Rig Rundown - Tommy Emmanuel, CGP

Article and photos: bit.ly/TommyEmmanuelRR
Even at an ungodly hour, Tommy Emmanuel met with Premier Guitar where he revealed the gear behind his huge, natural acoustic sound. Of course, the secret ingredient is talent and listening.
Emmanuel tours with three Australian-made Maton guitars. Two of them are identical EBG808 models (he keeps one in standard tuning and the other tuned down a whole step). The 808s feature sitka spruce tops, Queensland maple necks and Maton’s proprietary AP5-Pro pickup system. The AP5-Pro contains both an internal mic and a piezo pickup with onboard EQ controls.
The third guitar is a Maton EBG808 TE Tommy Emmanuel signature model, which also features a sitka spruce top, but the back and sides are made of Queensland maple. An Ultra Acoustic Feedback Buster is placed in each soundhole to help keep any unnecessary frequencies under control.
To see and learn more about Emmanuel's live setup, visit: bit.ly/TommyEmmanuelRR

[@philmikki]

John Bolinger is such a great interviewer. He always just asks his questions and lets the artist talk. Occasionally he throws in a short comment or an agreement, but we hear the artist.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

He’s a guitarist, that’s why…..asks what all of us guitar players are thinking

[@MNZMeridian]

Agree

[@dustinadair7893]

He’s definitely the man for the job.

[@ErikZmusic]

A 43 minute rig-rundown for a man who basically has no rig. :-) Absolutely captivating though. I could watch Tommy tell stories and just play all day long. :-)

[@paulthegeek]

And still WAY more interesting than anything that involves AxeFX.

[@matuldamegasen8562]

paulthegeek Hahaha!!

[@justinrulesass]

paulthegeek fuh-king ay

[@yvonnemunn6105]

Cremated body

[@MauroRezende]

100% agreed! What always amazes me is how clear he can make the guitar sound. No matter the speed, the tone, the venue (studio or live), you can always hear every single note of his chords and melodies. But this one deserved a follow-up with his sound man.

[@Tedroy]

"He's not in the music business, he's in the happiness business". Great guy.

[@DwightMS1]

Not only is Tommy an incredibly gifted player, he's a delightful guy too.

[@gheffz]

Have to agree!

[@ordinarypeople2270]

What's the song this video starts with

[@Kenshin1400]

@@ordinarypeople2270 The title of the song on the start is Only Elliot

[@mrmajestika]

Gotta say not only is this guy an amazing guitarist ,he has such a refreshing personality and sense of humour without the slightest ounce of ego and so easy going what a great guy self depricating and doesnt take everything so serious.He has an organic approach .The guy doing the interview deserves credit as well for letting him talk and sharing the laughs

[@tonygadaleta7446]

Hey Anthony a great and accurate read of Tommy's personality and character - I ought to know as I've been a fan of his for probably longer than you've been alive :) He's the epitome of humility

[@blueyepaul]

As a Melbournian back in Australia I recall Tommy on the local T>V show "Hey It's Saturday" playing way back then in the late seventy early eights with the same flair and talent. A typical Aussie who does Australia proud. That interviewer was a breath of fresh air, fun and lay back.

[@ordinarypeople2270]

What's the song this video starts with

[@tecentral7564]

@@ordinarypeople2270 only elliot 👌

[@philhellmuth2771]

This is the greatest no rig "rig rundown" ever produced

[@AdstarAPAD]

Excellent Interviewer.. Allowed the artist to elaborate and give the information without being interupted.. A good interviwer knows when to shut up and allow the artist to talk and when to inject their prompting short questions.. Great work interviwer..

[@brycesaylor752]

+AdstarAPAD Haha you must of watched another video that I'm thinking of lol

[@Dtruthseek]

Right with you, AdstarAPAD. Watched this interview yesterday and came back today to find out more about him. Emmanuel and he were playing a great duet. He's a heavyweight, John Bohlinger. Can look him up on Wikipedia or other places. An accomplished individual. If he were interviewed, I would be interested in seeing it.

