Rig Rundown - Don Felder

Article and photos: bit.ly/DonFelderRR
Shortly before a recent show at Nashville’s City Winery, Don Felder took a few minutes to talk to Premier Guitar’s John Bohlinger about everything from his first garage band with Stephen Stills to his years with the Eagles and beyond.
Felder is best known for slinging his iconic Gibson EDS-1275. The model shown here is his signature Gibson “Hotel California” model with separate outputs for both the 12-string and 6-string. The original inspiration for the dual outputs came when Felder attended a Chet Atkins concert when he was a kid and Atkins routed the lowest three strings to one amp and the top three strings to another allowing him to play (and amplify) “Dixie” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy” at the same time.
Felder has also been closely linked to holy grail-era Gibson Les Pauls. His original ’59 is safe at home but this Custom Shop ’59 reissue with custom-wound Seymour Duncan pickups joins him on the road.
To continue learning about Felder's gear, visit: bit.ly/DonFelderRR

[@SpruceCreekTraders]

Read a Joe Walsh interview a few years ago. Joe made it a point to say that Henley and Frey only wrote the lyrics, that the music was all Don Felder, and that he's a criminally underrated guitarist....

[@williamroark]

SpruceCreekTraders I’ve always felt the same His two songs on the “Heavy Metal” soundtrack are my fav!!!

[@phillipmarchal638]

William Roark OMG, I love those tunes!

[@manuelpena3151]

Yes, Don Felder IS criminally underrated.; another genious.

[@patrickjaroch5084]

thats 100% accurate and hes a genuinely nice guy , glenn frey was , a selfish guy but , nobody can match don henly when it comes to being a total prick

[@SpaghettiKillah]

patrick jaroch yep. Let's not forget how Frey fought with Meisner backstage which eventually led to him leaving the band. I feel like Henly and Frey were bullies, whoever was better looking or more talented would get the boot. And btw, Eagles 1st single to sell over 1 mil copies was Meisner's " Take it to the limit " He wrote it and sing it. STILL my fav Eagles track.

[@rclamb04]

Felder is such a class act such a humble and great musician, the Eagles really messed up on that deal. Love Ya Don!

[@DRealFatguy]

Thats true. Without Don they never sold a single album yet his solo career has been all platinum records. Wait ...

[@Kedeas]

DREAL I’m ROTF at your response. But Don’t forget Heavy Metal the song that sold 20,000 copies cause the band was basically Eagles. Would have sold a million minus Ron Smelder in it.

[@DRealFatguy]

@@Kedeas , I'd actually forgotten about it. Heavy Metal (takin a ride), not to be confused with Heavy Metal by Hagar.

[@jdl1991]

He was smart though. He kept hold of the original Eagles agreement as a partner & they ended up making a settlement. Recommend his book.

[@DRealFatguy]

@@jdl1991 , I agree. Though even with the book, and appearances, he undoubtedly lives of royalties for that one song.

[@ballsyrocker]

I think Don's youthful health is also a tribute to his mellow ego and humble spirituality. He doesn't take his fortunes and luck in life for granted. He certainly deserves all the positives in life for leading an honest life. Look where Frey and Henley's negative karmas got them in the eyes of fans.Peace,Don & thank you for being....you. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidpearlactorteacherbizman]

so true..well said sir

[@SportzMediaSSC]

exactly right.

[@Draganism]

Felder is such a humble charming guy. He certainly has nothing to prove. To my mind he is up there with Clapton and Hendrix. Great interview.

[@jettoth3]

He's a genuine southern gentleman. It's refreshing to see such a gifted musician that has remained so humble.

[@mudwiser1391]

What a great guy, this was an outstanding interview. Great storyteller and he tells those stories with a big ole smile... now there's a real musician!!!

[@DeepakEapenKoothoor]

Absolutely, what a humble and sweet guy he is! Love to hear him talk.

[@luke6260]

asdfasdfasdfasdf

[@johnschaul6055]

yes he takes it easy.if you know what i mean.

[@mudwiser1391]

ha ha I see what you did there Johnny

[@nonahyobusiness8063]

Don Felder is one cool dude. Classy, talented, friendly and down-to-earth. Thanks for posting this!

[@imtheman4805]

Classless is more like it

[@miramarensis]

My favorite Eagle. What a likeable, personal guy.

[@llewellynanthonycarr9453]

Very Very True!!!

[@LateBoomerGR]

Same!

[@postulusml]

I love don Felder. He is the guitarist and person we all long to be.

[@johnmac333]

What a talent and how humble !? None of Frey's or Henley's arrogant pretensions .

