Rig Rundown: Steve Earle and the Dukes

Songwriter, performer, producer, author, actor, and activist Steve Earle has arguably influenced a paradigm shift in country music. His poetic storytelling mixed with folk, bluegrass, rock, and traditional country has expanded the music’s boundaries and made him a pillar of the umbrella genre called Americana. Before their August 30 sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Earle and longtime Dukes’ guitarist Chris Masterson took PG through their touring rigs.
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[@premierguitar]

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[@bernarddoherty2303]

I'm sorry to bring this up but these two guys share a deeply unfortunate bond: they lost children to the disease of addiction. They're both treasures to the music world and I think they are both inspiring

[@bernarddoherty2303]

RIP August and RIP Justin

[@paulbatlan6584]

Indeed two mensch with big hearts and strength.

[@j.d.o5709]

Wow, I didn’t know that :(

[@fleadoggreen9062]

Get into detox , sooner the better

[@kuga6566]

@@crisprtalk6963 nobody said they were -- is one allowed to spare a thought or a prayer for someone going through that never-ending pain?

[@layladystay]

Love his IWW themed all access pass. "ONE BIG UNION" - An injury to one is an injury to all!

[@MorganWallenOfficial01]

Hello ladyladystay! How're you doing? Comments like this are priceless, Thank you❤️ it's nice meeting you here.

[@christopherreily1895]

That octave mandolin and his reverence for Steve Gilchrist is just awesome. Wow!!

[@patrickgroll2046]

It is, but it puzzles me a little because Steve (while a SUPERB songwriter!) is a mediocre mandolinist at best

[@christopherreily1895]

@@patrickgroll2046 That's a fair point. Definitely not the typical caliber mandolin player with a Gilchrist. And it's a little sad how he's beat up the octave so quickly.

[@wooggeek]

I always learn something from Steve. Always impressed by him. Thank you, for covering Steve and the Dukes in this rig rundown!

[@premierguitar]

Our pleasure!

[@JohnGauge790]

National treasure. Love that he took the time to passionately run through his touring guitars/gear. That tele, oof🔥

[@VintageGuitarist66]

That's what I'm talking about !! Steve Earle is the man ! All the way ! Been a fan since beginning. Had tix for that show, but with high risker at home I had to stay home.

[@jeffdolter3927]

Steve earle gets my vote for "the voice of my generation"

[@sinnertrain7405]

Incredible and legendary songwriter and singer. His guitar skills suit his songwriting perfectly. Cool to know about his gear.

[@VintageGuitarist66]

Watch Steve's channel , he shows off his vintage stuff there . Amazing

[@estenray6685]

Great interview! Steve is and has been one of my all time favorite performers since before Guitar Town! Senior Bohlinger is the perfect man to interview him! Thanks guys it couldn’t have been done any better!

[@premierguitar]

Cool!

[@playfasthithard]

This is so fun to listen to Steve Earle geek out about his gear!

[@MorganWallenOfficial01]

Hello Carey! How are you doing? Thanks for your love, support and for being an amazing fan! ❤️ It's nice meeting you here.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

Just catching this Rig Rundown ! Mr Earle did a show for my little syndicate of promoters, a blues festival in London Ontario, back in the 2010 area. We operated three, three day roots and blues fests - one in Windsor Ontario and one in Thunder Bay, too. Being able to offer artists and their management three marquee shows in one week gave us some booking clout. Anyway, I watched Steve’s set from on the stage behind the right PA stack. It was mesmerizing ! And here I find that he’s playing the same “black smoke” Martin 17’s that I’ve fallen in love with, myself, a few years ago, was the icing on the cake! Plus, I’ve just started to use the very same Herco thumb picks he describes in this vid! Steve’s a couple years older than me, but hey, great minds think alike! Great interview for both of you - super casual - loved it! Peace

[@MorganWallenOfficial01]

Oh wow, it would be nice to know who you are, I remember the show.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

@@MorganWallenOfficial01 Hey! I met you at the side “alley” gate, that acted as our “artists entrance”. I was the Site Manager that year. My first name is Rowan, and I was a partner of Ted Boomer’s (who did the bookings). One of your “ex’s” came to visit you pre-show. She rolled in on a big black and chrome Harley! I was drooling over your acoustic instrument rack. I went out and bought an octave mandolin the next week, after seeing your Gibson! I would have been just another middle age guy with long hair. Believe me, it was far more memorable for me, than you, I’m sure. lol Cheers Steve!

