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

[@jettoth3]

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

[@johnmac333]

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

[@mehmd1913]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@postulusml]

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

[@RedoxRxn535]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@miramarensis]

My favorite Eagle. What a likeable, personal guy.

[@llewellynanthonycarr9453]

Very Very True!!!

[@LateBoomerGR]

Same!

[@jbkormos]

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

[@jeffmorrison2915]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sanfranman242001]

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

[@tonysexton8207]

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

[@mumausarbogast-fonck423]

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

[@vivares765]

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

[@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.

[@DeepakIyerp]

What a line up of legends Don has had the privilege to be in contact with.

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."

[@nonahyobusiness8063]

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

[@imtheman4805]

Classless is more like it

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@Hickmann]

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

[@kingsscarletknight]

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

[@virgboogie]

The first tip off in this interview to know if Don Felder is a nice guy is at the very beginning when Don offers his hand first to shake hands with the interviewer! Class!

[@christopheragan8465]

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

[@clemclemson9259]

lol ok.....

[@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.

[@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

[@tonypetrillo3488]

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

[@BabaBest2000]

I'm not even an Eagles fan but this guy is so nice I can't stop listening to him.

[@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!

[@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.

[@ronherrera6651]

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

[@RinoUnivers]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mickeysigrist]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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..

[@huwalmighty]

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

[@KrupaDrums]

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

[@mickeysigrist]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@55TeleMark]

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

[@ClarenceHW]

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

[@brucealcoriza1606]

Back in the era of Sony stereo players and cassette tapes. I was 9 years old, circa 1981, my mother just bought a brand new casette tape of The Eagles album. I was amazed and fell in love immediately first time I heard Hotel California, especially when the guitar solo kicked in...What a genius composer Don Felder is, a great and a humble guy and an icon that will be remembered for decades to come...and I will always be in love and will never get tired of listening to this timeless classic song.

[@jessemayra]

I could listen to his stories and knowledge all day long

[@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.

[@FinalCurve]

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

[@mattdickey2717]

One of the best story tellers in rock and roll history. His interviews are required viewing/listening for any musician.

[@CraigArndt]

Don Felber is a total gentleman. He has to be an interviewers best friend, don't have to pull answers out of him, doesn't have any chip on his shoulder, good guy.

[@ieronimo18]

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

[@markbirchette8740]

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

[@jimmygrant424]

Folks you just listened to the nicest most humble member of the Eagles!! Such a great man!!!

[@larrysmith1568]

Don Felder is my guitar hero. The man knows guitars. And he plays.

[@ladime]

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

[@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

[@davebunnell1105]

Among all the talent coming out of Gainesville, Felder was known as the kid obsessed with playing. There are many stories of other kids like Petty or the Leadons passing the Felder house at all hours and checking on Don, and he was unplugged and practicing. He practiced more than anyone. It made him who he was, the best of the best, and you can't substitute for the practice. Of course much of Today's "music" doesn't require musical knowledge or talent , so men like Felder are a dying breed.

[@chrisdann7297]

What a cool guy! He is like this in every interview I've seen of him. Eagles are missing out!

[@steveowens913]

Absolutely!! He is Nothing but First CLASS!!!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@THEJMILLSBAND]

Don Felder, Thank You :-)

[@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!

[@grainofsalt4934]

Another great interview! Thanks John

[@billydeewilliams9104]

Wow, no need to ask questions, what a guy!! Legend.

[@halohat2286]

Congratulations, you just did an interview with one of the greatest guitarist ever.

[@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.

[@joshg2350]

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

[@nathanevans2755]

Is it weird that i give way more respect to the guitarists that do their own rig rundown?

[@bckraut]

I love hearing legendary musicians talk about their gear.

[@WaRLoKWYATT]

I love you Don Felder. You made up so much of my childhood and thought im a full fledged metal player, Your guitar playing with always inspire me to keep the hooks and melody. My mom is one of your biggest fans. You will ALWAYS be the root within the guitar of The Eagles, no matter what anyone says. I'm working on getting your classic picks right now. Much love!

[@WaRLoKWYATT]

Goddamn, I'm a self taught guitar player and I don't really believe in lessons, but I would seriously give just about anything to spend a few days, talking to Don Felder about guitar and pick his brain about what makes a timeless song. I live off of hearing what better guitar players than myself, have to say. It would make my life, to talk to people like this, who paved the way for my love of melody and guitar work. I bow to nobody but these guys.

[@WaRLoKWYATT]

+WaRLoKWYATT Songs.

[@andohish27]

ahh libras. great communicators. I love Don. He's a fabulous storyteller. there's no eagles without him in my opinion (but of course, there will never be anymore before of Glenn's passing). Don is a true musician and a great, humble guy.

[@lisamartinez3332]

He is a Virgo. Not a libra

[@lisamartinez3332]

Andy Gonzalez not a libra

[@DannyBrooks1]

I saw Don and his band play 2 years ago and it sounded like I was in the studio listening to him. The sound was fantastic and the show was the awesome.

[@ChrisM541]

When I heard he used Dumble-heavily modified Fender amps, his 'humble/simple' set up took on a whole new level of very expensive complexity. In his position, though, who wouldn't do the same. Fantastic guitarist, fantastic tone.

[@quicksite]

Love that guy -- modest, straight-forward, ton of experience, seems down to earth

[@DougThacker]

I think John Bohlinger does a great job...love his interviews! Keep it up sir!

[@ENigma-um8zw]

Aside from a post coke and vodka Joe Walsh I think out of all the Eagles living or now I admire Don Felder the most as person. Of curse all the original or early members are great but I love rig rundowns when the guitarist themselves does the taking and not just the guitar tech. Much love , thanks Premium Gear and Don Felder for great art music and content! Although I’m sure most of you here watching this already have but check Felder’s book Heaven & Hell, really great insight into the glorious ups and ascent and debauched and heart aching disintegration from 1980~1994, till reuniting. But then Felder realized he wasn’t getting the pay he deserved and am even a lesser fraction to what the others two got and they were trying to force him to sign a contract “or else” and that’s all they cared about. All respect and honor to Don Felder and family and friends. Thank you for all the great music and your contribution to the rock pantheon!

[@Cookefan59]

Excellent interview. Don Felder is a musicians musician and also an engineers musician. I love it when he starts talking tech. He has also held up remarkably well physically. Still looks like a rock star !🌟 🎸 🎤

[@jean-francoisguilbo7833]

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

[@teamelitediamonds6362]

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

[@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!…

[@RefunkedRefunked]

wow ....seen this a few times now...what a dude and what a player.

[@mikereynolds3294]

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

[@MrBeblis]

Very classy person, a true musician ...

[@cynm1]

It's so wonderful that all these legends are willing to take the time to talk equipment with you.

[@prwtiger]

Probably my favourite RR. What a humble legend.

[@chordkc734]

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

[@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

[@yugrusretep]

It is usally via the roadie for the bigh names but Mr Felder loves his work so much and is such an artist he speaks for himself. Great guitarist and modest.

[@Buelligan88]

Insane that he's a legendary guitar slinger and he knew all those guys. Talk about providence.