[@thedude-jb7wx]

Thats cause Felder is a Liberal and Henley is a conservative lol. Conservatives have huge egos they have the best words and are like needing attention and affirmation all the time lol lol

[@billguenette7281]

Felder and hotel California are to the eagles like Garfunkel and Bridge over troubled waters are to Simon and Garfunkel

[@M3RRIH3W13]

It seems that all the old bands have those great stories. He was Tom Petty's guitar teacher, learned slide at Duane Allman's mother's house, Dumble's house is full of amp parts, and living with Seymour Duncan's sister and winding pickups. That was like the History Channel of Rig Rundowns!! Loved it!

[@billyrouse4813]

It was actually Seymour Duncan's wife.

[@rodildequiroz4421]

Add to that the connection to the Jenners, the Kardashians, Elvis's Ex Linda Thompson thru his daughter's marriage to Brandon Jenner.

[@billkelly1197]

Great seeing Don again! Back in '76, while working on a project for my band Dakota, with Danny Seraphine producing, Don loaned me a couple of his amps as my road amps sounded like crap in the studio. He was awesome! He and Walsh both were very helpful and the results were great. Class act

[@norms1280]

Great to see ya comment on this buddy

[@RakelaK67]

The true musical talent of The Eagles. What they did to try and tarnish him only ended up splashing back on Frey/Henley and made those 2 look petty and pathetic and greedy.

[@bizjer1]

Bang on, love your avatar btw.

[@MrUltraworld]

Don wound up being owed over $50m plus future royalties that Don went and split with his first wife. Don's a class act.

[@ddevonick]

Yep. Your classic case of Karma gonna get you.

[@MrUltraworld]

***** Guys like Don Henley and Glenn Frey (RIP) got rich and greedy. They deluded themselves into thinking they were the brains to the entire works and didn't have to share things evenly. They would take a song being handed in by another band member and add a few things and write themselves in as a songwriter to get a percentage of the publishing. Joe Walsh (who got robbed several times this way) called it "Add a word, collect a third"

[@rosshatton6715]

You are jocking Henley and Frey were the best song writers All members of the eagles contributed these two would have been successful who ever was with them great singer Felder ?

[@tonysexton8207]

My favorite Eagle ...by far !!....They've never been the same since he left !!....You simply can't replace such an iconic player !!

[@mehmd1913]

The amount of knowledge and willingness to dispense this knowledge is unreal. Arguably, one of the best interviews ever.

[@matt6l6]

I hope Walsh and Felder get the chance to play together again sometime in the future.

[@gunnerman21]

Agreed. Those dudes shared something truly special.

[@mudwiser1391]

Me too, two amazing players with totally different styles, but they are always on the same page and complement each other's playing perfectly.

[@ghosthead2008]

As long as Henley's still kickin', won't happen. Joe, as well as the rest of the band, is his puppet. I wouldn't doubt it, if there was some sort of "no playing with Don Felder" clause in Joe's contract.

[@michaelmarshall1713]

Now that I would line up for . Please let this happen.

[@donnakeeton168]

if there's any justice in this world, Walsh and Felder will play together again someday. I love watching the concerts from back in the day where they looked so happy to be playing together. It's such a shame the way things turned out. We were robbed.

[@lucasjames572]

Without Hotel California, the Eagles would be just another rock band. I know Henley and Frey put the lyrics together but they had to have the music first. Pure genius from Mr. Don Felder. Sad that the Eagles screwed him over like that. So many people today go back on their original word. They had a deal and they reneged. Even Joe Walsh wouldn’t speak up for him. Don, U R class personified.

[@bluescaster67]

What a delightful and humble human being. Not a hint of bitterness after all he went through. Wouldn't it be heaven to sit drinking beer and listening to these great stories with this genius.

[@MusicMan642]

Taught slide by Duane Allman...no big deal or anything lol.

[@dawsonhooker7480]

I'd give everything I own for that

[@justincider4375]

Stephen Stills was in my garage band.... I taught Tom Petty how to play guitar... just the usual things kids do growing up.

[@TheUrbanmeister]

Made me smile as well...

[@bobconnor6164]

He's definitely led a charmed life. Would love to be him!

[@stevenkalin3239]

this doesnt really jibe with the allmans story. according to greg, and every version of the story by someone close to the band, duane didnt start playing slide until he was in LA, just before Hourglass broke up and he started the Allman Brothers Band.

[@mumausarbogast-fonck423]

He wasn't called "Fingers" for Nothing, he is a real gifted guitar player/teacher

[@sanfranman242001]

Don Felder is the most modest and cordial rockstar, love this guy.