[@MorganWallenOfficial01]

@@cherrypickerguitars Haha cheers Rowan.

[@MorganWallenOfficial01]

@@cherrypickerguitars How have you been ever since?

[@cherrypickerguitars]

@@MorganWallenOfficial01 The year after your appearance at the London festival, I sold my little trucking company and spent the spring and summer learning to build steel string guitars in Quebec with Sergei de Jonge! I hung out my shingle and built a handful of commissioned instruments, but mainly did restoration jobs on vintage acoustic guitars. Covid shut down the festival biz and now I consider myself “fully retired” ( but still doing set-ups/minor repairs/re-frets etc) and have moved to “super natural British Columbia”. I’m living in a new little shack here in the Columbia Mountains between Kelowna and Vernon! Life is good! (Who says you can’t teach an old dog, new tricks!)

[@Snakefinger1000]

I wasn't into Country at all, I was a blues/rock guy but my woman bought Steve Earl's Exit O for me many years ago and I was blown away by his music. I Saw Steve Earle & The Dukes live in the 1990s in Sydney and they were awesome. He really understands his gear and isn't caught up in the MIA snobbism that we were all guilty of in our youth. Chinese and Indonesian gear is just fine and so much cheaper too. I use Epiphone nowadays and they're great.

[@Lintmusic]

My father has one of those mandolins, made by Gilchrist himself, actually the 200th one made. He's had it for around 40 years. Can confirm they are the best mandolins ever made, and yes there are waiting lists of a few years, and they sell for tens of thousands, even here in Aus.

[@clydehannah1056]

Thank You Primer Guitar Team! Lifelong fan of this guy and his gear. Throughout Steves career timeline ive consistently poured over so many articles and interviews investigating his sounds as well as various bandmembers and album contributors and what they were using! Make sure you catch back up with Steve he had a great series going through the pandemic he talked about one Guitar per episode of his collection and I’d like to see you do something more with that with him!

[@dennisrocker]

I love ya Steve. I really enjoyed this time for general guy talk with Steve while also being very informative. Thank you all for this great opportunity to hang out with you guys

[@marknorris3769]

so many great rig rundown's , that was unexpected and amazing , this one definitely jumps into top 10 , these guys were so gracious with their time and enthusiasm

[@ColtonBlumhagen]

Steve is is the ultimate person in the music business I would love to have a conversation with. About anything, because he is such an intelligent guy and I really appreciate how hew is not only an artist, but he truly is an instrumentalist, and respects the instruments and their creators.

[@Kralphrn]

John is a great interviewer he's having so much fun!

[@CatDieselPwr]

He's also an excellent guitar player.

[@tfunk1829]

This is right up there with the G.E. Smith rig rundown...could listen to these guys all day.

[@NickNicometi]

Taking care of oneself is one of the greatest gifts you can give to those who care for you. Steve, love ya, brother. 10,000 steps a day. 🚶

[@ltsmash1200]

I love the old Peavey Classic series. I have one of the old Mississippi made Delta Blues 210s and the 115E extension they made for those way back in the day. Great tone combo. My old boss used to use 2 stacks of Delta 115s with extensions-one dirty and one clean set slightly lower in volume and blended them in the mix, it was one of the best live tones I’ve ever heard.

