Duane Allman's Les Paul Meets Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke): Vault Sessions (S3:E11)

In this episode of the Vault Sessions, Blackberry Smoke's Charlie Starr meets one of the greatest guitars in rock history-Duane Allman’s 1961 Gibson Les Paul (SG Body-Style).
This guitar was originally purchased in 1970 by Dickey Betts at a music store in Gainesville, FL. Later that year, Dickey purchased his 1957 Les Paul Gold Top which he started to favor. Every time Duane went to play slide, he would have to re-tune his guitar to an open tuning, and the band would have to wait, slowing down the flow of the performance. In 1971, Dickie gave the SG to Duane so it could be left in open tuning. This guitar is currently on display at the Songbirds Guitar Museum in Chattanooga, TN.
These sessions help keep the music alive by helping the Songbirds Foundation raise money to buy guitars for kids…check out our website to find out more- songbirdsfoundation.org. Thanks to our sponsors and friends- The George Fontaine Family, The Riverview Foundation, Schillhahn-Huskey Foundation, GHS Strings, and Todd Sharp Amplifiers. Special thanks to John Dooley for the great video work.
WE HAVE SOME BIG SESSIONS COMING SOON: John Paul White, Andy Wood, Jimmy Herring + Duane’s SG, and more Moon River Sessions. Follow us for more!
#blackberrysmoke #vaultsessions #charliestarr #duaneallman

[@donnyhall2535]

Charlie Starr is one of the most underrated guitarists in music today. He is absolutely phenomenal.

[@randomprecisionmotors3130]

Yeah, but he strikes me as the type that doesn't want to be 'rated', which doesn't take away from his phenominal ability, and that TONE from that SG was very Skydog-like...

[@JJMewett]

The fact that he is a hidden gem is one of the best things about him and blackberry smoke. Im from the UK and had never heard of em till download 2019. Caught some of their set- damn. I was shocked at how awesome they were. I immediately wanted to see the whole show!

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Don't really know they're music but I'm a big Southern rock guy. Any comparison to them and any of the classic bands from that genre?

[@donnyhall2535]

@@rubicon-oh9km they're like the Allman Brothers, kentucky headhunters, georgia satellites, Lynyrd skynyrd, Pre 1980 ZZ Top, a little Albert King and a touch of blues breaker Clapton. They are awesome. You really need to check them out.

[@randomprecisionmotors3130]

They're definitely Southern Rock, and they do a lot of Covers from other Southern Bands, but they got their own sound...

[@junkboxhero4825]

Blackberry Smoke's newest blu-ray has Charlie on stage playing Duane's 1957 Goldtop Les Paul. The second I saw him with it I said "That's Duane's!!" but he never mentioned it. Then at the end of the video, there's a thank you to the current owner of that guitar. Charlie Starr deserves this stuff. He's not only a great frontman/singer/songwriter/guitarist but from all accounts, he's a good dude. He's fronting the best band out there right now and they did it the right way, playing to the small crowds until those small crowds tell their friends and they grow. I met them back in 2004 maybe? (Bad Luck Ain't No Crime Tour) and I was front row center (one of the few perks of being in a wheelchair). I'd never heard of them before, I was at the bar (Rock N Roll Heaven, Buffalo, NY) and they just happened to be playing there that night. They blew my ass away!! After the show they hung out with the stranglers and drank beer with us and signed shit. I had spent all my money on beer that night and Charlie asked if I wanted a CD, I told him I was broke, I didn't have the $10 or whatever it was. He hands me the CD after the band signs it and says "Catch us next time"...I still owe Charlie and the band $10, lol.

[@j.rollinsbrunson3671]

Junkboxhero, I just became a fan when I saw this ! I am of the opinion that Tedeschi-Trucks band is the best 'live' band since The Allman Bro's (who I saw perform... I don't know, 16-18 times since 1969) BUT... I will definitely see Smoke, when this pandemic is over !

[@junkboxhero4825]

@@j.rollinsbrunson3671 I totally understand your point of view. I never got to see ABB live but I did get to sit behind the stage outside of the Erie County Fair Grounds back in the mid-90s (I was recently paralyzed and literally POOR...could NOT afford a ticket) and they rocked as always. Lucky to see the original band play live, I've only seen the concert footage online and on old videos. I play a bunch of ABB on guitar...great band to learn from, Duane, Dickey and then Warren (Warren still blows me away!! Check out his solo album "Man in Motion" if you haven't). OK, I'm writing a book...sorry! Keep rocking, Brother!! "Funeral" Bill II

[@armandhammer2235]

Cool story

[@poodlenme]

I'm wheelchaired too! I don't get to get out to concerts. Duane is my Hero!