[@alansturgess1324]

I wish those bastard interviewers on BBC Radio 4 would learn to LISTEN before diving in with their own comments. Conversely, I wish bloody politicians would try to answer questions without endlessly repeating the same garbage party lines. Neither of those types of git are worth wasting your time on. Far better to pick up your guitar and play. So - good comment about John's interviewing style. He asks and then listens ..... 10/10

[@Fsuholley]

Dude. John is the man. Always great interviews.

[@ChippsChippendale]

@@alansturgess1324 And great to see an interviewer as captivated as you or I would be. They're our surrogate in the room and we want them to ask the questions that we would ask ourselves. John does that very well.

[@TheAlbiCollier]

Rig rundown for a man with no rig yet I've never been so moved by a guitar interview. Genius host and Guest.

[@Rgmekanic]

Best guitarist ever. Interviewer was excellent too.

[@josephrocco5793]

Rgmekanic I'm

[@dhggamerrr6527]

Xog if of lh ti

[@phutureproof]

No such thing, but he is one of my favorites for sure.

[@t-boog2173]

Yeah, Tommy's accuracy is unreal. No matter how complex the part, he plays it perfectly. It's amazing.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

@@phutureproof it’s arguable…he does all that on an acoustic too….electric you can hide a lot of mistakes etc…on an acoustic you’re NAKED…you duck up, everyone knows

[@rickfrazier1148]

I was fortunate enough to run sound for Tommy about 15 years ago. We had the system and room tuned and EQ’d great and Tommy came out and sound checked and walked to the edge of the stage whilst playing and by ear alone had us make a couple small adjustments to the EQ and rig in general. He was such a great guy and super humble.

[@czgibson]

Tommy is a lovely guy and unquestionably one of the finest guitar players who has ever lived.

[@JakeSpeed1000]

There are good guitarists, great guitarists, and then there is Tommy Emmanuel! His guitar has notes that my guitar doesn't have.

[@WiserInTime]

I've been able to see Tommy Emmanuel live a few times now. Please, if you haven't seen this man live yet, put it on your bucket list to do so. I've seen many concerts in small, venues, medium venues, stadiums, with lights, lasers, pyrotechnics, thundering sound systems, high energy enthusiastic roaring crowds, but nothing compares to seeing an absolute virtuoso performing solo in an intimate venue. Every time I have seen that man perform I walked away feeling like I just experienced something so special. It's almost a spiritual experience. His albums are wonderful but his live shows really let his brilliance shine. Sorry if this sounds a bit flowery but I'm telling you, he's that good...and he seems like such a nice guy doesn't he?

[@wingfoot48]

I saw him about 10 years ago at a small bar maybe 100 cap and I was first one there and he chatted with me and it was amazing show agree with everything you said

[@HWMLND]

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Just saw him recently, he’s still going strong!

[@williamsmith5541]

That guy gets more out of life in one day than some do in a life time. He plays pretty good too.

[@WutipongWongsakuldej]

John looks so happy with Tommy there.

[@DannyBrooks1]

Tommy makes everyone happy 😊

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I'm so glad he's finally in the spotlight. I remember reading his columns is Guitar Player magazines and hearing his name in the West coast studio circles. Always thought he is the best unknown artist of all cause his been doing this for 40 yrs.

[@kennybluet5527]

In addition to his musicianship , which we all know is the best , his ability to explain what he does is crystal clear and spot on. Love his storytelling.

[@ayushmanbhalla8737]

All i want from god that great tommy should never get old..... i pray for his long life, we need these kinda people’s for better future and for better and real music..... i mean how humble he is and he always ready to share these amazing knowledge of guitar which he got by doing sooooo much hardwork...... he is giving this knowledge in free otherwise people use to go highly institutes to learn these stuffs..... but this man is too different..... No doubt a living legend and a master of guitar, great composer and humble human being..... your biggest fan from india 🇮🇳.......

