Rig Rundown - Andy Timmons

Article and photos: bit.ly/AndyTimmonsRR
Andy Timmons is currently on the Ultimate Guitar Experience tour with fellow 6-stringers Jennifer Batten and Uli John Roth. Before their soundcheck in Nashville at the Basement East, Timmons demonstrated how he gets studio-quality tones onstage.
Timmons still uses the first prototype AT100 that Ibanez built. He’s so attached to it, that he even knows it’s birthday (Valentine’s Day of 1994). The bridge pickup is a DiMarzio AT-1 and he uses DiMarzio Cruiser in the neck and bridge positions.
For a slightly different tone, Timmons goes with a 2008 Ibanez AT10RP prototype that features a rosewood fretboard. Each guitar is strung up with a set of .010-.046 D’Addario strings.
To continue to learn about Andy's gear, visit: bit.ly/AndyTimmonsRR

[@Tanzbaer777]

Andy's tone is just the most beautiful one I've ever heard...

[@fmlh2o]

Check a young guy called Mateus Asato, if you appreciate good guitar tone. I like Andy's a lot too.

[@spicecrop]

So you never heard Eric Johnson's tone? Sounds exactly the same.

[@graxjpg]

It is a bit Eric johnson-y. Similar if not same era guitarists too, he even says his name in the rundown

[@83roadstar]

Andy uses the best amps in the world..Mesa Engineering

[@stefanpalicki3538]

steve lukather has better tone imho.

[@TheBenno16]

"You gotta run around and be exciting cause the music is not enough" hahah priceless honesty

[@jeffvanbibber6609]

I met Andy back in the late 80s. He is from my home town. Andy has always been the same. Always very nice. Comes from a good family. His dad use to come into Dallas Pro Sound and hang out. Very great man. RIP Gene. Your a great guitar player and person Andy.

[@benc6284]

Timmons has learned a lot from Eric Johnson, but I'm not talking guitar here. He knows what it means to be good to his interviewers and to his fans. He plays well enough to have an ego twenty times the size, but he's just an awesome person.

[@craigpardy4291]

Kevin Coin Great comment Kevin!!

[@tysonrinker8089]

and how to cut his hair

[@chrislandrum62]

"I can't really play without my band." Dude... Are you kidding me??? So humble

[@NRG2]

😂😂😂

[@kareemb0]

Andy is the tone king for me. His tones and playing... phenomenal.

[@ernie12man]

So refreshing to see a Rig Rundown where the guitar and rig actually get PLAYED, not just talked to death. I only clicked my way here for Andy Timmons and not surprised he would insist on some playing in a rig rundown. Most of them are incessant blathering about the gear that makes sounds, and never sampling and sharing those SOUNDS that come from the rig!! So keep the playing happening in rig rundowns, the beauty of them is in their SOUNDS, not the voice of the musician and his love affair with it.

[@premierguitar]

+ernie12man We encourage every artist to fire up their rigs (because we love hearing them, too), but so many factors (venue restrictions in union halls, door time, other obligations, meet-and-greets, general time, if a band is a headliner, often their gear is covered by the opening bands onstage, etc.). Rest assured, we nudge every guitarist or bassist to give us a taste of their tone.

[@smiley4288]

+Premier Guitar Thats great to hear, a little nudge never offends anyone!!!! :D

[@ernie12man]

+Premier Guitar Thanks PG!! I should've known there'd be a complex backstory to the whole issue. I have seen many that are perplexing with their lack of fun riffage and sound sampling of all that these pro's use in their arsenals. You do a great job with these and extra gold stars when the sound factor is rich and engaging like this one. The new standard by which all Rig Rundowns shall be measured. All hail Andy Timmons!! :) and hi-fives for a killer series!

[@premierguitar]

+ernie12man Thanks! We try! And, yes, we agree, all Rig Rundowns should be on this level of humor, tone, and playing!

[@premierguitar]

+smiley42 Not. One. Bit.

