Robben Ford Tone ?

collinsman · June 16th, 2006, 09:19 AM

I posted this on another forum so with all the great Tele [players here I'll give it another shot. I know when Robben's ' Dumble amps are in the shop he uses a ' Zen Drive' box through a twin to create the tone he likes. I've tried different overdrive boxes at "GC" with liitle results + I know some of it's in the hands also.

My Q is, seeing how the Zen has a long waiting period + $'s, and I don't want a huge amp like a twin, have any of you ( Ford tone fans ) come up with pedal/amp that works without spending the big $'s. thanks

SteveY · June 16th, 2006, 10:23 AM

I often hear one quick bounce delay in his tone as a fattener, so don't forget some of that.

Mik · June 16th, 2006, 10:38 AM

Don't get hung up on the popularly perceived connection between Ford and Dumble. I've personally heard (as in: I was 6 feet from him) Ford say that he prefers the tone of a blackface Deluxe Reverb.

Any fairly clean amp that responds rapidly to a light touch can help a player approach the Ford style, and then, you know, it is all in the hands.

What a great player Ford is...I'm still kicking myself missing his run at Yoshi's last May!

BTW a little off topic: I was watching PBS last night Legends of Jazz, Lee Ritenour was featured, what great tone and impeccable taste and lively style! So humbling!

Mik

Guitarzan · June 16th, 2006, 12:37 PM

This issue has been discussed numerous times in the Stompbox forum. If you do a search there, you'll find a lot of info.

Two frequent, alternate suggestions are the Menatone Howie and the Barber SmallFry (or the whole Burn Unit).

What are some of Ford's songs that create the impression that he has such great mojo? I do not know his catalog that well.

BB · June 16th, 2006, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by collinsman

My Q is, seeing how the Zen has a long waiting period + $'s, and I don't want a huge amp like a twin, have any of you ( Ford tone fans ) come up with pedal/amp that works without spending the big $'s. thanks

I recently had the pleasure of sampling a tour box with 5 prototype pedals from George Blekas of Pedalworx. I'll post a review of the pedals when I have more time.

There were two pedals in the bunch that will put one right smack in the Ford/Carlton tone camp. The #1 proto pedal was my favorite. This will be the new "Tejas" pedal. Incredible pedal. Like an extention of your hands.

Right behind is the Cactus Crunch. This one was actually and older style CC, but man...was it ever nice! A tad more grit and gain on tap, but still a pedal I'd be happy with for the rest of my days.

According to George and a good bud who has tried the new CC, it is much smoother and more responsive than the old one. Hard to believe it could be better than the one I sampled! I'll have one soon to review, so I'm pretty stoked.

Of course, there is much, much more than a pedal that goes into the above tone equation, but I must say, I was very, very impressed with these pedals.

henryp · June 16th, 2006, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mik

What a great player Ford is...I'm still kicking myself missing his run at Yoshi's last May!

While we're on the topic, what's THE Robben Ford CD I should own (presuming we can narrow this to just one)? TIA

Philo · June 16th, 2006, 03:02 PM

Probably Mystic Mile or Talk to Your Daughter

sidneystreet · June 16th, 2006, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by henryp

While we're on the topic, what's THE Robben Ford CD I should own (presuming we can narrow this to just one)? TIA

I would pick Handful of Blues, and also Mystic Mile. Those are my must haves.

