Rig Rundown - Dave Cobb

Article & photos: www.premierguit...
Dave Cobb had a big year in 2015, having won Grammy awards for producing Chris Stapleton’s Traveller and Jason Isbell’s Something More Than Free. Cobb has moved his studio to the legendary RCA Studio A, which was opened by Chet Atkins in 1965, and has since produced projects for Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown, and a ton of other top-billing acts. Between sessions, Cobb took PG on a gear tour of his studio where we were treated to a bevy of vintage beauties.
Cobb keeps a ton of vintage gear handy for anybody recording in his studio. His arsenal of guitars includes this 1952 goldtop Les Paul. At some point it was converted to a ’57 with a neck reset, stop tailpiece, and vintage PAF pickups.
Originally, Cobb thought the red finish on this 1966 Fender Esquire was the work of an inexperienced DIY-er, but turns out that what’s left of the Fiesta Red was the original finish.
To continue learning about Cobb's studio setup, visit: www.premierguit...

[@josephmorris8620]

I have been a die-hard fan of Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton for a while now. Had no idea there was a connection, and that connection was a vintage loving nerd like me. This is awesome.

[@ryeyanmatthew]

Nothing better than sitting down to see a 40+min rundown like this. Pouring a drink and settling in! :)

[@premierguitar]

Story of our lives!

[@TheBoomtown4]

@@premierguitarnot for me; I’m an alcoholic! 😀

[@nathanielvargas3863]

@@TheBoomtown4😂

[@BrandonPost]

Totally agree with the interviewer about going back to my favorite old albums and realizing their tone is not as dirty as I remembered it.

[@deaterk]

So true!!! I’ve made this same observation recently.

[@80sRadDad]

@@deaterk Glitch in the matrix ....Berenstein or Berenstain Bears? How do you remember it?

[@jnh73]

Man, most of these cats in Nashville seem to be super chill and sound like they'd gladly get a beer with you before ripping your face off when they play on stage. Thanks for these rundowns. I've found out about music and players I don't know if I would've heard of if not for this KZbin channel. Yeah baby!

[@barneymiller5488]

Jesus. Everytime I hear Dave Cobb speak I just wanna' hang with him & record something. (Some day!) And everytime I hear a rock or rock/country record with a great sound that I really dig, I look it up and 9 times out of 10, Dave produced it. Rock on!

[@ggilvis]

when I bought that 57 Esquire it was a 9.5 condition with the original hang tag. the cat I sold it to loved it up, and work the hell out. I ended up getting it back from him, and then Tom did a deal and got it from me. I'm glad he got it...and best to you.

[@jasonwilson6043]

Been a huge fan of all the music this guy is responsible for in the last 4-5 years. I cannot believe how cool and laid back he is. I would love to hang out with this guy.

[@niceguy2171]

Dave is one of the most knowledgeable and approachable guys in the business, somewhat modest, although in person he does know he's one of the best. While I don't know him well, have worked with him, and every single time I hear him speak I learn something new..this was no exception. As another old salt in the industry, that is high praise from me!

[@HARTYNMUGHES]

Didn't even know who he was before this but this has been my favourite so far. Good job!

[@Ianmcguire1993]

Best rig rundown so far! Do sturgill Simpson and laur joamets rig next!!!!

[@premierguitar]

We want to! Last tour it didn't work out, but not for a lack of trying on our end!

[@Ianmcguire1993]

Premier Guitar, it's awesome you have them in mind and don't stop bugging them! I love the rig rundown videos it's a rare glimpse behind the scenes of all the live shows or in this case albums we get to see and hear! Keep up the good work!!

[@boochvonbooch8765]

dierksmanly sturgill is the man

[@doobiederek1642]

Premier Guitar A year later I still want to see it! 😂🤦🏻‍♂️🙃

[@tintedferrari5150]

Derek Adams 3 years later and I just want to know what pedal Sturgill runs through that Tele

[@joeywit4830]

Top 3 Rig Rundowns...Nels Cline, Jason Isbell, and now Dave Cobb...such cool dudes. Would Love Love Love to see the rest of the WIlco guys get a Rig Rundown, or even better take a visit to the WIlco Loft, that would be epic!!

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Right on my friend !!!!

[@thomasmcmahon7034]

Finally, someone who knows what he's talking about. If I had to pick I'd go with Nels. Or Cobb. Or Isbell.

[@d.wilson1402]

Fantastic rundown, Dave is literally a genius.