[@jwtplayer]

I had Peaveys in the late 70s when I first stated playing in bands. And they were great. Then I got crazy with Marshall stacks and vintage Fenders but in 98 I bought a tweed Peavey Classic 30 and I've played nearly every day since. Tubed it twice. It's a workhorse and sounds great!

[@alvaroescribano4587]

One of the best ones yet. And that's something talking about your rig rundowns!

[@CarsonBlock]

Steve has a great ear for sound - and Chris is *so* good. Thanks for this excellent rig rundown!

[@premierguitar]

Our pleasure!

[@Mounta1nKing]

If they do end up making another M-series Steve Earl edition with the mahogany back and sides and that color combo, I'd be all over it. As long as they make a left-handed version. I have an OM-28, but I'd been thinking of an M-body for fit (I'm 6'1") and for volume, and this would be perfect. Under 2 grand would be even better too. Keep on 'em Steve.

[@BSpenceTravels]

Steve is a national treasure.

[@plaintigergrrr8496]

This was a really great episode, I could listen to these guys talk about gear all day!

[@jeffk7018]

Hahaha! Easiest interview in the world is Steve Earle talking about his guitars. Awesome!

[@6bender]

I have to agree with Chris on the 7.25 radius for Fenders

[@tomcoryell]

I just really don’t understand any other radius on a Fender. It just feels like crap to me.

[@macster1878]

Chris is a great player. He was unbelievable when I saw him play with Steve. Shame they're not playing together now but looking forward to seeing Steve solo this year in Liverpool

[@KimberlyBowling]

Love Steve! So glad to see this rundown.

[@BaldPerspective]

Not all heroes wear capes. Thank you, Mr. Earle.

[@danielholman2450]

The video started with a crack about his wives. I once read that he’d been married like 8 times. He must be a bugger to live with. I’ve seen him in concert several times. One concert it was just him solo. I have a lot of his records. I think he’s very creative. I’am enjoying hearing him talk about his instrument. I see he has the gift for gab, as we say. To bad about his son. Anyway, I can’t believe Steve is still alive, thru it all. Keep up the good work, Steve. You’re the man!

[@jsimes1]

Chris Masterson is such a nice guy!! If you catch The Mastersons opening for Steve Earl then you are in for a treat. And Steve Earl is a legend and this video could have easily been two hours long because that man likes to talk! 😁

[@electricalife]

maybe the best rig rundown ever.

[@grahamnunn8998]

Great video, love Steve's energy. Been on a big Steve Earle kick recently and how consistent his songwriting is.

[@michaelosborne4050]

Thanks for this video bud …… it’s a mind blowing reminder of the expertise of these musicians who have weathered the storm in so many ways ….

[@michael61985]

Steve Earle has a ear like nobody else

[@DaleyWard]

One of the great rig rundowns.

[@andrewbowen6875]

Can’t tell you how much this man and his music has meant to me ever since I got onto him around Copperhead road time. Despite the obvious about him being a great songwriter it’s his knowledge about the great American Guitar makers Martin and Gibson that buzzes me out as he’s a tragic guitar nerd

[@natehine8541]

Wealth of knowledge and talent

[@edpetrikk2027]

WHOA…Steve can talk and talk without taking a breath…and..it’s all good talk. 👍

[@ryangarrettofficial]

I was just listening to Steve's live record at the Continental Club and wondering why no one has done a rig rundown with him and The Dukes yet. Then I hop on KZbin and see this was uploaded two days ago.

[@musicforyou2010]

Thank you, John. Great episode. Two fine guys with fine instruments.

[@premierguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@patfornies776]

That was great. Saw them in July in Jackson, MS. What an amazing show.

[@MorganWallenOfficial01]

Hello Pat! How are you doing? Thanks for your love, support and for being an amazing fan! ❤️ It's nice meeting you here. Your comments are priceless.

[@gregmock6808]

Saw Steve in Eugene Oregon on his Never Get through this world alive tour and he was playing a double cutaway Gretsch as his electric...huge fan!

[@cheft]

Rig Rundowns should now feature info about what mask they are using, LOL. Great episode, thanks!