[@junkboxhero4825]

I've been paralyzed since I was 17, been to tons of concerts. You CAN go to concerts and you'll be treated very well by the staff and 99.9% of the fans...(especially the women who are looking for a seat, another rare perk, lol). You get to sit up front usually and I always end up with guitar picks or drum sticks. Bands know how hard it is for us to get to their shows so sometimes you even get invited backstage or on stage...I've been both multiple times, from hanging with Metallica for an hour to hanging with Zakk Wylde and BLS for an entire weekend and with Motorhead for an entire week, etc. I'm NOT bragging, it sucks BIG TIME to be paralyzed, no breaks. All I'm saying is you don't have to stay inside and just age, SJ Smith. You can email me at [e-mail] if you want to talk about anything, I'm here to help. Cheers to all! "Funeral" Bill Lange II

[@christopherhanna5754]

This is a man should be playin Duane's guitars.. huge respect.

[@lh1678]

An old band of mine opened up for these guys when they played a benefit concert @ Cotton Eyed Joes in Fernandina Beach, Fl back in 2010..great bunch of guys.

[@lindathalman3506]

Charlie is in guitar heaven. Look at that playing. On my knees with respect. Seeing them in Sept. 2024 in Paris and Brussels. And you?

[@lashdrubber4783]

I was bandmates with charlie way back when.He's got a bit of swagger-always got a card or 2 up his sleeve-and a quick pull trigger as well.He deserves the success he's recieving-he earned every bit of it the old fashioned way.go charlie go~peace

[@edoan60]

Nice!

[@mrshiney2]

The single most important thing he said was that they never played the songs the same way twice. Thats why those solos were so good, they from the heart and packed with emotion.

[@braderrick]

If anyone out there hasn’t heard of blackberry smoke you need to do yourself a favor and check them out. They have great albums but live is where they really shine if you ever get the opportunity to go see them!

[@cdwilliams6875]

if it wasn't for the pandemic, I would've seen them a couple weeks ago. Now I have to wait till October. can't wait.

[@braderrick]

Harvesterof Pain that stinks, I missed I out on 3 concerts total and my wife 4 so far. One of which was whiskey Myers. I look forward to seeing blackberry smoke again sometime, we’ve seen them 4 times I think and they’ve been great every time. My favorites to watch live.

[@armandhammer2235]

@@cdwilliams6875 Hurricane in Florida cost me. They cane back.😁

[@cdwilliams6875]

@@braderrick what really stinks is I have tickets to see ZZ Top next month. it hasn't been cancelled yet, but I know it will be. I've never got to see them live and they ain't getting any younger

[@braderrick]

Harvesterof Pain I’ve never got to see ZZ Top. Hopefully they’ll reschedule and you’ll get to see them eventually.

[@Zerbok41]

Any guitar Charlie plays will be smiling but it must of been an honor to strang on that one.🎸

[@johnpandolfino8663]

I'm old enough to have see him play.......saw him play three times...... twice with Delaney and Bonnie once with the Bros......he's the reason I play guitar today .....what a musician......what a hand......

[@cameroncooper1379]

It's one of those times where you can see the guy is in awe of the guitar!! I mean his playing is mint but you can see on his face his kinda like woah this is Duane's guitar.... am i awake!! So awesome, i love Charlie Starr.

[@swvastories3498]

I met Charlie after their set opening for ZZ TOP in Knoxville back in 2008. I just told him I enjoyed their music and appreciated what they do. He was very nice and shook my hand and thanked me.

[@EzyPete9593]

I just can't get enough of Duane's guitars.

[@JDH560]

Charlie is definitely a great choice to play Duane’s guitar .He is a humble guitar playing dude

[@coopert68]

Charlie Starr is an authentic badass guitarist, oh and by the way, he also writes great lyrics. Duane would be so proud

[@paranormalrushhour]

Glad he hit Dont Keep Me Wondering on that thing! Charlie is a cool dude, super nice person!

[@markhaus1329]

Yes Charlie is awesome. A good Old Country Boy originally from Valley Alabama.

[@jameswagner5098]

In my old band we covered several Blackberry Smoke Songs and most people used to tell me, “Man....Your Original Stuff is Amazing “. I always smiled and said, Thank you! Then I’d let them in on Blackberry Smoke!

