him live it was one of the most uninspired, boring, and short performances I've ever seen...which should be "impossible" for him since in this month's VG he talks about how he never plays poorly as long as his "sound" is there. I like his recordings but I wouldn't pay to see him live again.

August 18th, 2007, 10:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
RnB Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Home of YouTube Age: 61 Posts: 209	Seen him many times. He's always good, 'cept once, on St. Patty's day, when he brought his wife up on stage and she sung Broadway Tunes... Recently, he's been touring w/ Larry Carlton and they've both been playing their Dumbles. Robben was playing a Gold Top...'57 RI, I believe. He's doing a 5-nite run at Yoshi's in Oakland in Sept... RF forum RB

August 19th, 2007, 01:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
JamonHamon Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,233	He's used a Fender Red Knob "The Twin" for years

August 19th, 2007, 11:13 AM	#13 (permalink)
jumpnblues Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midwest Age: 58 Posts: 1,553	There are a lot of R.F./Dumble-style amp devotees on the Gear Page forum. And from what I've read recently there, both Robben and Larry also use Two Rocks. However, they sometimes have to use rented backline amps which usually turn out to be Twin Reverbs and sometimes Deluxe Reverbs and Super Reverbs. Mostly the RI models because they're relatively cheap and easy to find. Just for your (further) information there are getting to be quite a number of "Dumble-style" amps to choose from that will pretty much cop the Dumble tone and then some for far less money than the cost of a Dumble. Some examples are: Two Rock, Fuchs, Glaswerks, Bludotone, Carol Ann, D'lite, and some others that escape my memory at the moment. All are top notch amps if you are a fan of that style of tone. Also, from what I've read, one of the cheapest of the bunch, the D'lite at a little over $2000., is one of the best of the bunch. You used to be able to get the amp in kit form but it is now only offered as a complete amp. That's probably more info. than what you wanted. Welcome to the forum. Tom __________________ jumpnblues Last edited by jumpnblues : August 19th, 2007 at 03:11 PM.

August 20th, 2007, 08:49 AM	#14 (permalink)
johan Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sweden Posts: 206	No, Robben don't use Two-Rocks Normally he use his Dumble Overdrive Special with a vertical Dumble 2x12" loaded with G12-65 speakers. For one-off or "bluesier" gigs etc he uses a BF Super Reverb together witha Hermida Zendrive. Abroad he usually use a "The Twin" (red knob) or something similar (Twin Amp, Super Reverb etc). If it's a bigger tour (more $$$!) he brings his Dumble. The problem is shipping insurance. Too much $$$ to ship. Guitars - he uses an old Fender Telecaster from early 60's, a Baker RF, Sakashta NouPaul or the old 57 Goldtop he got from Larry. I came here to scan the board for info on his 60's Tele as I'll make a partscaster version of it this fall. I'll start a thread eventually. Still some questions I need to solve. __________________ // johan

August 20th, 2007, 07:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
jumpnblues Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midwest Age: 58 Posts: 1,553	Thanks for the correction. Hmmm...wonder where I got that info? Tom __________________ jumpnblues Last edited by jumpnblues : November 11th, 2007 at 06:21 PM.

August 24th, 2007, 03:56 PM	#17 (permalink)
Rolo_Tomasi TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany Age: 44 Posts: 11	Thank you all. I think in Germany it's been very difficult to buy a used Dumble Overdrive. Fender Amps and Twins no Problem - and good Overdrive Pedals also no Problem. The best of all is my new Telecaster Highway One and its Bridge-Pickup and Tone Control i used for Overdrive Sounds . Today I can say for many Years I have played the wrong Guitars. Rolo

August 24th, 2007, 04:16 PM	#18 (permalink)
Big Tony Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sweden, by golly! Age: 53 Posts: 2,364 27 Photos	That is some fine playing! / Tony __________________ {8^)> Fender is my home boy - live all die myspace.com/tonypersson

August 24th, 2007, 10:08 PM	#19 (permalink)
eggman Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bossier City,La. Posts: 900	Red knob Twin: ..No respect Howdy, Ford likes the Red knob Twin; it's his choice among mass produced amps. What does this amp have to do to get respect? Surely it's no less reliable than many of the popular PCB re-issues. Eggman

August 24th, 2007, 11:07 PM	#20 (permalink)
JamonHamon Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,233	The stock Red Knob needs help I have one with Groove Tubes and Jbl E120s Wish Id have known of Webers 15 years ago "The Twin" Its the ultimate Blues Amp

September 9th, 2007, 02:22 AM	#21 (permalink)
Paul B Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 272	Rn B What wood is the guitar made from ? Is the top spruce ? Can you send me more pictures by any chance ? jumpnblues Why is the D'lite a better choice out of all the makers you have listed ? I was able to get the last of the kits recently JamonHamon Why is the The Twin a geat blues amp ? Regards __________________ Hipbluesman

September 9th, 2007, 06:49 PM	#22 (permalink)
Freedom Fries Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2003 Location: Mason, MI Posts: 192	I toured the EU w/a Chicago blooze band in 95 and 96 and the red-knob Twins were always in the backline. Because of tour budgeting (and I was a "hire") this was the amp rented for me. Not impressed but they're built like a brick bidet and more dependable than a Peavey. __________________ ------------------ http://www.drewhoward.com

September 9th, 2007, 07:04 PM	#23 (permalink)
jumpnblues Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midwest Age: 58 Posts: 1,553	I have absolutely nothing to go on except what I've read on the Gear Page Forum. I know almost nothing about Dumble inspired amps. I'm not even sure if that's how you describe them but I think most people know what I'm referring to. I wish I could be more helpful to you regarding the D'lite. The sound clips on their website are impressive though. Tom __________________ jumpnblues

September 9th, 2007, 09:55 PM	#25 (permalink)
SushiDanWah TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa CA Age: 43 Posts: 27	Here he is in 1997, plays a Strat one song and a Tele the next - and sounds like Robben no matter what he is playing Looks like he has the Dumble behind him and a couple DD3s next to his tuner and volume pedal... Strat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PizOj...elated&search= Tele: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUcov...elated&search= Which sounds better, you all can decide Dano