Rig Rundown - Frank Gambale

Article & photos: bit.ly/FrankGambaleRR
We caught up with Frank Gambale while he was on tour with Chick Corea’s Elektric Band in Nashville to talk about how to conjure up a ton of tones with only a few ingredients.
Frank Gambale tours exclusively with a handful of his signature guitars. On the electric side he brings a pair of Carvin FG-1 models (his No. 1 is shown above). Over the years, Gambale has experimented with a variety of tonewoods, but this particular one has a maple body with a maple top. For strings, Gambale prefers D’Addario ProSteel (.009-.042).
Gambale runs his signature DV Mark Multiamp FG. It’s a three-channel affair that can pump out up to 500 watts. The Multiamp also houses any effects Gambale would need during a set.
To continue learning about Gambale's setup, visit: bit.ly/FrankGambaleRR

[@kendallruff8090]

It’s remarkable that this man is among the greatest to ever take on the guitar, yet so humble and accessible.. it’s as inspiring as his playing in a Way....seems like a lovely guy.

[@josuetrey2338]

Sorry to be offtopic but does someone know a way to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the account password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me

[@user-bn9ww5kb2x]

hes so good hes my uncle

[@StewartGartland]

This was great, Frank's so humble and intelligent, he's really the players player.

[@monstasonix]

Frank Gambale is literally a global treasure 🙏

[@murimorello2690]

hip as one could get, sometime he takes out the sunglasses he was born with, weird.

[@gktde9874]

That was the keyboardist-revenge for the loud guitar amps😁

[@joesatchton212]

It really is humbling to see that some of the most legendary musicians around are really such down-to-earth, nice people. I for one will be delighted to see that whole "I am a rockstar god" mentality finally get consigned to the trash bin of history where it always belonged. New generations take note. Frank is the real deal.

[@noi5emaker]

Totally agree. There are no rockstar Gods. We're all human, we're all capable of making music, all with different tastes. The playing field is level until companies want to market someone to make money. It's all just music, really.

[@joesatchton212]

+dbltrplx: Fair enough...I do get your meaning but that can often be considered a question of semantics IMO. How do you pigeonhole Malmsteen? Blackmore? Coverdale? Bono? Gene Simmons? Ozzy? Van Halen? All musicians [some legendary] but all have garnered some less than flattering personality criticisms throughout their careers. Still, fair enough assessment of Frank - anyway, folks like him still gets props in my book for keeping it real all these years. :) cheers!

[@KHGuitarFreak1988]

I've seen him twice, once at a Cort clinic to promote his new Cort Luxe signature acoustic, and another at his Soulmine gig. A very humble man indeed. I was quite surprised at the clinic when he said there were some shapes that he could not sweep perfectly, and thus he playing shapes that are quite different than most other guitarists that employ boxed shaped arpeggios most of the time. You can walk up to him and introduce yourself, and he'll gladly speak to you

[@nicholastotoro7721]

I used to feel so bad for Frank Gambale in the late 1980's when "fashion" dictated he wear a hairpiece. Such a great guitar player and that should have been enough. Truly. Ironically, his shaved head would have probably looked badass back then.

[@TechMetalRules]

"Franks so much for joining us today!"

[@guitarnutter]

Franks gotta be one of the nicest guitarist on the planet. Here he's discussing his guitars with sheer enthusiasm. He looks very relaxed and happy to chat about his music equipment. He seems a pleasure to interview and his signature guitars are to die for.

[@noi5emaker]

Amp modelling - good enough for Frank, good enough for me!

[@rogerfelez7478]

David Zimmerman the Carvin Tone Navigator he was using before he switched to DV Mark is amazing, it sounds fantastic with a 2X12 cab and a TC Electronic G-Force in the FX loop.

[@mudwiser1391]

Frank is the real deal... man alive that guy can play.

[@stevestewart-sturges2159]

Remember a workshop I went to with him in Sydney in 1988, no-one in the room dared say anything, they guy just went through the sweep picking thing and played to backing tracks... he called for questions but nobody wanted to say anything just wanted to hear that dude play.... decent bloke too... played crazy solos in every mode you could think of and then some... damn

[@irena7777777]

Mud Wiser Is he better than Bret Garsed?

[@Hikaeme-od3zq]

Well he can't play when he's dead.