[@cool555breeze]

Tone... TonE... TONE! And he is such a great person, always helping and teaching. Love this guy.

[@arielista]

John just asks all the right questions, awesome work.

[@proc007]

+Ariel Lopez Couldn't agree more!

[@ripplebear]

And we get the bonus of seeing his "I just woke up from a nap from under the stage" hairdo. 😁

[@Gitfiddle]

I love how Andy actually plays solos with the clean tone. I hear so many guys that say "Here's my clean sound" and they play a couple of chords and then it's Hey here's my latest distortion pedal! Andy gets so much character and variation out of his clean sound.

[@timothyholmes4588]

me too solos through clean really sing . it sounds so mature and professional. I never solo clean until I really dug into satriani

[@InspiretoVictory]

Andy Timmons is such a class act. Down to earth and easy to talk to. Watching this really made my day.

[@Quicksilver_Cookie]

One of the best Rig Rundowns out there.

[@baggedcereals]

this beats any movie

[@agnezabarutanski1963]

Andy's tone is outwordly beautiful and Andy is one cool, humble dude. I absolutely love him. Along with Guthrie Govan, Eric Johnson and Greg Howe, he is an extremly rare mix of great talent and easy going, zero arrogance personality.

[@AdamIronside]

Andy always seems like the nicest guy. Great tone and playing.

[@timbowers2978]

He is very nice and humble!

[@crunchoverdryv9358]

Watching this rig rundown for the 7th time... so inspiring!

[@BenFairbank]

I got full chub when he talked about Shawn Lane and Stevie Ray hanging out

[@yjmsrv]

Just my humble opinion, but that was by far the best Rig Rundown so far. Not just because I love Andy Timmon's playing and tone so much, but even John seemed to be pretty blown away by it. I love how surprised Andy was on some of those "new" sounds he dialed in by accident- and when they mentioned EJ and the DD2 delay I laughed along with them because I did the same thing- "Really? A DD2? I think I have one of those laying around here! " That was pretty funny. Anyway- best Rig Rundown to date for me! Well done John! Thoroughly enjoyed watching this whole thing and I believe I've seen all of Andy's gear tours- this one was the most enjoyable because they both seemed to really be enjoying themselves!

[@Casey_J96]

100% agreed.

[@kitten-inside]

Except for the horrible microphone distortion when anyone speaks.

[@rockhurstalum09]

I agree!

[@chakat1991]

💯💯💯 agreed

[@VixCrush]

There are a lot of contenders for best rig rundown... ACDC has to be right up there..

[@rbagel55]

Andy has become one of my favorite players, because he can play just about anything from shred metal, chicken picking, jazz and fusion stuff. Those of you who haven't heard much of this guy need to check his stuff out

[@MrPaolo101]

This guy is one of my favourite American guitarists atm... I have no clue what the dislikes on this are all about.. Theres so much cool in this its staggering!..

[@LodvarDude]

Timmons seems like such an awsome guy in every interview. He also has amazing skills, great feel and tone for days. Great RR.

[@mftran]

The treble bleed circuit on his volume knob is a huge part of the tone. Best mod I've ever done is wiring up my guitar like his.

[@waynetrezise9764]

Hi Michael, where did you find his guitar wiring information, cheers Wayne

[@SRHMusic012]

@@waynetrezise9764 DiMarzio has info their recommended circuit in the product info sheets for their pickups. Probably need to tweak from their values a bit depending on your pickups, etc.

[@bumblefritz]

Agreed. I do this in all of my guitars. It really lets me work with my dynamics and gain without muddying up my tone.

[@tel5690]

Andy is freaking awesome. .Hell of a nice guy...underrated guitar player

[@NigelNaughton]

This was an awesome episode.

[@billsstudio2528]

Everytime I come back to this guy (AT) on KZbin I am super impressed. Would love to seem him live. Very organic and musical. Kinda like Eric J meet Joe B, in a way, but different. His rhythm is great, leads musical.