[@bobbybillings4053]

I met charlie years ago ...he is a guitar nut and I know he truely loved this ...im old and seen it all but I know this was special

[@deathofthesouth9072]

I love that Songbirds keeps many of the great iconic guitars in use - like they should be. But at the same time, keeping them safe. Charlie Starr, and Jack Pearson both sounded great on Duane's guitar, but they sound great on any guitar! Thanks for having these beautiful instruments played by players that appreciate them.

[@SongbirdsFoundation]

We try our best! Thanks for watching!

[@armandhammer2235]

We lost SRV and Duane but we got Charlie. 😁

[@jaypack7572]

Don't jinx it!

[@johnbergen9663]

Armandhammer I like how he plays. SRV was no big loss but Duane sure was.

[@Panic42000]

John Bergen What a stupid comment! SRV was no big loss? You are an idiot!!

[@lufiealice6251]

John Bergen Coming on a guitar channel to slag SRV?! You my friend are a prick.

[@jamlive6650]

John Bergen SRV and Duane were both equal losses. Don’t be an internet asshole. He was one of the greatest blues-rock guitarists and vocalists of all time. They were both great and you know it

[@DrShankenstein]

Charlie Starr is a bad man. I've seen Blackberry Smoke live 4 times and they ALWAYS bring it!

[@jackiehullett4130]

Amazing, Charlie Starr is such an awesome guitarist, not to mention his perfection in song writing, and total deliverance performing. Good lookin too.

[@johnnybravoski7048]

LOVE seeing "Grown-ups" becoming kids again. Charlie's the man-child!!!

[@gabrielcallizaya7412]

Cool licks! Love The Allman Brothers

[@jamesianp]

Great video, this one and the 59 Lester that preceded it. I've only just discovered Blackberry Smoke. Charlie Starr is an amazing player. It's in the hands as the saying goes - put a special instrument in those hands . . . whoa.

[@wakjob961]

Seen BBS at least half a dozen times. Met Charlie and the band once. AMAZING live show. Never forget it ;-)

[@PanamaJack666]

The SG sounds amazing... I guess it also helps it's plugged into a Dumble! Charlie is a fantastic player, he makes me want to go practice!

[@ronwilson5210]

If anyone deserves the "honor" of playing Howard Duane Allman's axes, it is Charlie Starr. Keeping the Southern Rock 'torch' burning! And I like that 101'st "Screaming Eagle" tribute, too. All good!

[@siampanoramic]

When you play a guitar from an iconic band who inspired you all along your childhood... crazy..

[@hksoundpro]

Good lord! What an honor that must be. So impressed that his words & obvious reverence for Duane were beautifully articulated. Hot playing too.

[@chrisnettles6337]

Most definitely is underrated that's for sure , Charlie Starr. You are amazing! And I love watching you live and got addicted and I can't help it

[@whiteyholmes]

Every time I hear Charlie play or talk, it’s like a history lesson...

[@stoker20]

Snooping around BBS and Charlie stuff and found these Vault deals. I had no idea! That Charlie is One Cool Cat!!!!!!!!! Daaang!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Earlvis]

I recently went to the Big House Museum in Macon and saw that guitar on display. It was a very spiritual experience for me to know the Brothers lived there. Man if only walls could talk…

[@b.rodclark7349]

The 'brother to brother' SG is sooo iconic...period!

[@davidflint12]

How frickin cool is that? Pretty darn cool

[@nicklevan8058]

Charlie Starr is one of my favorite guitarists as of the last two days , hella cool guy

[@WildBill1120]

Just saw BB Smoke at the St. Augustine Amphitheater a week and a half ago. Great show! And Charlie can shred! 😎👍🏼👍🏼

[@mikesolomon481]

Very cool and very Special! Interesting that Duane had his guitar's action not that high so he could shift from slide ot non slide lead and rhythm so easily !

[@adamstkd]

Amazing guitar player

[@tedoakley5600]

Sweet Lord is that an amazing sounding SG!!!! Wow can Charlie really make that things sing. I wish I could play my SG like that=/

[@richardbratt1960]

Excellent 👍👍👍👌👍👍

[@edge1289]

Charlie is a rippin player man, I saw him sit in with Govt Mule where he and Warren tore up the Jersey shore with Cortez the Killer. Being a life long Peach Head, this warmed my heart, thanks man!