[@kendallruff8090]

Absolutely...I guess it’s a matter of taste but in terms of mastery?? None better

[@bc9273]

John has become my favorite interviewer. He is talented himself, but never upstages the artist and keeps it fun. The Rig Rundown with Joe Bonamassa is fantastic.

[@Ogscottyp]

Without Frank, there wouldn't be half of the young, great KZbin guitar wizards that are continuously popping up.

[@jorgegomes3792]

For me ,he is the best guitar player I have ever heard

[@Disharmonikash]

a man that's got nothing to prove, what a player! a soft-spoken legend!

[@CamiloVelandia]

Frank seems like such a simple, gracious dude. One of the big heavy cats in the history of fusion. Very cool interview and review. Gonna look into those acoustics. Wise answer too, James Taylor has beautiful guitar tone.

[@jorbv8]

great guitarist and I think that because of his teacher/tutor/lecturer background he is very articulate and knows what he's talking about ... such a talent

[@KevinHamProductions1]

I LITERALLY thought this was Mike from Breaking Bad based on the thumbnail

[@guitaroidman524]

i was just about to put that

[@stratowhore9051]

You literally thought? Literally?

[@KevinHamProductions1]

stratowhore No, not literally.

[@rillloudmother]

literally, not figuratively, but literally. you literally thought mike from breaking bad was named frank gambale?

[@willramirez75]

I’ve been a fan of his since the elektric band days. He’s an amazing musician, but he does look like a guido mobster. Name kinda invoked some goodfellas vibes as well. I was surprised when I first heard him speak how calm and gentle he comes across. I was really expecting “youse better get me my money” type of low grunt.

[@mickeysigrist]

That mahogany quilted top Carvin is probably one of the most beautiful piece of gear I've seen so far in my life!

[@RedroomStudios]

the maple one is not too shabby either!

[@greekfreak1980]

Fun Fact:their standard quilt top is AAAA quality,which rivals quilt tops that other companies would charge you extra like,not to menion they offer 5 and 7A quilt and flame tops.

[@bridengrooveevents]

When Frank talks even keyboard players should listen... the man is quite simply a humble legend.

[@jemiahdapap8053]

I was given my uncles guitar magazine collection; 2 magazines a day would take me two years to read. This guy is all over them, he has a few good lessons in those mags. Thank you internet for backlogging your issues for easy web reading

[@fundorgon]

Got the chance to see Frank at a masterclass two years ago , I was totally blown away by his attention to detail and sheer love for what he does.

[@vigil12348]

What a nice guy. A real professional, virtuoso, soft and well spoken, and damn right about the black bridge. I was always wondering why they make white bridges and nuts even on expensive guitars. I'm buying Mr. Gambale's Cort. He sold it to me...

[@shirleymental4189]

Just a left over from the days they were made of ivory. No need to have white piano keys either but it's tradition.

[@kendesjarlais7577]

I remember when I bought Frank’s first instructional tape, I think I’m still working on it. At the time it was mine blowing

[@KyleByquist]

Frank is one of the raddest dudes in the music world. Nothing but love for this guy

[@retornoboricua2897]

Frank Gambale is a monster guitarist from the shred fusion era, but a humble and nice guitar teacher, a truly master of the guitar!

[@TheMDJ2000]

Those Carvins are gorgeous...

[@Stratking01]

Frank Gambale... the father of the sweep arpeggios

[@dr2675]

GREAT episode!!! Frank Gambale has always seemed like such a cool guy.

[@Snowy0123]

Gambale ' s book Speed Picking has opened up a new world for me.

[@a_wise_young_man752]

I love that blue finish. Beautiful.

[@vintageandmoderneffects]

I had the privilege of meeting Frank back in the late 90's. An amazing fella, not only a spectacular guitarist but a top bloke. He's a great person to pass on knowledge, explains things so well.

[@robertbarrass7519]

Very intelligent guitarist ,not only about his equipment but the ability to articulate why and how technology has improved our options and not live in the past.Inspirational,could listen to him all day!

[@ericboreen4040]

This was keyboard a really interesting keyboard rig rundown and it's keyboard really clear that this guy keyboard knows a lot about his craft keyboard. The only keyboard downside is that there keyboard was some really keyboard annoying noise in keyboard the background keyboard.

[@NicCoulombe]

Eric Boreen hahaaha!