[@adammakofske7557]

I saw Andy at the National Guitar Workshop in CT in 90 and 91. He was an amazing player then, and he's only gotten better! Great tone and playing!

[@admarhermans1]

Great one! This mr. Timmons is just a great guy and player: no frills! 'Daniel The Gig Rig' not only knows his stuff, he's sharing his knowledge (and doubts) with us every week! His 'That Pedal Show' on KZbin is a real great tool for us all (even for me as a bassplayer). I'll never ever will miss a 'Gig Rundown' or 'That Pedal Show' video! I even started to get our guitarist to do his homework with the free knowledge, (great subjective/ objective) reviews and 'you should knows'. I gave him my custom built heavenly germanium Bas Becu fuzz pedal by Q-Music (by Q-Music (The Netherlands)) to have him understand the issue of 'before or after buffers'. He's really into it big time now, and re-exploring all the pedals he's had for a long time all over again. There's just so much free knowledge by great guys and girls on the net these days!! Thumbs up for 'Rig Rundown' and Daniel 'That pedal Show'!!! School's never out for summer!! Kind regards, @.

[@PlayFloyd_IN]

Uli Jon Roth spotted at 39:31. Love Andy Timmons, John Bohlinger and Premier Guitar! Thanks a lot guys for such a wonderful video. :)

[@KoshikaSurasena]

+Sanyam Jain yeah havin uli goin through his rig in the same video would have been christmas

[@PlayFloyd_IN]

:)

[@Slicklickz]

+Sanyam Jain Actually spotted him at 37:34.

[@sealevelcain4664]

Slicklickz I SEEN him at 37:33......

[@BitterBosh]

"A wild Uli Jon Roth appears..."

[@KristianLarsenGuitar]

Great rig rundown as always, Premier Guitar. Andy is such a down to earth dude. And what a player!

[@MartinCliffe]

Andy is killer. Lovely guy, will happily talk gear with anyone, and a phenomenal player with amazing tone. Thanks for this Rig Rundown, it's one I'll watch again!

[@Chilinoploopy]

Andy Timmons always has great tone!

[@ITheFight]

I'm sorry but that Lone Star gain channel w/ the tube screamer was the best thing I heard all night! wow

[@erichaheidrich4593]

Great musician, great tone. Showing actual sound during interview is a plus.

[@ozoneswiftak]

Pick ups sound like fender single coil .I watched the whole thing. Such a gentleman. Thanks

[@rowecierras5171]

This is how Rig Rundown suppose to be... a complete balance of everything not just all talkin' and talkin'.. and I love Andy T!

[@Andrelix67]

Great to watch this... Andy seems to be such a nice guy too!

[@JAFOpty]

could watch this all day. Love when they really take the time to show the rig...

[@jordandedomusic]

35:32 when he kicks in his 808 to goose the Lonestar's dirty channel and it sounds twice as good as the JHS through the clean channel:) His face and reaction tell it all!

[@Diax1324]

Pedals in clean channel... Ick. Amp overdrive is always superior.

[@joshuamichael4312]

Lol totally. He stares down at the pedal board for a few seconds in silence too.

[@timothyholmes4588]

amp tone is my favorite but my boss blues driver into clean channel is a tone I just gotta have with a little memory man on it it's just fun . sometimes I'll put my big muff with some delay and crybaby and oh I'm in heaven. but of course my j m 800 and single recto put out some killer tones I actually love the clean on the Mesa it's what I use for pedals .

[@zoeyf3471]

@@joshuamichael4312 I thought I was the only one who noticed that LOL. He's probably thinking how he has to redo his whole pedal board now.

[@Astral_Wave]

"tone hangover" -what a genius term for THAT concept he described.

[@homerdomer73]

This is why we come here. Just a great rundown with a guy who truly loves the pursuit of tone. Every time I see a video with Andy I'm impressed by his humble approach and versatile styles. Very under the radar kind of guy. Good work PG.