[@justinherbert9146]

When i saw the Eagles in 1994 - fourth row Giants Stadium - outstanding concert -- what impressed me the most was Don Felder's guitar playing and his tone - his tone was the best i ever heard by any guitar player in concert - and i have seen all the greats in person except for Hendrix - Don Felder is one of the greatest guitar players ever

[@jbkormos]

Dammit!! The amount of history Don Felder has experienced is astounding....!!

[@vivares765]

Mr. Felder has some of the most memorable riffs in the history of guitar playing..true legend!

[@Ry_Valz]

Give this man a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction! He deserves it, come on!

[@Nirsterkur]

Absolutely!!!

[@morgan72359]

"It’s easy to see why Felder garners such a level of respect. Not only is he a proud, longstanding member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, having been inducted with the Eagles back in 1998, he was also inaugurated into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville in 2016 and the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2017." Copied from Don's Website

[@imtheman4805]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RedoxRxn535]

Don is THAT GUY! So nice and humble, I’d love to meet him one day and just chat about life

[@jnh73]

I could listen to Don talk all day. What a treasure. Way to go PG, letting the conversations breathe and letting the man talk. This is easily one of my favorite Rig Rundowns.

[@bretthalliday6938]

I really like the way Don comes across! No ego, just a real down to earth guy and a super talented guitar player! Fingers Felder! After seeing the Eagles documentary I really have a lot of respect for Don for being true to himself and not agreeing to take a lesser cut of the Eagles proceeds. Don was a huge contributor to the Eagles and for Glen Frey to down play that is really unjust! Keep on Rocking Don!

[@hugharcher5358]

that documentary just showed Frey and Don Felder to be greedy so and sos - not very rock n roll

Don Felder's explanation of his gear was just the best. He's accessible and very candor on how he arrived to get that sound. Really digged when he said, "You don't need all these effects, pedals...it's in the player and a good guitar."

[@jeffreyhall76]

Don’s solo on “I can’t tell you why” is one of the greatest solo’s I’ve ever heard.

[@chester_hobbs]

That was actually Glen Frey who played that solo.

[@jeffreyhall76]

@@chester_hobbs I don’t think so. I know the linear notes and Wikipedia say so but I think it might be bs. If you watch the actual official music video for the song and the numerous other live performances it’s Felder playing it. Go watch the official music video spectacular performance by Felder and it’s his style sounds identical to the recording

[@jude2789]

@@chester_hobbsFrey played the first solo on the recording and don played the second solo

[@royhinkley402]

Frey indeed played that solo on the studio cut. Felder played it live while Frey was on keys.

[@The10000lbGorilla]

Don: "I am actually Friends with Seymour" Me: "Seymour who?" Don: "Seymour Duncan" Me: "Oh......"

[@magprob]

Henley and Frey didn't treat the others right. I figured that our early on, and stopped buying their stuff. Don Felder is a really nice guy. I wish him the best.

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

Same.

[@JamesDGardner]

That Duane Allman story, that’s incredible, showing him how to play slide, man just imagining that, that makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. A demonstration from the literal master himself. Great to hear new people’s accounts of Duane Allman you haven’t heard. Just imagine hanging around with Gregg and Duane as kids. Unreal. Rest In Peace, Allman Brothers.

[@jean-francoisguilbo7833]

You can't beat Don Felder: Only Joe Walsh and Don Felder can!

[@CarnivoreguyScott]

Don Felder is the real deal genuine humble talented cat & his solo on “one of these nights” is one of my favorite all-time , I love to crank that one up and loved his book also . Rock on Don.

[@FinalCurve]

John, you know how to make them talk! Good job

[@KrupaDrums]

Felder is a class act and great musician. Very genuine guy, you can see his passion in guitar. Inspiring

[@ClarenceHW]

Don, you're a classy, straight ahead guy. Thanks for the music all these years.

[@huwalmighty]

Not only is he a legend but he is a great guy. awesome interview

[@charliefoxtrotthe3rd335]

What a guy! The stories, the talent, the outgoing personality, the fame...setting aside Custom Shop Guitars for his kids while he's still touring...I could listen to him all day and not get bored.

[@tonypetrillo3488]

The guy is amazing... Just an amazing musician.... Added so much to the Eagles songs..

[@gary_beniford]

I thought I'd just skip to the guitar talk but dons so great to listen to and hear his stories half an hour went by faster than ever.

[@joshg2350]

Amazing how far Duane Allman’s impact reached. Felder seems like such a good guy.

[@kingsscarletknight]

Listening to Don is really inspirational... he's a rare jewel. What a beautiful soul.