[@mrchrisroden]

One of the best one of these I've seen, seems like such a sound individual.

[@StanleyCullerEsq.]

Tom Bukovac... I love that Tom's name has become music's Zelig... Can't wait to watch HIS interview. Also, this is one of my favorite Rig Rundowns, ever.

[@fonzybrookestone727]

Never heard of this fella, but this was a great RR!

[@TheDans7300]

Fonzy Brookestone go listen to Rival Sons

[@buddyollie7400]

Dan Sotelo Rival Sons are awesome!!

[@jimspencer4413]

Listen to his production, the subtlety, passion & incredibly tasty sounds he got from focused simplicity on Jason Isbell’s Something More Than Free- genius level work all round

[@doekebekius1271]

Do Blake Mills!!!!!

[@CotymoG]

Doeke Bekius I would pay for this

[@zackaryjohnson1567]

This is awesome. Isbell, Stapleton, and Simpson are some of my favorite artist right now. Great rig rundown.

[@scarroll413]

Couldn't agree more man, same here. Cool to see Dave's gear as well.

[@markholmesstudios]

Dave Cobb

[@nikolaibarbarich7887]

I've got to get my arse to nashville one day. It's the one place I want to go when I go on a holiday to the usa

[@BrannonHancock]

"I don't want a guitar that feels like a suit." Best line of the whole deal. (Watching this for at least the 3rd time, after seeing him live with Stapleton last week)

[@khktgnk57]

I get what he means but if you're wearing a nice good fitting suit its not stiff or so but comfortable. Not Joggers and hoodie comfortable but relatively. Imo its comparable to a guitar (and most other things): Get a cheaper/not well made one and its not gonna be fun to wear/play

[@babayaga1767]

"this place was designed when people were alot smarter than they are now" wow, some of the most profound words ever

[@IPushHard]

Hey, this is the 2nd producer rig rundown in a row that Ive watched, and I never knew that these guys are such gear nerds! ...but they seem to have all the coolest stuff. Very interesting rig rundowns. New country doesnt happen to be my cup of tea, but I can definitely relate to an odd fuzz or an old Fender amp. Love it. Thanks and keep these coming.

[@barneymiller5488]

Listen to the Rival Sons. Southern but they rock.

[@bobneptune]

So cool to hear from an Esquire guy! You really can do so much with just the tone knob on them.

[@joshporter08]

Yes! Love Dave!

[@MarioRNR94]

My heart burst when Jay came out

[@ChadVanHalen5150]

Suddenly a wild Jay Buchanan appears... Literally one of the best singers around right now, blows everyone away live

[@countvond233]

Wearing a flight suit no doubt. He is my #1 right now and my man crush. He and Scott.

[@tysonrinker8089]

Count Von D and Bollinger

[@blueswood854]

Best interview ever JB!

[@notomatoesbbq]

This is one of my favorite RR's of all time, when he turned the amp upside down I lost it. lol

[@BoyAditya]

yep .. yep .. it's cheaper to be crack addict than gear addict (^^) LOL

[@hearpalhere]

Man, this guy is so laid back and humble! Really enjoyed this rundown and learned quite a bit too. Some beautiful guitars too :-) Thanks!

[@martydibergi5228]

Love the JD pickups and what a great player i have both a JD Strat and tele heaven.

[@NathanDowdyMedia]

I'm surprised he even has any gear left, with all the stuff he's sold to Jason Isbell 😂 Legends, both of them!

[@robertmason8501]

Great interview! Love it.

[@morenogomes6858]

Awesome run down!

[@TheMusicmak3r]

"it might be cheaper to be a crack head" LOL

[@JuddLofthouse]

That was amazing 👍👍

[@255george]

thanks for the explanation on the 3 way switch on the esquire - always wondered. and so much other cool commentary. hey premier guitar, studio interviews are cool.

[@thefruitdealer4970]

Great interviewer, talks just enough and has the right timing!

[@stanesposito2664]

Cool! Very informative rundown.

[@ajk1989]

I can vouch for that Kilobyte Delay (from Caroline Guitars) - you can add gain to the delays so they come out exactly as lo-fi as you want. Also the "chaos button" is amazing, I've ended many sets by just letting that rip and messing around with the settings... Nice to see it in a rundown!

[@daverice2426]

"Just a regular mid-'60s Deluxe..."

[@TheMusicmak3r]

great run down thanks John B!