[@MrDannyr2000]

Tommy is the gun, I first met Tommy and His brother Phil 30+ years ago when they played regularly at the Pacific Hotel beer garden on the Gold Coast Australia , they had one of the best shows in town, you had to see them play together to appreciate how talented they both are, a memory ill never forget 😄

[@ordinarypeople2270]

What's the song this video starts with?

[@ordinarypeople2270]

What's the song this video starts with

[@emanuelschulte1174]

such a nice guy this interviewer! Humble , positive and charming . Great! Tommy Emmanuel is above genius

[@porthos-rc6er]

:)

[@kaiying74]

I absolutely loved this. Especially love that captivated look on John's face throughout. Tommy really is one of a kind.

[@Quicksilver_Cookie]

What you expect: fantastic rig rundown with one of the best PG's interviewers and an incredible guitar player. What you get: a spiritual experience :D Simply amazing. It's just two great people talking about things they love. Unlike most rig rundowns this didn't feel a little bit awkward or anything.

[@bbunters]

Now that's how you do an interview! Good stuff.

[@tomacosta2033]

There are many great guitarist in the world, but none can match Tommy Emmanuel!

[@dadude7]

Great interviewer. Both came across as such nice guys. This is a seriously feel good interview. I could listen to Tommy all day and never get bored.

[@MelvilleG]

Enjoyed both Tommy and the guy taking the interview. So polite and respectful. And Tommy... well so Tommy. Please, man, live for two hundred years and play more stuff. My son just has to hear you live when he grows up.

[@paulthegeek]

Tommy is such an amazing player. I can't decide if I want to run home and play my guitar all day, or just give up entirely cuz I'll never be that good. *sigh*

[@beeps123]

Get to work!!

[@soofitnsexy]

yeahhhhh….just chucked my 7000 collings out the window…damnnn I loved that window

[@punishr36]

Rocco Astoria HAHAHAHAHAHAAH!!!!

[@soofitnsexy]

Thanks Bobby

[@IamtheActionman]

Rocco Astoria hahaha...too funny.

[@ghclimer]

Tommy is such a beautiful soul. I've had the privilege of seeing him live twice thanks to some amazing friends of mine. He is truly a man who loves and appreciates the art and continues to be an inspiration to guitarists across the world.

[@ThompsonChiro]

What an amazing interview. So humble and transparent. 45 minutes. Crazy.

[@AuditoryStorytelling]

I've never seen anyone seem so joyful playing music on-stage before. Tommy is a true musician, and just a pleasure to watch and listen to.

[@Veaseify]

The more I watch John Bohlinger do these its obvious that people in the industry know who he is and have respect for him, even though most of us had never heard of him. Leading house bands on Country Music shows on TV and being a major session player in Nashville doesn't get you Guitar God status but I imagine his family aren't starving...

[@JDCullum]

Can't say enough good things about him, as a musician and as a man. He's the spirit of music.

[@guitarjonn7103]

Actually checked this out to see what capo he prefers, which he's using it in the opening piece he so amazingly performs here. It's such a beautiful experience watching him play. He is so beyond technique that what comes out, and what the listener feels, is pure heart and flow which you can see in his infectious smile. I have such great respect and admiration of him.

[@barccat]

Is it a G7th gold plated?

[@keithcarter9396]

Tommy, always entertaining, always brilliant. A great musician, I wish I had his talent. Good interview, I enjoyed it. Thanks

[@enikita]

The thing with Tommy is that everybody usually watches his left hand (and the interviewer did it too) when you really should be looking at the picking hand - that's where most of the magic happens.

[@toph2527]

eNikita not true lol

[@Hesed6]

? Lol yeah not even close to the truth

[@Nostaljack]

I'm watching far more of his picking hand than his fretting hand.

