Rig Rundown - Tab Benoit

[@premierguitar]

Article & photos: bit.ly/TabBenoitRR Don't Miss an Episode: bit.ly/RIgRundownENL

[@goodun6081]

It would be cool to see a recent/current rig-rundown with Ry Cooder: last summer he had 4 amps and a custom-made tube preamp built into an old variac housing and known as the Green Man. And of course, a plethora of unusual guitars, including a Premier guitar (!). BTW, the amps were a vintage Premier 88, a small-ish tweed Fender of some kind (a vintage Princeton or Deluxe perhaps?), and two Standels (vintage or modern? Tube or solid state?). And for something completely different: a rig rundown for Steve Morse would be cool....

[@jakebrandt5882]

Tab played a show in town a few years back and one of the tuners broke on that 72 thinline during soundcheck. The venue manager called me and said "I know you can fix guitars. Can you come take a look at Tabs tele?" I asked "I mean yea totally, but like...he doesnt have a tech?" and I was told "His sound guy is his tech and the tour manager and all he knows about guitars is how to tune them." So I went down there and took the tuner apart to find out that it was just worn out and the teeth on it were so worn down that it was unusable. So I thought "Maybe my teles tuners will fit." They didnt. So I grabbed 3 guitars and took them to Tab and told him "Sorry man, I cant fix this without replacement parts on hand. But I brought 3 guitars and you can just use any of these. The tele needs a set up though." He grabbed my tele, played 1 lick and said in his cajun ass drawl "This'll do. I aint picky. Plug it in and turn it up." I thought "Dude...these others play way better." but I didnt say anything. So when he was halfway through the 1st or 2nd song of his set, his other thinline tele broke a string so I ran mine out to him, and did a quick string change (with the oil he mentioned at the bridge and the nut) on his guitar while he played "I Put A Spell On You" on my guitar. Hell yea I took pictures. Afterwards he said "Hey man, that thing needs a setup. It was fretting out on me." Ill never forget the day that Tab Benoit hated my guitar. He should have hated it. It was a cheap MIM tele that played like shit, but he made it sing man. It's crazy watching this video and reliving that experience exactly how he describes this stuff.

[@bretschwartz]

Great story! would your mim tele's neck have fit on Tab's thin line for the night? I think the bolt patterns would have lined up.

[@nikonmikon8915]

@@bretschwartz I suspect the thinline has a 3 bolt pattern

[@joshuataft5541]

That's a freaking great story. Makes me feel better mayb I could be a tec..I can tune and even put sht on lol

[@joshuataft5541]

Yeah great story had to say it again..what a great experience..and a great guy .both of ya

[@timtime9167]

Too cool man. He played a BBQ joint in Tyler Texas. Real blues troubadour total authenticity.

[@DOMSGUITARS6140]

Just saw him less than a week ago for the 2nd time and he is simply amazing. Straightforward. Plays his butt off. Very engaging with the crowd. Very funny. Played requests that were screamed out to him. Anytime he comes to south florida my wife and i will see him. Hes a gem

[@keenanjones1973]

I've seen Tab several times & he's a phenomenal guitarist. So excited to see him on here.

[@larscasteen]

This conversation about amp blending is fascinating. Love the logic behind his mic placement.

[@TheWhollymoly]

Is the gator head true bypass?

[@jakemitchell1671]

Good lawd that's funny!!! lol

[@jakestewartmusic]

It gives it that snappy, biting tone

[@jakesnake66]

@@jakemitchell1671 I wonder if it helps him with his scales?

[@scottperrin9655]

The gator head is definitely in the wrong place in his signal chain. I know there's no "wrong way to do it" but...everyone knows it should go last run through the effects loop.

[@aobyungcp4330]

His gator looks phenomenal

[@ksanchez4139]

I love this guy and his guitar playing is just getting better every year. Thoroughly enjoy his music and see him every chance I get.

[@jakestewartmusic]

This is my new favorite Rig Rundown. Tab seems like such a cool guy and I'm a sucker for a simple setup!

[@heaart2145]

Cool Kat indeed!

[@joshuataft5541]

I agree..sadly there aren't many men like this shown anymore.. the country seems to hide good guys like this..we have to search em out.. better than k pop for damn sure..feels like hone this episode

[@jakestewartmusic]

​@@joshuataft5541 I don't think anyone is hiding this stuff, I just don't think Tab and players like him are trying to follow the mainstream trends. Good news is with the internet and outlets like Premier Guitar, we can find talented folks like this! Nothing wrong with K Pop btw, not everyone's cup of tea but I prefer to be open to everything and artistically open minded! best to you!