[@TMats100]

Really enjoyable, thanks John

[@TroubadourJuggernaut]

Love Steve, man he can talk !!

[@tysonrinker5958]

What a treat

[@rj2128]

He sure knows guitars!

[@saylefish8779]

That’s a prize winning George Gruhn impression.

[@candydormizzi2500]

The Hardcore Troubadour!

[@MorganWallenOfficial01]

Hello Candy! How're you doing? Comments like this are priceless, Thank you❤️ it's nice meeting you here.

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Great stuff! :)

[@kentkearney6623]

Thanks Stacey for saving your brother.❤❤❤

[@firecrackerheart]

i freakin' adore this man .. . AND-what a collection of rad instruments. he's passionate A.ir F.orce........

[@paulnewsome6289]

Correction Steve. It was Johnny Moynihan and Andy Irvine who introduced bouzoukis mandolas mandolins to Ireland. Donal Lunny, fine musician that he is, came slightly later.

[@guitarz]

great RR Steves a legend

[@mast0ritti]

Much appreciated !!! Would have loved to see that double bass(on the backgorund) setup too.

[@gregmize01]

Dadgum Frickin' Legend!!!!!🎸❤🎸❤

[@charleswesley1490]

I have a 64 custom Fender deluxe as well. Such an awesome amp!

[@amberwoodstudio]

Great show. I love these guys

[@bldallas]

Great stuff. I’ve been a a Steve Earle fan since 1986, though not so much since he moved to New York. Back in the 80s and early 90s though, I bet I saw him live over 14 or 15 times. I also had a skull sticker on the bottom /lower bout of multiple black acoustics, back in those days, in his honor. It’s cool to see so many weird looking instruments, amps and pedals, between the two of those guys. In many ways it’s proof that a big piece of one’s tone comes from their playing. I also like his comments about working with Martin to create a more affordable signature guitar. It really rubbed me wrong when he came out with his first signature guitar and it was around $4K. Kind of flew in the face of his “everybody told me you can’t get far, on $37 and a Jap guitar,” image. His son Justin, may he RIP, got it. His signature from Recording King is awesome and under $400. Anyhow, we’ll see if a sub $2K Steve Earle guitar ever comes to fruition.

[@Kralphrn]

I couldn't wait for this!

[@jdion79]

what a legend and keeper of the flame. what a life he's lead as well. also he was fucking great in The Wire! love this dude.

[@roderickbalt8993]

Spot on George Gruhn impression at around 11:10

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Thank you sir.

[@ProbableCauseBluesBand]

What a detailed gear nut SE is! I love it!

[@geraldmixer]

Great video. Thanks

[@leelane9929]

Hey Steve, bought a FStyle custom made to Loar specs. By the late Charlie Derrington the guy who rebuilt Monroe's damaged loar. Steven Gilchrist did the finish work for Charlie they were close friends. But Charlie sold it to me for 3,500. (he was Hurting) As long as he had first Dibbs on a buy back. Later he went on at Gibson as their master model builder. Sadly he passed. It's not for sale but I thought you may like the Mando story. Take Care my friend.

[@Jason-cm6uh]

A legend

[@danielstephens9748]

Got a martin 0015 m...love it...hard as nails...great body size.

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool. Thankyou

[@jacobvieira1338]

Top tier singer songwriter, just as good now as he ever was, if not better

[@Trindal]

@Steve Earle Mr. Earle, I was born in the Hills of WV. And thought I would just say Thank You. If I ever manage to get my Guitar, a Gibson ES-335 or 339 with a bigsby tail piece whichever feels the best and a nice thin body.. just as light as I can’t get I believe. I broke my back and was medically retired from USAF after 10yrs. I’ve had surgeries, rods screws, wires and batteries but I still hurt a lot. The thin is for my position as I play and the weight is just to make it hurt less to play. If I do ever get it, how hard might it be to get in touch with you for your autograph? Would I just have to mail it and it to filter through the mail? Best of luck sir.