[@rabbleinarms5742]

I am pretty sure the front position on the esquire runs through a "bass" cap that warms up the tone. mine sounds a lot different in the front position than in the middle position with the the knob rolled back. I agree though about the versatility of those guitars. I love them.

[@EvLoutonian]

this dude is SPOT ON. - I share that love of a modded / weird, or wonky but still beautiful old guitar

[@diltonaguirre8468]

Houndmouth. Dave Cobb produced one of their albums

[@Steve-nq8jc]

Dave did some great work with the Wheeler Walker Jr album. Having that level of artist in the studio must of been intimidating for Dave. Having country royalty playing god's own music must of been a real experience for Dave. Not to mention having an Adonis the level of wheeler is just truly inspiring.

[@glennevans5824]

Definitely has the guitar bug like all of us.just wish I held onto some of the great gear I had back in the day....but don't we all

[@RexCars1]

LMFAO.. ( i can't believe i almost fell for the Upside Down Amp ) .. Great Rig Rundown

[@Annunaki_0517]

And now Jason Isbell owns that ‘59 red Gretsch because he hit the number of sales of Southeastern that Cobb said it would take to get him to sell the guitar!

[@jakemitchell1671]

Good grief....this is right after i sold my '58 Esquire. Man that looks like my guitar. That scratch on the bottom bout is IDENTICAL.

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

😫

[@rogerwilliams2629]

Very cool dude.

[@godbyone]

get ron ellis pick ups for your esquire, and you have connection already 65 amps is friends with him.perfect fit

[@stephendouglas9423]

This is Your Holy Grail!!!

[@marknason4572]

A guitar geek that hasn't heard about the Menatone Red Snapper!?! BLASPHEMY! In all seriousness, love the records Dave works on and love anything to do with historic studios A & B.

[@glennevans5824]

Don Mare is hands down the best at replicating vintage fender pickups

[@PT1989Uke]

Please can you a 2024 update!!!

[@flash109]

Totally thought John was reaching for the Grammy at the beginning of the pedal segment. "Tell me about 'em..."

[@lead111]

this was really well edited and produced

[@jaylamb1434]

Ask John5, he knows everything about a telecaster.

[@mikespainting291]

The telecaster with high screws need a shim in the neck to increase the angle of the neck. Then raise the action and the screws go down into the saddle s I've done 3 telecaster and no sharp edges

[@johnmirabile3535]

DAVE IM DROPPING BY TOMORROW TO {BORROW} THE 57 LP. THE ESQUIRE, THAT 335, AND A FEW OF THOSE AMPS, I PROMISE ILL BRING 'EM BACK! YOU CAN TRUST ME! 😜😜😜😜😜😜

[@tjnugent62]

Tele pickup recommendation. Seymour Duncan Antiquity 60's tele. I have it in mine and it sounds great.

[@justinmartindale6855]

That focus pull around 38:20 was perfect.

[@premierguitar]

I do my best! Thanks for noticing! - Perry

[@evalonious]

12:08 Wow John, I dont know if that statement counts as foreshadowing, but it does in 2023. How much is that guitar worth now. 😂❤🎸

[@Ladbrokelads]

Nice job John, great run down! Awesome studio and produce that is making authentic records, love it!

[@losrogers13]

Fantastico (!)

[@patrickpearsall6978]

This is the best rundown yet. You should do Doug Pettibone's rig. Tell him I sent you.

[@nicktucker900]

Absolute lord 🙂

[@wartimemodels]

Sweet. Good job guys. Would love a Real Estate or Explosions in the Sky rundowns.

[@premierguitar]

Explosions is playing the Ryman in April ... fingers crossed!

[@zimtalor]

Please make this happen!!!

[@Drewidx-yz7cv]

All these cats here from Stapleton and Simpson and I’m over here from Wheeler Walker Jr.

[@wadewilson6082]

Wow I love this guys guitars. We have similar taste.

[@jacobm7421]

The vintage guitar market is getting crazy again as of 2019/2020. Some of the prices make me laugh. It was half 2 years ago lol.

[@DKentization]

I saw Jason on tv with the Red Jet.....he must of hit the mark.

[@gunnerman21]

DKentization saw Jason play that Red Jet live a few months back. God DAYUM it sounded so sweet. Those PAF filtertrons are dreamy.

[@lapelcelery42]

All this talk about Pete Townshend and no-one mentions that Clapton gave one of the Blackie Strats they tell the story about to Pete?