[@turtleshell6181]

This is a case of the right guitar in the right hands. Great vid

[@brownsfan7753]

Sure do love watching these videos!!

[@garychristensen4115]

Charlie is one more reason why I love Blackberry Smoke!!!!

[@keithsmith1123]

Charlie sir, idk how I'm just discovering your music but I'm so glad I did. I hope you're a Christian so we can play music together in heaven.

[@tommysvensson4469]

Thank you'

[@jasonhenry3589]

Charlie Starr brotha I love what you and BlackBerry Smoke do you guys compliment each other's style so well. For you to have a group of guys that genuinely care about the band and not get distracted by something else whatever that may be is phenomenal. You're badass, keep up the damn good work, live it up and take it all in. By the way keep rocking people's faces off. Love you man and the band I'm a huge huge fan. #blackberrysmokerocks #baddestbandintheland

[@arborist460]

I have dad's original copy of anthology he bought back then....Duane is a legend

[@robparsons1567]

First time seeing or hearing him play. Will not be the last. That was a moment. Hope he offered to buy it.

[@tfrost33elkhunter]

Perfect in every way!

[@Skypie61]

Charlie shows why he is a great guitar slinger...🎸🎸🎸🎶🎵🎼👍😃

[@ewoe21]

Dude seems pretty cool. Awesome video.

[@trickyrjb1]

What a treat!

[@Bicyclekelly]

Charlie, love your and Paul’s conversations when y’all play. I do my best to steal y’all’s licks!! Keep passin em down.👍🏻 Brother from Arkansas. I’m a big fan of the band. I come see y’all when y’all are close.

[@johnnytruck2009]

Way cool!!

[@davidteller7681]

Man, what I would give to hold that guitar one time!

[@cornbreadandtruth8195]

Awesome. When this virus stuff is over definitely going to the museum.

[@cornbreadandtruth8195]

I believe it's closed. Covid 19.

[@j.rollinsbrunson3671]

Definitely worth the trip.. From anywhere !

[@SongbirdsFoundation]

Come see us!

[@tiffanyjureczek9079]

There's no one else out there like Charlie Starr! He is ROCK AND ROLL!! Keep on rockin BLACKBERRY SMOKE!!!!🤟🤟🤟

[@jeffholliday8304]

It’s crazy how people from the south that are good guitar players they all seem to have that country rock touch long live the south

[@chrismunsonmusic3432]

I can honestly say that his connection to Duane's guitar is so much more prevalent than him playing the les paul he traded out from the video prior.

[@rcjons]

Love!

[@screedme]

Holy shit!! Love me some Charlie Starr!

[@mcambl61]

I have been looking for how to play that song don't keep me wondering for years. Excellent work sir

[@SongbirdsFoundation]

Glad to be of help! Check out our Crack the Vault Series to learn more licks!

[@halbertking2683]

I saw Duane with the Allman Brothers Band in Pittsburgh, Pa, at the Syria Mosque. I paid two bucks to get in. He played the SG/LP for the first half of the nite. He played the The Sunburst the second half of the nite. I vividly remember him soloing by himself in the middle of "You Don't Love Me". It went a little out of tune . He tuned it right back in and dove right back into it.There was no stoppimg him. Dicky was playing a gold top. They and the whole band were burning. He died days later. The best two bucks I ever spent.That gig was October 15,1971. It's on KZbin.Look up The Stonybrook, N.Y. gig,too,especially Blue Sky and Stormy Monday with Duane doing birddy noises on his solo.

[@paulfrombrooklyn5409]

This Charlie Starr fellow is a Pretty darn good guitar player. In case anyone hasn't seem it(or heard it) There is a KZbin video of Blackberry Smoke playing "Man of Constant Sorrow." It is soooooo good. One of my favorite videos out here. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

[@funeralbillii9172]

You mean this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3yWdpmpl8uVj9U

[@paulfrombrooklyn5409]

@@funeralbillii9172 YES!!

[@JC-11111]

Wow. Seeing that brought out actually brought tears to my eyes. You see his LP's all the time, but not the SG. I was hoping his daughter owned it, TBH. Wow. Just wow. Duane is my namesake. He and I share the middle name Duane. Yes, my daddy named me after the one and only. ❤️

[@theresabranum433]

OMGoodness Charlie Starr you are amazing 💕

[@brianwood7237]

Nice touch young man😎

[@thelolguy007]

Charlie is the real deal. Awesome 👏

[@rickrudd]

Super cool!

[@bryonkidder6199]

Luv it!