[@pauldigga5419]

Thats where all the magic happens. Fretting is fretting once learned. All your style, skill, magic, and feeling come from the strum. That’s why lefties NEED left handed guitars. Also the “interviewer” is John Bohlinger a great guitarist in his own right

[@EvilSean62]

to be fair lefties are by definition "sinister" ... and as such should be burned as abominations ... or not //.. i can`t quite decide ... maybe if they would practice ...

[@csharpminorseven]

A masterclass in modesty, simplicity and sheer style from the acoustic master Tommy Emmanuel, and an excellent non-invasive interview from John Bollinger - thanks to Premier Guitar for making and posting this really worthwhile, enjoyable video

[@vincemendoza28]

Best Rig rundown I have seen. Excellent job Mr. Bolinger. That was a spectacular interview .

[@andygarbett8310]

I really enjoyed this interview, it just gave Tommy a chance to chew the cud as his genuine self. Such a nice chap :)

[@jujoboha]

One of the best Rig Rundowns ever! What a great, great player!!

[@dean9598]

I've had the privilege of meeting Tommy twice and he was able to have me sobbing, laughing and smiling all in the same night. A truly amazing, warm and wise man, who is just as nice as he comes across in all his interviews. Such a treat to the music world and to his fans. Don't think twice about going to see him!!

[@SuperHeavyDave]

"Do you know what those chords are? Oh absolutely! That one, and that one, and that one.... " That made me laugh out loud. Great interview, loved it.

[@mruncletheredge]

43 minutes just flew by.... What an awesome dude....

[@MrUltraworld]

Much more than a rig rundown

[@mdwoods100]

What a great ambassador Tommy is. Great player, great personality, just an all around decent guy. Love his music.

[@TelecasterLPGTop]

I saw Tommy support Roy Buchanan at the Metro in Sydney and also supporting Clapton at the Sydney Entertainment Centre both times he made it really difficult for the headliners because the audience was so blown away by him. I guess it was because we knew what to expect from Buchanan and Clapton but Tommy was different and fresh a different thing with his percussive way of playing.

[@davidrobinson2021]

always amazing to hear tommy play

[@TiagoFrancomusic]

Thank you Premier Guitar, John Bohlinger and Tommy Emmanuel! A great interviewer/guitar player/music enthusiast like Mr Bohlinger and a great musican and nice person like mr Tommy. A fan from Portugal.

[@guitarrazos]

I´ve never seen somebody who loves so much to play than tommy... seeing him play makes you want to play.... thats why i love this guy.

[@rockdfunk]

time seems to stand still when I hear/watch Tommy play. A gift every time.

[@StueyDoo]

I'm glad they talked about the foot tapping. Because I love they way he's always tapping along with his playing, even when noodling. He's tapping away, keeping that perfect tempo throughout. Great player and cool interview

[@daveguitarnowski4402]

Great interview. And tell me that isn't the greatest background wall ever!

[@truthteller1914]

That was 40 minutes of the most valuable playing information - ever. Find what works for you and ignore everyone else.

[@ChannelGilly]

Not Bad for a Lad From Oz . Phil was a great Guitarist too . I got to jam with him at a Boxing Day Jam 5 or 6 Years ago . Sadly , He's no longer with us . Great Interview . Thanks , Premier Guitar .

[@danwaldie4661]

How cool to enjoy an interview with TE in the same room. Great guest!!

[@jeffmoore9487]

The interviewer never once ran over Tommy. Great team, lot's of info. Just proprietary Maton pickup system? Really?

[@SP2333]

Jeff Moore yes

[@roblarson9065]

Jeff Moore The Maton PU’s are the best acoustic pickup I have heard in 40 years. I own the TE808

[@gheffz]

Good point ... yes, you are right!

[@byroncrump4390]

Yep the maton ap5 pro has bridge pick up & built mic combo

[@Olivierinoz]

Oh Tommy what an amazing player an player and equally human being 👏🙏

[@marktheshark27]

Saw TE last night and I won a private lesson with him before his show. What a great, warm guy. Taught me and signed my guitar.