[@joshuataft5541]

@@jakestewartmusic you are correct about being open minded for sure.

[@dlock5794]

This dude is awesome, my favorite artist right here.

[@dk2428]

Bottom line: He's pluggin' in heaps of raw talent combined with thousands of hours experience and he's smart enough not to complicate things rig wise. No wonder it all comes together on stage. Been listening to him since forever.

[@john-di1mz]

Every guitar player should watch and listen to this guy....Tab Benoit. He makes total sense and everything he says rings the bell for me. Not only that, he is a RIOT.....wonderful sense of humour....humble demeanor too, a real mentor for anyone aspiring to play clean using mainly fingers... as I do myself these days Its truly inspiring to look at his rig as well...simple setup....personally I use the KISS formula too....i.e. Keep It Simple Stupid . Why complicate things? If it ain't broke don't fix it eh

[@joshuataft5541]

I agree completely

[@rogereisenhardt4270]

This guy is the real deal. No pedals, stock guitars and simple, straight-ahead amplification. I love that he plays a 72 Telecaster Thinline, as I own the same guitar.

[@d37fan]

My experience seeing a Tab show, 2 for the price of 1. Music and comedy. Had a blast and wish he would tour more in my area. Love his gritty straightforward way of playing.

[@luc2o]

I've seen Tab more than 25 times. He NEVER disappoints. always a great show.

[@Mutley58]

What a cool guy! We saw Tab a few years ago in a smaller venue. It was probably the best show I've ever been to. Killer tone, playing & vocals. Tab is the real deal!

[@zalinabrooks1198]

💯

[@VincentVader]

If you haven't seen this man live you're missing out.

[@weekendwarrior4271]

I grew up seeing him play. I’m 34 years old. He is hands down the best blues player alive from Louisiana

[@doloresrohn4699]

Gawd, this was wonderful! What a guy! Thanks John and PG.

[@jonkerr2050]

Just saw Tab last week in Solana Beach with JD Simo. An amazing show and I was amazed at the tone he had.

[@shanemichaels8289]

I got a chance to open for him and talk with him before his set. Man it was amazing to see him play. Really nice guy, down to earth and laid back

[@barrybmusic7742]

Love the Belly Up! Used to see JD around phoenix when he was like 12 another absolute monster!

[@christophervincent8420]

From one Cajun to another. Love the work he does

[@cavscout62]

Living on the Deep East Texas/Louisiana line I’ve been listening to Tab from the start. Never met a more easy going down to earth normal guy. Play on.

[@rodmackinnon8497]

Thanks for the rundown . . . I never heard this guy before, what a guitarist and standup comic . . . "Night Train" is outstanding. Cheers.

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

Tab has less gear than almost anyone I can think of yet this was one of the best all time "Gear Rundown"s. I love Tab's music!

[@zalinabrooks1198]

Tab Benoit, hands down, one of the greatest shows I've ever experienced And I have been to some incredible shows

[@davidbakerscuba]

I love Tab! Just saw him last night here in Orlando. It’s my first real concert since Covid and it was so fantastic to see live music again. He was on fire. Tab and the audience we’re also happy to be experiencing live music again.

[@benallmark9671]

Sounds awesome !

[@MadJackF1]

Pure simplicity in that rig and an entertaining personality. The hows and whys and the short stories made this one of the most entertaining rig rundowns.

[@MichaelAsh-sd7hw]

Tab Benoit; an absolute master of music!

[@stevecomins7837]

Tab's RIGHT hand is the most expressive I ever seen and heard. Not only really fast but he'll be playing between pickups and then quickly right close to the bridge on higher strings with an upstroke for a dynamic, different sound and expression. I've played 50 years and I get totally MESMERIZED by watching his picking hand. A lot of guitarist watch the left hand seeing what's happening and learning and a lot players are not that interested in the right hand. (not having pedals makes one work for it) I defy you to watch his picking and not see an absolute master. Great singer too.

[@dsteele5530]

Just saw him last night in Bloomington Illinois and thought that exact same thing. Right hand was mesmerizing

[@MAP448]

What a wonderful man & such an amazingly innovative guitarist. Definitely, a true to his heart artist.