[@TheMNB]

His guitar work was core to the Eagles sound, especially before Joe Walsh joined. And the way he worked with Joe just illustrates how exceptional both of them are.

[@electrolinks]

What a cool guy. Has a 59 Les Paul. Friends with Seymour Duncan and Alexander Dumble. Why not?

[@Gilyslas]

Excellent player. He's in a class by himself. He needs more recognition as a guitarist. Nice guy too!!! Thanks Don for sharing. Peace

[@adamlourenco]

I was waiting for this one! Great rundown. Y'all should do Joe Walsh!

[@Chrispbacon94]

thats the one im waiting for as well

[@jimisteel5149]

Agree!

[@mikemikemike701]

I called Ernie ball and told them they have to send me a lukather signature model.......they didn't.

[@TheDogPa]

Maybe you forgot to tell them you were Don Felder?

[@luke6260]

87hj

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

TELL THEM RINGO SENT YOU NEXT TIME ! TRY THAT !

[@sealevelcain4664]

TRICK-OR TREAT hahaha

[@seanhammer6296]

mikeashimself701 I had that same problem.

[@Hickmann]

I have to say that he seems to be the most down-to-earth, open and friendly guy of all the Eagles.

[@MisterGuitarItalia]

What a great guy... too bad he's a vampire... how else would you explain he won't age?

[@upos9471]

It might be the Gainesville Green.

[@luke6260]

asdfasdfasdfa

[@rhykko77]

not that there is anything wrong with being a vampire .

[@andohish27]

+tim price is that something real?

[@upos9471]

Is what real?

[@ladime]

Felder is awesome!! I grew up on his amazing music and love it even more today. Just an amazing dude. Great interview.

[@jeffmorrison2915]

Don Felder is a legend. he was the very soul of the Eagles. This man's playing style has its own unique signature.

[@christopheragan8465]

don felder was always one of the most underated guitar players and still is

[@clemclemson9259]

lol ok.....

[@Voxboy876]

How in the hell do you top " I taught Tom Petty how to play guitar"...........Incredible musician.

[@JC-ye7pj]

Great that Don mentioned Lipham Music, but also sad they closed down. The younger generation has missed out on the great music stores that had your favorite artist sign records or guitars when in town and often put on shows in the store's parking lot with the local stores musicians playing back up. I saw Pat Travers play at a Peaches parking lot in the 80's in Dallas, sad those days are gone!

[@THEJMILLSBAND]

Don Felder, Thank You :-)

[@Vortigan07]

A class act all the way!

[@tjnugent62]

That was a great rig rundown. Felder has great stories... and he has access to Dumble, which I didn't even think he was alive, but I do believe he is and living in Santa Cruz. John, it looked like you were in Santa's workshop on this one. Great job!

[@cypressdobro8759]

is it nugget or nuge et

[@mickeysigrist]

That black Luke's absolutely stunning! Oh My God, what a piece of gear.

[@rcdubya]

Still one of my all time favorite guitarists. His classic tone of an LP through a tweed Deluxe is "the" tone I hear in my head.

[@sudburyman8775]

Don Henley gives me the creeps. Good for Felder. He was a full partner and hopefully he's getting his fair share of anything Eagles.

[@mez5590]

My band was fortunate enough to open for Don in the height of the Covid nonsense at a private party in Montana. I’m not an Eagles fan because Henley and Frye were such a turn off but Don was/is such a super good guy, class act. After hearing his band perform I have become a huge fan of his…check them out if you get a chance. He’ll play every song you want to hear from the Eagles and his band will amaze you!…

[@mickeysigrist]

Got teached by Duane Allman. Holy mother of slides...

[@mikereynolds3294]

greatest player ever in my book......luv ya Fingers....from your old stomping grounds here in Palatka

[@robgoodson2212]

Seems such a nice guy. Not the pain in the a** that Glenn Frey hated so much.

[@markbirchette8740]

Don, been with ya since the 70's. You are one of the best. Forget all the rest !!✌

[@bengalvin9932]

DON I WILL GIVE YOU $1350 CASH FOR THAT 59 LES PAUL YOU WILL MAKE A FAST $150!

[@luke6260]

asdfsadfsadfsdf

[@mtm105]

qweoriuqwerpoui

[@fanoboss]

that's a fair price ben galvin. then you will double your money when you sell it to me

[@lapelcelery42]

I AM FELDER SEND MONEY FIRST

[@charliefoxtrotthe3rd335]

Sounds legit to me

[@watfordkev]

Mr. Felder comes over as a very engaging and enthusiastic fellow, with no signs of world-weariness or cynicism - a really good watch, this, thank you!! A nice easy gig for Mr. Bohlinger, who as usual, let his subject run!