[@gheffz]

Well done & Congrats !!! And yes ... agree!

[@minitom74]

a refreshing concept to a rundown...TE gives you the single min of gear chat, but really the rig is himself, and nicely explains how he achieves what you hear from his perspective..JB you are a gentleman interviewer, good job.

[@raywalton7333]

What a brilliant player and the most unassuming guy. Fantastic. Great interviewer too, well done.

[@uro826]

Love this guy ! Cheers from Denmark !

[@drfdwf392]

25:00 Hand signaling the editor to cut that part after insulting the lady is so funny.

[@ronj9448]

This is really an interview about performance with Mr Emmanuel. Which makes sense because he said that his only tools for tone are his hands. He's his own rig. ;)

[@christianboddum8783]

Thanks PG - this may be the best informative, inspirational guitar related video on KZbin at the moment!

[@thomasmaurer1231]

I am 62 , and thanks Tommy , seeing you playing the guitar with so much passion , your talking about the guitar pure love for the guitar, .....made me pick up my old 1992 MAYTON again , and I am glad I did !!!.......I just went ( beyond the „ three week pain „ .....and I am having a ball , .....thanks mate ,it filled a void ........You inspired me , because you are honest ! .......you made me believe in the Instrument again ......I have my excitement back for the guitar .........thanks bro ..........I [played your style 40 years ago , IN GERMANY ..........I can relate to your story ! ......I used to be pretty good at it ......but at some stage , I realised., that .....You guys , are so much better , and faster than me ........I stopped playing !.....I was young ..... Now, its just fun , without expectation!.....its a relief.....( I hope I will keep it up ...).......I love guitars , and I love the way you talk about every instrument ..........I needed to hear that .......You have made me appreciate my instrument again .........thanks Tommy , cheers Thomas (. TOMMY ) Maurer ... Illusionary Art .........

[@Highcastle_of_Tone]

Alway enjoy Tommy, but I have to say that John Bohlinger did a great job with this rig rundown. Tommy is always a great interview, but it was obvious he was very comfortable and enjoyed talking to John and that made for a great rig rundown.

[@sans_souci]

This is by far one of the best interviews I have ever seen. Tommy is a one of a kind. So humble and funny. The interviewer also did a fantastic job. Thanks a lot for this. All the best.

[@philipatoz]

Look at that - over 300,000 views of a long interview talking technique and equipment - so you know that most watching this are musicians. Tommy's the gold standard for tone on acoustic, and all manner of beautiful nuances and dynamics. Particularly fingerpickers amaze me - the amount of volume, projection and tone that can be achieved without a pick can be stunning. Tommy stuns far more than most - just born to be more talented than almost anyone else at fingerpicking a six string! And he plays with such obvious joy - you can see it as well as hear it!

[@cloud.0sharon-teinasagent326]

In the 90s Tommy giged here in Auckland New Zealand & l was giging wishing l could go, he our Eurl Klu from down under, beautiful player unbelievable gymnastics on his gat, thanks u two for a wonderful 45 mins in my life bless

[@JimmyStrain1]

I think it was 10 something years ago when I met Tommy. He was down-to-earth humble person, he was like a warmhearted boy(like 15 years old) with just salt'n'pepper hair. He was such a nice person, and by just having 5-min chat with him, I knew he's that person who always try to be sincere as much as he can, whomever he's talking to. We talked about his beloved and only effect rack on the stage that night, which was Alesis MidiVerb 2 that he got from ebay for, like, $40. Well, after that day, I bought the same MidiVerb 2 only to find the most well known facts about the tone of great musicians: It's NOT the effect processor, but skilled hands and professional attitude of the performer. So I know what I'm talking - We need more Tommy Emmanuel for the planet. Oh, and John Bohlinger, too. :)

[@Kurt9099]

Tommy's personality comes out in every note he plays! He is one of a kind!