[@MB-yw3pv]

NICE DAN GETS A SHOUT OUT, HIS CHANNEL IS AMAZING, ALWAYS LEARN ALOT FROM HIM AND MICK

[@raytorvalds3699]

"It obviously starts here" -> wiggles fingers.. "But it's nice to have all the helpers" Andy Timmons 2016 Very well said !

[@dashripkin]

Andy is one of my all-time favorite players, and it's a joy to watch him talk about his rig and guitar playing in general. It's clear he really likes this stuff. Thanks, PG for bringing this to us.

[@jnh73]

Good lord you can eat that tone with a spoon... Holy moly...

[@joro7656]

Humble Andy Timmons..Thats why he gets the call plus he's a great player!!!

[@pauljohnson1065]

I was fortunate to see his Mesa clinic a few years back.He is genuine!! Played ALL of St. Peppers!! Answered ALL questions!! And signed everything handed to him. What a class act, and so soulful. Favorite song? Falling Down!.

[@jackjohn3035]

his tone is so good.. its everything from his fingers to his pickups to his pedals and amps.. total package

[@jfr04]

Andy is one of my all time favorites, great rundown

[@kelvinburigo2430]

24:04: proceeds to play an amazingly intricate solo, so interesting, beautiful. 24:40: " I'm the worst noodler ever. " COME ON ANDY! LOL Next level tone and next level humbleness. Gotta love this guy.

[@EarthToSean]

I have been on a huge Andy Timmons kick lately. Watching this rig rundown only further bolsters my love for this man's music. He is so humble, and so incredibly talented with the instrument. What an absolute monster of a player!

[@PC160]

Thanks! Best rig rundown I've seen.

[@bayougtr]

This was one of the most fun Rig Rundowns to watch yet. I enjoy them all, but this one makes me want to grab my guitar and play!

[@sgperformer]

TONE GOD!!!! Andy is so gracious with his time and giving back to fans...

[@bingefeller]

40 minutes of gear with Andy Timmons is a great surprise.

[@stilwel]

I know this RR is a a bit old now, but this is exactly how every RR should be. The artist onstage talking, storytelling and, most importantly, playing examples of the gear in practical use. Awesome.

[@isaiahdelacruz8703]

stilwel facts

[@rushyeskansas]

This was really fun to watch and listen to ... thats how all rig rundowns should be! Thanx PG!

[@michaelparamon]

Thank you PG for this 40-minutes rig rundown. I'm beyond happy

[@davemassie3726]

Thanks Andy, Good one John, so nice HEARING the rig!!

[@Geetarhed]

Totally agree, great to hear some of the sounds, effects etc

[@MrWilson-WithaPbass]

Oh my Gosh ! the tones and the chops insane . been a big fan for years ,he continues to blow me away

[@davemassie3726]

So Awesome to see/ HEAR a Guitarist go thru all his tone's! One of the best rig rundowns ever! Beautiful to see his excitement & passion for the Tones! Andy is a TONEMEISTER!

[@InADayInALife]

One of the best Rig Rundowns ever! Good Job Premier Guitar!

[@TheNathanRuckus]

This is EASILY the best damn rig rundown of all time. It's so awesome to hear the rig and the purpose behind the components by the such a professional. Andy just got a new fan!

[@yogengrg7690]

Great interview Love everything -the interviewer and Andy's tone and playing.

[@buzzsaw63]

I can’t believe he re fretted that guitar that many times. That is an unreal amount of time spent on that one guitar

[@jamesparr6840]

That’s probably a contributing reason as to why he plays it so well..

[@TheEowli]

Andy tours all the time and he almost only uses that guitar, its bound to wear fast when you work as hard as him

[@alexmurphy5289]

“Refretted six times” this guy is my hero

[@MrStephenlederle]

I've seen this video like 8 times. I just love Andy and his personality, let alone his playing. Just yesterday I installed his signature pickup set in a partscaster I've been building for the last year. Just awesome tools.

[@rkb2092]

That was a superb episode! Really enjoyed it.