[@mLaNo96]

What a top bloke, if there is anything you can guarantee the people who are at the top of their game are normally the soundest of characters.

[@axelbodin3089]

I read somewhere that he have around 300 guitars in his collection. Hehe that´s not bad to a collection.

[@ronherrera6651]

Him being so soft-spoken and humble, you just don’t realize how talented he is!

[@MrBeblis]

Very classy person, a true musician ...

[@ieronimo18]

Don Felder is amazing in concert. Saw him and his great band in Salisbury, Massachusetts last night.

[@timothytibbits7942]

I get asked sometimes what is my favorite guitar solo. I always say Don's solo in One of These Nights. Nothing I could have ever come up with myself. The Eagles were really smart to hire him in the first place. They just got stupid later.

[@laurencethomson-brown6070]

Same man, or definitely in my top 5. Felder really knew how to create memorable and melodic solos, he sings through his fingers.

[@el_nestorvgc]

12:03 When we recorded Hotel California I played 16 tracks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! maestro

[@taunimiller9763]

I have so much admiration for Don Felder... A true professional in my eyes.. It's too bad that Don F. And Randy Meisner didn't get more recognition.. You'll always have fans here in northern cali... Thanx for sharing your gift of music with the world..Tj..

[@daledeimel1833]

and Glen Frey talked this guy down. Have zero respect for Frey. RIP Frey but no respect.

[@ia5662]

Fingers Felder! The man has super tone

[@mickeysigrist]

I love those 70 guys that are simplicity all the way when it comes to rig.

[@fonzybrookestone727]

Seems like a nice fella! Prob has many stories, that he can tell for days!

[@michaelkime4119]

Information about the rigging brings us closer to our musical heroes . Thank you!

[@chordkc734]

What a legend. I couldn't imagine if him and Joe did a gig together...

[@SullyDunn]

Dude he is so cool

[@SullyDunn]

Oh my gosh

[@55TeleMark]

What a great interview. Felder seems like such a nice guy.

[@daleyoung87]

Don is a class act!

[@calvinscheuerman]

What an awesome rundown! the stories were even better than the gear, and i just love it when john does these; he's the best. thanks premier guitar!

[@mrdottle8581]

I think he is truly a nice guy and awesome guitarist

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

He's a great guy. Eagles really gave him the shaft. The Eagles would never have been the band that they were without him. He wrote the music to more than half his hits, plus being a guitarist myself I've always loved how Don is the only guitarist I've ever heard that never gets stuck in a rut. Example if you just heard guitarists like SRV or joe Walsh or Santana or almost any of them after 5 minutes you'll recognize their licks. Don if you listen to all his eagle leads every song is different. He may not be a shredder (big deal) but he's a guitar scientist. Listen to the older songs like Visions . He was always ahead of his time. He's always been my personal favorite guitar player

[@stevenjacobson8177]

Mark Schuster s

[@nitemunky76]

Great interview. Can I adopt him as my Dad?

[@t-boog2173]

I Love Don Felder! I can't tell you why but every time I hear Hotel California, I get a peaceful, easy feeling. He's a real desperado too. All night long, he really takes it to the limit. And sure, he's not the new kid in town anymore, living life in the fast lane but did you check out his shoes? Those shoes are perfect for a long run. And yes, I know your sick of these puns but get over it cause I'm already gone. Take It Easy!

[@jaialaiwarrior]

I don't give a shit how great Henley's lyrics are, or whatever Glenn Frey contributed musically to the Eagles or in general. Don Felder is an incredibly personable raconteur who knows the craft inside and out and actually brings any music he plays TO LIFE. A totally classy, ingenious guy and a wonderful all around person, no matter what that miserable sourpuss Don Henley wants to take credit for or whatever that angry narcissist Glenn Frey brought to the band.

[@trumptorianguard6219]

Typical chick rearranging furniture in the background at about 20:00. Chicks and moving furniture! Crazy.

[@RinoUnivers]

DonFelder you are a real role model as person and as musician. There should be more people like you.

[@teamelitediamonds6362]

One hell of a bad ass guitartist too. vastly underrated.

[@grainofsalt4934]

Another great interview! Thanks John

[@HavardEkremster]

What a great guy

[@jw.2507]

Don seems like a great guy. He takes the time for the interview with great depth. A great guy and an amazing guitarist! Eagles forever

[@mikegilland]

What a great video...Don Felder was indeed an integral part of the sound of the Eagles, and what a nice guy...very down to earth. Thanks for sharing.

[@mearkitek3773]

Don Felder is a class act. He was wronged by the Eagle's Egos. Glad he's doing well.