[@LukeBass1000]

So you want the keys player for the CHICK COREA Elektric Band to stop soundchecking and prepping for a CHICK COREA Elektric Band Reunion Tour gig so that the guitar player can do a free rig rundown/interview? SMDH.

[@isaacbeats2009]

getting to hear chick corea soundcheck is worth the slight interruptions to me

[@tomfoolery2082]

Seems alot or mayb most of the best players are the nicest & very humble people . Mr Frank is no exception .

[@TrevBec]

Great Rig Rundown. Cheers guys.

[@TunaLoopBackingTracks]

Gambale is a true inspiration!

[@ShanntahnPininchula]

Some of the most beautiful guitars ever made right there.

[@JohnHorneGuitar]

Thanks for this. I love Frank's playing!

[@gitaaa7740]

I remember meeting Frank back in the early 90s in a small music store in Garden Grove CA. He was giving a demo. Nobody knew who he was and this heckler kept yelling “Al Di Meola!” Frank was so gracious didn’t miss a beat. Back then he was using Mesa amps

[@rvierra7235]

Although this video is 6 years old, still like watching it. Frank is one of the nicest and greatest guys you can talk to. Totally approachable and will talk to you and answer all of your questions. Frank is a TOTAL CLASS ACT.

[@RichardGarcia93]

I love old Rig Rundowns. I’m doing the same thing.

[@kinderegg950]

Love this guitarplayer. His picking the best! Frank, you real man!

[@azumbi]

love his passion.very professional person.very humble.

[@WALKERGUITAR]

i was fortunate to see Chick Corea's band back in the late 80's at the Hollywood bowl Steve Gadd on drums i think, i will never forget it.. now i have to see Frank play his newest stuff ...will be awesome.. Keep it going Frank G.

[@steve7onfire]

Those Carvin guitars are absolutely gorgeous.

[@wolfgang4136]

I use to watch his instructional videos in the 80s. He’s a terrific guy and a wonderful player. 👍👍👍👍

[@retornoboricua2897]

Sweet picking = Frank Gambale! He raised the standard!

[@mauriciogarcia7818]

Awesome rig rundown. Ty.

[@grammaticalerorr4654]

The way Frank's playing is like emulating shred keyboard on guitar.

[@5urg3x]

Carvin's pickups are top notch -- the new Lithium Kiesel ones are amazing; but some of the older models are great as well.

[@david-ky7rt]

Frank is amazing, so much knowledge

[@Jasonweckard]

That acoustic is beautiful!

[@murky9554]

Dave Weckl lurking in the background is hilarious :)

[@barryarcher6158]

What a great down t earth guy he is. superb player

[@chopperdeath]

Great player and seemingly a better man. Respect.

[@johncrum3208]

I hope when the keyboard player does an interview Frank jams his guitar at 11

[@SPTAH]

The keyboard player is Chick Corea and he pays Frank's wages. I think its safe to assume Frank won't be jammin' at 11 while his boss is talking...

[@Primus-ue4th]

SPTAH prrrrrretty sure Chick don’t do no damn sound and gear set up. He’s got his boy doin the bullshit.

[@graxjpg]

Howard Walters his point was that chick writes the checks. Maybe not even by his own hand, but certainly with money he earned.

[@OldRunt]

@@SPTAH You tell 'em! Go girl!

[@OldRunt]

@@graxjpg thanks for the clarification. You go girl, too!

[@gtggj6851]

Tone of his overdriven guitar is my personal favourite of all jazz rock guitarist i listened to.

[@TeiscoCurlee]

That synth sound really reminds me of the intro to QOTSAs If I Had A Tale!

[@jamescuttsmusicjcm5013]

just say it how it is Frank... you like A LOT of volume. And that... is because you are a legend!

[@BestBackingTracks]

Lots of cool details!

[@johncrace911]

I got to see Frank play and meet him in Tampa many years ago at a guitar show. He is very humble and nice guy. They don't make them like that anymore.

[@acirka]

liked before the video start playing!!!

[@benjaminmarquezmusic]

I love the tune at the beginning "Charged Particles"

[@miguelferrariart]

Thank You!!!! HapPy New Year

[@guitarttimman]

Frank is a master guitarist. I think the best in his style.