However, I think every CD from Robben Ford & The Blue Line to the present has tremendous classic blues tones. His tele into a Fender or Fender-inspired amp is tonal magic in his hands.

stechmann · June 16th, 2006, 05:17 PM

The little soundclip I have on my website is the OCD into a Fender Super Reverb with a little bit of slap back delay from a Maxon AD-9. I also own a Zendrive but the OCD nails the tone just a well IMO.

www.stechmann.dk

BB · June 16th, 2006, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stechmann

The little soundclip I have on my website is the OCD into a Fender Super Reverb with a little bit of slap back delay from a Maxon AD-9. I also own a Zendrive but the OCD nails the tone just a well IMO.

www.stechmann.dk

Very nice Frank! Great tone, playing and phrasing.

collinsman · June 16th, 2006, 09:28 PM

Wow, thanks for all the info, some food for thought ' Frank I loved your clip, your tone is close to what I'm looking for. BTW, what's an OCD ? The amp I'm saving for will either be a ' Blues Junior, or a ' Peavy Classic thirty, if that comes into the equation at all. thanks again.

hal · June 16th, 2006, 10:28 PM

Maybe save a little more and go for a Deluxe RI. Most everyone on this forum would agree it's a great amp.

I'm fond of my AC Booster for creamy, Robben-like tones. But a lot is in the hands and the licks. Frank really has that nailed!

getbent · June 16th, 2006, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hal

Maybe save a little more and go for a Deluxe RI. Most everyone on this forum would agree it's a great amp.

I'm fond of my AC Booster for creamy, Robben-like tones. But a lot is in the hands and the licks. Frank really has that nailed!

or save enough to get a kit amp and build your own deluxe ... as the wise poster above, the venerable Mik states... he Robben Ford loves deluxes... get and build the real deal... just a thought.

collinsman · June 16th, 2006, 11:51 PM

Man, i can't even do legos (s?) wish I had the talent. What deluxe ? reverb, blues.

hal · June 17th, 2006, 12:09 AM

Just a Deluxe Reverb Reissue. It's a great amp. And I believe even the new ones can be "blackfaced" to original specs. Anyone out there know for sure? I'm lucky enough to have a 66 Deluxe, so I'm not sure about that last part. What say you wise members of the TDPRI?

stechmann · June 17th, 2006, 05:09 AM

A Fulltone OCD through a Fender BJ with some good EL84 tubes will get you near that Robben Ford tone IMO

http://www.fulltone.com/ocd.asp

The OCD is not a cheap pedal, but I am sure you get one on eBay for a good price.

Frank

Masterbuilt · June 17th, 2006, 10:45 AM

Its HIS tone guys!All in the soul and fingers.I've heard him play his Baker straight through a shop new Twin and it still sounded the same!No effects.

collinsman · June 17th, 2006, 12:30 PM

My favorite RF cd is " Blue Moon," and after talking with Robbens tech ( Dave, a great guy ) I found out he used his Tele big time on that cd.

Q: How does the " Sparkle Drive " box compare.

hal · June 17th, 2006, 12:39 PM

I have a Sparkle Drive. It's the best TS-808 style box I have found and I've been through a bunch. I like the feature that allows you to add clean signal. I don't think of it as a Robben Ford tone animal though.

collinsman · June 20th, 2006, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mik

Don't get hung up on the popularly perceived connection between Ford and Dumble. I've personally heard (as in: I was 6 feet from him) Ford say that he prefers the tone of a blackface Deluxe Reverb.

Any fairly clean amp that responds rapidly to a light touch can help a player approach the Ford style, and then, you know, it is all in the hands.

What a great player Ford is...I'm still kicking myself missing his run at Yoshi's last May!

BTW a little off topic: I was watching PBS last night Legends of Jazz, Lee Ritenour was featured, what great tone and impeccable taste and lively style! So humbling!

Mik

Can you give me a 1/2 doz reasonable price combo amps in the $200 - $400 range to look at. thanks

firefrets · June 21st, 2006, 08:00 AM

I've met Robben 2 or 3 times.At the moment,he's using a stomper by banzaicalled the fireball ll

Quote:

henryp wrote:While we're on the topic, what's THE Robben Ford CD I should own (presuming we can narrow this to just one)? TIA

Lots of people talk about Robbens recent albums,which are great,but if you wanna hear Robben playing blues like he's capable of,then check his albums that he did with his family,in the ford blues band etc.For example..the blues collection...as real as it gets..etc

Vincent Caster · June 21st, 2006, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidneystreet

Quote:

Originally Posted by henryp

While we're on the topic, what's THE Robben Ford CD I should own (presuming we can narrow this to just one)? TIA

I would pick Handful of Blues, and also Mystic Mile. Those are my must haves.