[@mma1st105]

I used to see him walking around the lower east side once in a while. I think he still lives in NYC.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

I love to shout out to Gary loris during the second part with Steve's guitarist that's awesome I love The jayhawks but he's right Gary can just whammy away

[@winstonschwarz1636]

Yesssssss!!!!

[@jrg1231]

Steve Earle and the duke

[@daveclinton4945]

This rundown pairs well with the Smokewagon small batch.

[@williep1626]

He's physically morphed into his dad.

[@AnnaHutchings-v8r]

Cool

[@brianjones7521]

good video

[@Creed_fan_69]

Poor guy had to bury his kid. Love Steve.

[@tomcoryell]

That has to be tough.

[@jay5467]

That G run was lightweight af

[@davidyoung1962]

I wrote a song one day and I was trying to do an indian style thing and my wife says that's Copperhead Road. she was right.

[@mastertapesband2767]

You don't have to listen, watch John's body language ...that's all you need....respect for real cats 👍

[@shepherd8203]

One your better interview!

[@darrylgoodwin7947]

He'll talk the ass end off a south bound mule. The shit he knows about, he knows all about it.

[@Creed_fan_69]

If him and bubs ever fall of the wagon at least he’s got a hundred grand worth of gear to pawn

[@fleadoggreen9062]

Pawn shop prolly give them 50$ a guitar

[@lilnaters49]

That octave mandolin sounds and looks so cool!

[@roscoenyc]

Nice haircut Chief!

[@roscoenyc]

I'm not sure who run's this account but I was referring to Steve's longtime trusted guitar roadie who makes an appearance in the video, Greg "Chief" Frahn.

[@gobigrey9352]

Rig Rundown with Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats! Also Mike Campbell with the Dirty Knobs I might pee a little watching those.

[@herbertquain6875]

Under appreciated....imo he's on mount rushmore with Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Dylan, and Townes.

[@davidcohencrumpton9884]

Mahogany is what I love.

[@bldallas]

Steve, I’ve been a fan since literally 1985. I’ve seen you play dozens of times and could go on and on with examples of my love for your music and writing. What jumped out at me on this video is your reasoning for using those Peavy amps. Because they were/are affordable, good quality and made in the USA. That definitely sounds like the Steve Earle I’ve lived for nearly 40 years. So here’s my request….using that same thought process, PLEASE CREATE AN AFFORDABLE ($500 to $800) STEVE EARLE SIGNATURE MODEL ACOUSTIC GUITAR. I love Martin guitars, and currently own a D18E Retro), as well as a couple lesser priced models. But I simply can’t afford your $4000 signature model. Wouldn’t a Martin Steve Earle Signature Model 21 “style” Road Series guitar, be cool as heck? It could be priced at less than $1000 and I’m sure you and Martin would sell exponentially more instruments than the high end precursor. Please please, think about it! Also, I’m sure you know your son JT played VERY inexpensive Recording King guitars. Before his very sad passing, he and RC were in the process of developing a Justin Townes Earle signature Recording King. Had it come to fruition, I would have definitely bought one in the minute they were available. Reading his thoughts on it, at the time, they were coming from his heart. He. Wanted a guitar that he would play and his fans could afford. Think about it.

[@gdebrango]

Is he playing the acoustic thru the peavy or running direct

[@skilletsguitarshackmarkmil8978]

What is the top right pedal on Steve earls pedal board?

[@jasonstacey9460]

Cheers to Fred Kelley picks

[@aidosmints]

What was the song he plays at the very beginning? I have forgotten the name of it.

[@herbertquain6875]

Tom Ames Prayer

[@dustinlammmusic]

What is the model of this Martin please?

[@premierguitar]

Steve is touring with two black, custom M-sized Martins that are all mahogany, for better road durability.

[@dat219]

Weren't you lucky !! X-C-Lent muscians to interview.