[@realcygnus]

a living legend

[@texasblues1]

MY HERO!! Long live the great TE! Just had my guitar PLEK'd at Glaser Instruments and it was a life changer! Thanks Tom for the heads up… from a fellow Aussie in the US

[@whitelion204]

Tommy is the greatest in term of musicianship and human being. I just couldn't respect him more.

[@michb7414]

Great job interviewing Tommy. I love Tommy E. He is amazing and has such a great attitude..... He puts smiles on everyone who hears him play

[@AshStrat1]

Outstanding playing from Tommy as always , he is totally at one with the guitar

[@sixstringlove8242]

I was cruising around iTunes and was trying to find something new. Have you ever got yourself into a kind of funk with music where nothing really sounds appealing anymore and you're just like BLAH! ? I stumbled across Tommy Emmanuel and that was like a bolt from heaven. He is so musical, so talented. I bought everything he has made in his career. Magic fingers.

[@beeps123]

This is one nice interview. So much if priceless and useful information. Thank you. I think that the interviewer did a fantastic job.

[@markjohnson9485]

Thank you Tommy for the inspiration

[@misukachao46]

Great interview of a truly nice guy

[@MichaelGrecoGuitar]

what an amazing one man show! I have seen Tommy live 4 times and it is absolutely jaw dropping

[@douglasmcintyre3297]

Many thanks to Tommy Emmanuel and John Bollinger for a tremendously enjoyable and informative program. What a surprise to learn how many of Tommy's influences are mine as well, great singer-songwriters like James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot. What a sublime pleasure, listening to arguably the world's greatest thumb picker at work and at play, revealing how he created his signature sound and what works best for him on stage. I'll be putting in an order for a few of Tommy's thumb picks, if he has a left-handed version. I play an acoustic-electric left-handed LV-series Larrivee. By the way, thanks so much John, for your and the others performers' songs a few years back during the taping of the "Outlaw Trail" show, performed in Austin, Texas. I recorded it about four years ago off of HD Net and I guarantee it won't be deleted from my PVR until hell freezes over!

[@gitarbangsatchanel8036]

Melted every watch TE play the guitar

[@beaudjangles]

What a great watch. Good work to everyone involved.

[@blueswood854]

My face hurts from smiling....the man is a gift.

[@Throbtometrist]

It's honestly so unimportant what this guy plays through. Absolute legend.

[@LooneyTune666]

Always the showman. Seen him live a few times and he's simply awesome.

[@Nostaljack]

This is just an awful Rig Rundown. He's in some music store in Nashville, he's showing only one guitar, he says almost nothing about it, and he doesn't say a thing about his amps, and he barely speaks of pedals or anything. This is also one of the very best videos to come under the Rig Rundown heading ever. Tommy is so interesting and John is clearly into it throughout. So glad you did this with him.

[@GONZOFAM7]

Nice work John, got out of his way and let him run his thing. Many thanks.

[@davidjohnsen3245]

Damn John, you have the best job in the world!

[@joenice529]

He’s humble guy, which makes him even greater an awesome player and even better human being

[@lucaspires8833]

It`s impossible not to love Tommy!! Excelent interview, btw!!!

[@MathijsIgnoul]

Being able to do all the effects with my hands is the reason I love acoustic and classical guitar. Tommy is genious.

[@Pan3405]

such a polite host!!!

[@soulvaccination8679]

Greatest guitar player alive..

[@mykylc]

Love this man

[@robbychism]

I love that at the heart of it all, Tommy is a genuine fan and lover of music. You can see his passion for it and it comes across with genuine humility even though he is so virtuosic. Awesome guy.

[@stewartkeyes2643]

Tommy is THE acoustic guitar player

[@dangreenwood]

What a lovely guy! Tommy your enthusiasm is infectious.

[@Daniel-ci7fv]

I've seen him live 8 times in 6 years, and he gets better every time.

[@MrJohnRhee]

It's so much more than a rig rundown... It's "sit-down-and-have-a-yarn-with-TE-while-he-plays-mad-awesome-guitar"