However, I think every CD from Robben Ford & The Blue Line to the present has tremendous classic blues tones. His tele into a Fender or Fender-inspired amp is tonal magic in his hands.

I would second Handful of Blues, also check out his stuff with Jimmy Witherspoon, on one of those discs they do an awesome cover of Big Boss Man

Mik · June 21st, 2006, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by collinsman

Can you give me a 1/2 doz reasonable price combo amps in the $200 - $400 range to look at. thanks

PM'd you,
Mik

collinsman · June 21st, 2006, 11:58 AM

Your message didn't go through for some reason.

Old Doc Skinner · June 21st, 2006, 01:26 PM

Robben's tone is mostly in his hands, maybe moreso than anyone else I can think of. I'm hearing a striking similarity between the tone he's laid down with that signature humbucker-loaded Fender and the tone he gets with his Tele.

Maybe some of that is post-processing, but the guy is just a singular, spectacular player,

June 16th, 2006, 09:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
collinsman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2006 Location: " Land Of Ten Thousand Taxes" Posts: 1,119	Robben Ford Tone ? I posted this on another forum so with all the great Tele [players here I'll give it another shot. I know when Robben's ' Dumble amps are in the shop he uses a ' Zen Drive' box through a twin to create the tone he likes. I've tried different overdrive boxes at "GC" with liitle results + I know some of it's in the hands also. My Q is, seeing how the Zen has a long waiting period + $'s, and I don't want a huge amp like a twin, have any of you ( Ford tone fans ) come up with pedal/amp that works without spending the big $'s. thanks __________________ The Tele, my favorite axe and I love the Players - Albert Collins, Roy Buchanon, Robben Ford, Danny Gatton, Jerry Donohue, & many others.

June 16th, 2006, 10:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
Mik Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,416	Don't get hung up on the popularly perceived connection between Ford and Dumble. I've personally heard (as in: I was 6 feet from him) Ford say that he prefers the tone of a blackface Deluxe Reverb. Any fairly clean amp that responds rapidly to a light touch can help a player approach the Ford style, and then, you know, it is all in the hands. What a great player Ford is...I'm still kicking myself missing his run at Yoshi's last May! BTW a little off topic: I was watching PBS last night Legends of Jazz, Lee Ritenour was featured, what great tone and impeccable taste and lively style! So humbling! Mik __________________ a "motor-bike with a touch of blood in it is better than all the riding animals on earth, because of its logical extension of our faculties, and the hint, the provocations, to excess."-T.E. Lawrence

June 16th, 2006, 12:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
Guitarzan Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hotlanta, GA Posts: 892	This issue has been discussed numerous times in the Stompbox forum. If you do a search there, you'll find a lot of info. Two frequent, alternate suggestions are the Menatone Howie and the Barber SmallFry (or the whole Burn Unit). What are some of Ford's songs that create the impression that he has such great mojo? I do not know his catalog that well. __________________ Set an eye on 'em Amos. Make it count, son.

June 16th, 2006, 03:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
Philo TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 43	Robber CDs Probably Mystic Mile or Talk to Your Daughter

June 16th, 2006, 05:17 PM	#9 (permalink)
stechmann Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Denmark Posts: 179	Fulltone OCD The little soundclip I have on my website is the OCD into a Fender Super Reverb with a little bit of slap back delay from a Maxon AD-9. I also own a Zendrive but the OCD nails the tone just a well IMO. www.stechmann.dk

June 16th, 2006, 10:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
SteveY Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Age: 58 Posts: 1,422	I often hear one quick bounce delay in his tone as a fattener, so don't forget some of that.