[@JunkieMonkey321]

wow thats a beautiful guitar

[@JJ3136]

John, I really enjoy your interviews and Frank is an Icon !!!

[@BrazenNL]

Man, would've loved to see him "demo" that DV Mark a little bit!

[@RedroomStudios]

agreed, there arent enough episodes of Rig Run Down where we actually get to hear samples of the equipment being talked about.

[@luckylicks3497]

Great interview... nice that you dwelt on the acoustic!

[@pepsiguzzler86]

Gold hardware plus white pickups = yum. I would also think it would be awesome to see direct mounted pickups. Either way, beautiful guitar.

[@mrmisterman999]

never been into carvins but that guitar is straight up beautiful

[@mickeysigrist]

This guy's a beast!

[@mineheadX1]

the chop master !!!

[@thatartsyguy]

great interview! But why is my man Frank looking more and more like Michael Ehrmantrout from Breaking Bad? lol love Frank tho! keep on rockin' man!

[@CreamyBone]

I bought his "Monster Licks & Speed Picking" VHS right after it came out... almost 30 years ago 😜👍

[@alexanderrobles4454]

At the beginning i thought it was Mike from breaking bad haha

[@austinmoser5056]

alexander robles lol looks a lot like him

[@hanovergreen4091]

The Master!

[@hmmmwhatever]

Charts aren’t for the bandstand! Frank is the man!

[@AmilcarBaxo]

Great!

[@simonshreddy3219]

True monster in the game!

[@5urg3x]

CORT makes some really badass budget guitars...My fender tele HH FMT is actually made by CORT (had no idea at the time I bought it found out years later) -- amazing instrument. It's going on 13 yrs being used just about every day.

[@KHGuitarFreak1988]

Biascally all Indonesian made guitars, no matter the brand, comes from the Cort factory. In recent times, their QC is superb, so much so I'm proud to say I own two Cort factory guitars in the form of Squiers

[@5urg3x]

That's not exactly true...I know Ibanez has their own factory in Indonesia where they make the Premium models

[@supersteveworld]

Cort make some great guitars and basses.

[@soundknight]

yay, no plastic binding, that's an awesome idea Carvin

[@bradsmithstudios8881]

What a cool guy

[@markyboo]

He doesn't have much of that Aussie accent left.

[@aussiecoastie72]

Mark Lambert haha , very true . But he has lived and played in the states for a many years now .

[@6StringEraser]

I want Frank to be my guitar teacher!

[@KenMickey]

Acoustic pickup ? "What does James Taylor use ? " wisdom !!

[@deka-pubg1651]

El mejor estilo de todos

[@Terryomalleyonline]

Bewdy Aussie!

[@jg932]

Geez, look at them cabs, I have never seen cabs like that before!

[@necrojoe]

Carvin's been making some for a few years (after a break when they stopped making them in the 90s) carvinaudio.com/collections/vx-series-premium-baltic-birch-guitar-cabinets/products/vx212s-2x-12-open-or-closed-back-birch-cabinet-slant

[@ronedee]

That Dave Weckl in the background @ 5:25?

[@gitaaa7740]

Yes it was

[@DoktorDamage]

Yup, bigtime!

[@gregmize01]

Monster 👹 🎸

[@hotdotdog]

Frank is a serious cat. Also my '68 Trini Lopez Deluxe just went up in value.

[@zeekmx1970]

Frank the kids found out you shred on acoustic in A Maj with Sharp 5 Now they want to hear it on electric with your FRANKenstein lead tone involvement. You can't back out on this Frank. They know you play fusion like a boss.

[@BestTits]

STAINLESS STEEL STRINGS MY MAN!

[@lorenzmuller3542]

13:42... Frank is smoking Toscanelli Blue Anice... Nice! :)))

[@cbro1111]

hey Carvin!, give this guy some money

[@johnniz13]

John Bohlinger is the bomb! So pleasant interviewer

[@lorenzmuller3542]

3:19 why are these cats always laughing at their "fusion past"? lol

[@jrichards203]

he's come along way from his old Canberra days top muso

[@joelcelima]

Anyone know what that cable from franks amp is running into? Looks like a little black box which then runs into a direct box?

[@SeeMick1]

Acchievement unlocked: jazz hat.

[@GerryBlue]

Did he say that binding's tortoise shell? I'm guessing he means some sort of similar material...