[@DG-od4pl]

What does he say there about the trick with the Marshall amp and then using the tone and volume knobs? Sounds like he says “dom the Marshall?” Does he mean crank the volume?

[@ZekeMan62]

"Dime" the Marshall: crank it to 10.

[@drbyrom3]

no mention of the tape echo unit sitting right there

[@snapascrew]

I was able to go to a session the other day at RCA studio A. Was so cool to stand in there!!’

[@Millstudios-Ally]

nice to see Jay make a cameo :)

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Dave looks like he’s 27. What the hell is this guy eating.

[@cleancutcarpentry3106]

Anybody know the name of the song playing at the intro?

[@matthewgeorge7911]

CleanCutCarpentry living the dream by Sturgill Simpson!

[@WW-1995]

"you know"

[@adamwebb241]

That 335 is BOOOOTIFUL

[@VonBluesman]

Great rundown, fantastic way to start the new year off.

[@dad_music3139]

So wait, what is the acoustic guitar?

[@finnchristensen527]

Premier Guitar: Incredible; we´re watching 2 overly nice guys fingering with some of the most admirable, precious and sought after musical gear and instruments in the history of moderne music, hearing fun and educational anecdotes - but not a single note of the music, it´s able to create (correct me if I´m wrong, I left after axe no 2 0r 3.....)....Why leave to imagination how it sounds - or is that secondary?

[@adamwebb241]

Fantastic RR. The Nashville guys have the great gear - great guitars and real, old fashioned valve amps. Interesting chat about vintage tele bridges @ 20 mins in - that's why Joe Strummer had to invent the "strum guard" - I've seen Springsteen using it as well - I guess it must be because he was using vintage teles (which makes sense).

[@DougMayer]

I didn't listen to country at all until I heard Metamodern. Then I listed to Southeastern. Then I started hearing stories about this Dave Cobb guy... genius or lucky, he's got some magic about him.

[@stonecole4703]

PLEASE ASK ABOUT STRINGS AND PICKS! The stuff any player can relate to. Awesome rundown and it's cool to hear them talk about gear most of us will never obtain but think about the average player.

[@abg125]

Holy shit, what a cool surprise for Jay Buchanan to drop in...I opening for him and Joe Firstman about years ago...before Rival Sons and The Cordovas and man both were so supportive and positive!

[@elpippo3520]

Sorry, I didn't get this, when Dave explains to turn he Champ up to 3: does that mean "3" ( like 9 o'clock position) or the 3 o'clock-position? I'd bet the first, but when he holds it up it looks like 3 o'clock... Thanks for helping!

[@barneymiller5488]

I think he means just 3. Low!

[@Hotitalianman]

That last acoustic..is that a Martin? They never say!

[@marcothyme91]

looks like a 60's martin 00-16c

[@benallmark9671]

That was a great a story about him sending buddy on the guitar hunt then buddy says I don’t wanna sell it. Those would of be fighting words lol.

[@jordandangelo180]

This is one of the best ever. Best pedal selection too. Vox Tone Bender, MXR Phaser, Menatone Red Snapper, Jext Telez Dizzy Tone ( the best version imo) and Caroline Kilobyte...great taste and just happen to be pretty much all of my favorites.

[@memphokid]

At 3:50 Dave says Jason Isbell is one of the best guitar players. Sadler is also one of the best, but Jason will always be the best guitar player in his band.

[@Robstafarian]

His description of the Esquire's toggle switch is inaccurate: the first position eliminates the tone knob, which is not the same as going straight to the jack; the second position enables the tone knob, and the third position puts a fixed filter circuit in place of the tone knob.

[@lucasvalentin3077]

Casually picking pedals up from between the Grammys, not even mentioning them. That's some chill.

[@MrPodvig]

I HAD the original pickup. But I sent it into the the solar system with Voyager. Sorry.

[@janicetracy1295]

Hi Dave have some 60's Gibson amps for sale skylark original mint maestro echo amp and a big Gibson 60 all mint. Great sounding thanks God bless Tom Tracy

[@noahchristytv]

@4:00 if you got "The Nashville Sound" on Vinyl, check out the inside cover, there's a picture of Jason grinning ear to ear with this guitar in his hands! Hope they sell enough for Jason to get that lovely guitar!!

[@stevenheath741]

“I don’t want to play a guitar that feels like a suit”………..Yes I really get that

[@pjmusolino]

The only issue with esquires is that the original necks don't have truss rods, but fender necks are replaceable.