June 16th, 2006, 09:28 PM	#11 (permalink)
collinsman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2006 Location: " Land Of Ten Thousand Taxes" Posts: 1,119	thanks : Wow, thanks for all the info, some food for thought ' Frank I loved your clip, your tone is close to what I'm looking for. BTW, what's an OCD ? The amp I'm saving for will either be a ' Blues Junior, or a ' Peavy Classic thirty, if that comes into the equation at all. thanks again. __________________ The Tele, my favorite axe and I love the Players - Albert Collins, Roy Buchanon, Robben Ford, Danny Gatton, Jerry Donohue, & many others.

June 16th, 2006, 10:28 PM	#12 (permalink)
hal Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 825	Amp for the tone? Maybe save a little more and go for a Deluxe RI. Most everyone on this forum would agree it's a great amp. I'm fond of my AC Booster for creamy, Robben-like tones. But a lot is in the hands and the licks. Frank really has that nailed!

June 16th, 2006, 11:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
collinsman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2006 Location: " Land Of Ten Thousand Taxes" Posts: 1,119	build it ! Man, i can't even do legos (s?) wish I had the talent. What deluxe ? reverb, blues. __________________ The Tele, my favorite axe and I love the Players - Albert Collins, Roy Buchanon, Robben Ford, Danny Gatton, Jerry Donohue, & many others.

June 17th, 2006, 12:09 AM	#15 (permalink)
hal Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 825	What deluxe? Just a Deluxe Reverb Reissue. It's a great amp. And I believe even the new ones can be "blackfaced" to original specs. Anyone out there know for sure? I'm lucky enough to have a 66 Deluxe, so I'm not sure about that last part. What say you wise members of the TDPRI?

June 17th, 2006, 05:09 AM	#16 (permalink)
stechmann Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Denmark Posts: 179	Thanks all... A Fulltone OCD through a Fender BJ with some good EL84 tubes will get you near that Robben Ford tone IMO http://www.fulltone.com/ocd.asp The OCD is not a cheap pedal, but I am sure you get one on eBay for a good price. Frank

June 17th, 2006, 10:45 AM	#17 (permalink)
Masterbuilt Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: London,UK Posts: 316	Its HIS tone guys!All in the soul and fingers.I've heard him play his Baker straight through a shop new Twin and it still sounded the same!No effects. __________________ Did Leo make another guitar?

June 17th, 2006, 12:30 PM	#18 (permalink)
collinsman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2006 Location: " Land Of Ten Thousand Taxes" Posts: 1,119	best CD and Q: My favorite RF cd is " Blue Moon," and after talking with Robbens tech ( Dave, a great guy ) I found out he used his Tele big time on that cd. Q: How does the " Sparkle Drive " box compare. __________________ The Tele, my favorite axe and I love the Players - Albert Collins, Roy Buchanon, Robben Ford, Danny Gatton, Jerry Donohue, & many others.

June 17th, 2006, 12:39 PM	#19 (permalink)
hal Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 825	Sparkle Drive... I have a Sparkle Drive. It's the best TS-808 style box I have found and I've been through a bunch. I like the feature that allows you to add clean signal. I don't think of it as a Robben Ford tone animal though.

June 21st, 2006, 11:58 AM	#24 (permalink)
collinsman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2006 Location: " Land Of Ten Thousand Taxes" Posts: 1,119	Mic Your message didn't go through for some reason. __________________ The Tele, my favorite axe and I love the Players - Albert Collins, Roy Buchanon, Robben Ford, Danny Gatton, Jerry Donohue, & many others.

June 21st, 2006, 01:26 PM	#25 (permalink)
Old Doc Skinner Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 673	Robben's tone is mostly in his hands, maybe moreso than anyone else I can think of. I'm hearing a striking similarity between the tone he's laid down with that signature humbucker-loaded Fender and the tone he gets with his Tele. Maybe some of that is post-processing, but the guy is just a singular, spectacular player,