[@RickMcCargar]

Duane only played an SG for about the last year of his life. It was a Les Paul in most stage pictures for that reason. The eponymous first album was mostly if not all ES-335s. He played a strat during most of his side-man sessions. This SG is iconic, but less so than most of his guitars.

[@matthewheinecke2621]

A year is a long time when you consider how short his career was.

[@RickMcCargar]

@@matthewheinecke2621 Point is, most people never heard nor saw him play an SG because they weren't on most of his recordings.

[@matthewheinecke2621]

I get your point, but it's hardly insignificant.

[@RickMcCargar]

@@matthewheinecke2621 I wrote: "This SG is iconic". I did not write, "insignificant". That's an absurd mischaracterization of my words.

[@matthewheinecke2621]

"Less iconic" hardly seems worth mentioning.

[@Michael-xp6jt]

My kind of channel really like the great guitar player's 😎👍🎸🎶

[@timbunn1016]

I saw Dwaynne Allmans gold top Les Paul in Alman Brothers museum in Macon curator told me Charlie had played it twice at Macon Music Fest. Last 2 years

[@larryn2682]

Dickey's Les Paul/SG became Duane's open-E slide guitar near the end of Duane's short but influential life.

[@sneifert1968]

It’s the PAF’s full stop. PAF’s and valve amps. A match made in heaven

[@mikemckenna4924]

How does he het the same sound on this and his lp jr..great tones...what od pedal does he use...keep rockin Charlie

[@angusmcdugal1]

Man is Charlie talented. You get a sense of it when he plays with BBS, but you really get to see the magic when he is just jamming.

[@wallaceingramjr.4870]

Yeah!!

[@aldonova71]

I like Charlie, cool guy.

[@_LVC]

My wife still laughs at me when I fanboyed out when we met Charlie in. Vegas after a show in the casino,never miss a show when they come out west

[@KevinAngel-pu8wm]

Somewhat new to the blues, Charlie definitely one of my current favorites. What is the song that he plays at the end of the video

[@Bat21bravo]

Mercy -----

[@johnfrank2114]

Live at the Fillmore and Eat a Peach were and are the best albums The Brothers Band made with Duane Allman Dickey Betts and Berry Oakley

[@adamcoe]

i'd like a list of all the people that have ever played a 59 LP and Duane's SG. Pretty short list and I can't imagine (outside of this video series) anyone has ever played 2 such guitars back to back.

[@ajsmusic2561]

Charlie is one of us. His playing is driven by the players around him and not riffing all alone here. Right CS? I almost bought that SG, we were really close but those auctions can choke the life out of you with the greedy fees they hose the buyers with; it's a crime folks!

[@Klaxet]

I wonder what amp he's using? .....sound so good!

[@gailroon2215]

Rest in peace Dauwane ✌

[@jeffbrown7408]

What can you say about Charlie Starr and BBS! Great player , great band.

[@gailroon2215]

Smoken hot guitar playing

[@banditgrovmalet]

5:20 - perfect guitar sound. Y’all stop looking now.

[@tonekilltech]

💯

[@johnsc14]

Thas some quack he's got goin...

[@JaviLopez15002]

Do you know if thats an actual song? I like the vibe so much

[@JaviLopez15002]

I answer myself... Don't Keep Me Wonderin- Allman Brothers

[@Pdbottleneck]

Nothing in the world will make sense until Derek Trucks owns this guitar

[@samclemmons5373]

I may be biased because the Filmore tones are my favorite guitar sounds of all time, but I like the sound of this SG more than 59 burst he played in the other video.

[@robertwarner9921]

Well done Charlie, Skydog would be proud; does it play as good as it sounds?

[@ChrsGuit]

Just curious what's going on with the ball ends? looks like a second string ball end has been slid down the string, making the string ball end stick out... kinda like Joe B's tech does in order to wrap the string over the tailpiece

[@michaelsteven1090]

That's the guitar Duane used on "Statesboro Blues" Live from the Fillmore..It sold for $590,000

[@z-0678]

Hey Charlie, TURN IT UP!

[@frankburfoot8090]

The tone At 2:20 is what I’ve been trying to find for a long time . I just need to figure out how he does it

[@SongbirdsFoundation]

A good amp is the key! This is just the guitar straight to a 1977 Dumble-- no pedals.

[@frankburfoot8090]

Thanks for the info !

[@skydog71]

@@SongbirdsFoundation is it a 50w or 100w Overdrive Special?