[@TimothyPage06]

SO good! Andy Timmons has some of the best tone I've ever heard, and also seems like an amazing guy in every interview and chat I've seen with him.

[@marvelharris9540]

Fantastic rundown!

[@MrLoddebolten]

I just love it when everything is put into action by playing what they talk about. Great rundown!

[@RyanMcIntyre]

Andy, what an awesome interview!!! You know your gear and I loved hearing the story behind all of it. Thank you

[@Spielkind45]

So great! Thanx for uploading it!

[@erix777]

I'm 1min into the video and already loving it this guy is awesomeness. Thank you Premier Guitar!

[@Worlds_Worst_Guitarist]

At least a Rig Rundown where you can actually hear the Rig! And Andy is a superb player on its own.

[@godface81]

wow really awesome tone and player, thanks john. always great when you do these

[@ananthkumar7734]

Favorite rundown so far ... Tnx guys

[@romanhed]

SO glad PG isn't using hand-held microphones anymore. I'd be super happy if I never see another one of those on these rundowns again!

[@Harrysound]

Oh wow I just today discovered Andy Timmons and realised that he's been playing my kinda guitar music for many years. I really hear myself in Electric Gypsy. Fantastic stuff

[@KissingMaiden]

I'm loving these longer form Rig Rundowns where the artists not only gets to talk about their gear but also some of the stories associated to them whilst jamming in between. Both this and the Peter Frampton video are excellent

[@RoaryTime]

thanks guys!! incredibly valuable for all of us out here learning the craft!!!

[@CallSignJammer]

Andy is such a humble and fun guy who can really PLAY. Really fun dialogue in this rundown, and lots of actual playing made the whole duration enjoyable.

[@CNCTEMATIC]

I just ordered the JHS @ tonight. Can't wait for it!

[@IAmTheWoodmeister]

The best rig rundown ever.

[@oakwoodfixitguy8183]

Andy is so awesome! Such beautiful music and seems like such a nice human. I hope to meet him one day

[@gerrymcfarlane2615]

Utterly fabulous tone. Just magical.

[@NerdGasims]

Awesome rig rundown! Andy Timmons is a great player, been a fan of his for years and he comes across as such a really cool and funny guy.

[@IamtheActionman]

Awesome Great job guys...that's one of the best ones yet.

[@azbluesdog]

Great stuff, Andy & John!

[@IamKrisJones]

Amazing rundown! What a cool guy and man what a player!

[@GuitarAdvanced]

And i quote... "Im not a great noodler". Evidence found is this video determent that was a lie

[@kendallivy8922]

😂😂

[@HendryHZ]

2021, can't remember how many times I've watched this video. just beyond amazing.

[@kmickp1166]

Fantastic range of tones and excellent playing, great guy also👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@diego123rm]

More rig rundowns like this please! Interesting, funny and guitar playing!

[@chungaleta1234]

The best players are the nicest people. Andy is proof of that.

[@theguywhoisaustralian1465]

chungaleta1234 Steve vai

[@vaibhavjoshi9141]

Allan Holdsworth.

[@tysonrinker8089]

joe satriabi and Eric Clapton are pricks

[@divyanshpal4947]

@@tysonrinker8089 Why would you say that?

[@JesusGonzalez-sd3ql]

Indeed, take a look to Paul Gilbert rig videos... down to earth

[@JamesRussoMillas]

Man, everytime I see Andy in a video I have more and more respect for him. On top of being such a nice guy, his playing makes it look effortless and he can just cover so many styles!

[@LUckybones25]

Andy’s playing gives me instant goosebumps. What a great player!

[@rockhurstalum09]

Great Rig Rundown!

[@konnektlive]

Andy is a wonderful player with magical fingers. I love his signature bends! Very tasting tones indeed! I especifically love that JHS @ AT Pedal. It sounds phenomenal! I think I'm going to get one soon. Cheers John Bohlinger and thanks for uploading such great video.

[@MrLoddebolten]

I just love it when everything is put into action by playing what they talk about.