[@bamagtrdude]

when Tab hit the scene in the early 90's, i saw him at a show in the DC area & there were maybe 10 people in total at the place ... Tab walks out in his blue jeans, flannel shirt, and work boots & you would've thought he was playing to 10,000! he broke a string on nearly every song :) one of the more awesome shows i've ever been too

[@bluesbondsman]

Tab is one of my top three favorite artist , Good old Southern Gentleman !

[@pattyleabo426]

bluesbondsman what’s your top 5? I’m not trolling just curious brother

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

Never seen a pickguard like that, from playing. This man is a national treasure. What a wonderful songmaker.

[@TWTexasA1]

I can’t even think of another guitar player that has such a simple rig, hell I doubt if he even has a tuner..probably just still tunes by ear…and still manages to get different tones for every song….incredible 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@aleisterbroley900]

Love Tab, he's such a genuinely nice dude. He could literally walk onstage without an instrument and make the show well worth the price of admission just with his humor and charm alone. I was privileged to get to see him play at the Natchitoches Christmas Festival several years back-- he stuck it out through a few hours on an outdoor stage in upper-30s temps (on the riverfront, at that) and gave a great show, then came right back off his bus with a glass of brandy and a cigar and signed autographs, took pictures, and made everyone there feel like his best friend, for another hour at least. Unfortunately, most of his shows are up north, and the ones he does play here in his home state are mostly down in Cajun country, so it's hard to catch him anywhere nearby in the northern area of Louisiana, but like I said, he's more than worth the price of admission!

[@donbotting9064]

No gizmo’s needed when you have such soul and emotions dripping from your fingertips as Tab does. Do not miss the chance to see him live!

[@jakemitchell1671]

I wasn't sure, but All these comments have sealed the deal for me. He's going to be playing 20 minutes from me in 2 months. I'm there!!

[@goodun6081]

Tap is so good that after seeing him play in New England last summer, we flew all the way to his home town of Houma Louisiana last October to see him at the three-day Voice of the Wetlands Festival that he hosts. By the way, admission to that Festival is *free*! We will also be seeing him play closer to home later this year, although the next concert we are scheduled to see is Richard Thompson in just a couple of weeks...

[@Patrick_B687-3]

So, did you go and how much did you love it. Seen him a few times here in Tx.

[@benallmark9671]

Did you go ? If so how was he ?

[@elainen8672]

Like everyone has said...if you haven’t seen this man...do yourself a favor and go ! You will not be disappointed . He is the real deal and seems to be a genuine human being!

[@turkeeg7644]

I met this man at Benny's in New Orleans before he took off. My friend asked if he wanted to start a band...Tab said he was honored but his first CD .. Album.. was just coming out...many great times at the Rock and Bowl on Carrollton. Great Great player funny too.

[@nomdeplume8393]

One of the best RRs': humour included. Thanks Tab and PG!

[@edwardrice146]

I sat right behind his amp in Annapolis MD many years ago and he was playing a very loud Twin with that gator head up on top. He always keeps it Nice and Warm.

[@GrooveDuude]

Great choice. Tab is destined to be a blues legend. Already is to me.

[@tbone9347]

I saw Tab at Ruby's Roadhouse about 5-6 years ago. Great show. Love the bass player too.

[@michaelsingley5641]

Drowning on dry land by him is great. 🎸

[@horrorview]

Love Tab! One of the best, funniest, and most humble performers out there. I make a point to see him every time he rolls through.

[@r.parker1933]

Such a great approach. I love his playing, and he clearly knows his stuff.

[@wildbillhackett]

A breath of fresh air seeing a guy with a simple rig who actually knows how to get the best out of it instead of having a bunch of goofy pedals.

[@HarrisNeckHVAC]

Thank you Don Ritter for making the most incredible amps! I have one will never need another.

[@LindaMckenziemusic]

Great sounding rig ... love your simplicity and it appears like no mater where you go, you have a consistent sound and you're right not messing with knobs & pedals.. allowing you to focus on the music, not the tech.🎉

[@85Stang331]

Tab is a true artist raw true sound not to mention great voice.

[@TWTexasA1]

Tab’s one of my favorite musicians, his Cajun brand of blues is unlike most others and will definitely make you stomp your feet…awesome guitar player as well as a great vocalist ✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼

[@brianallen2322]

I can't believe this is real! One of the greatest blues guitarist of all time!

[@kenwinston2245]

Tab played at one of our first music on the halfshell seasons here in Roseburg Oregon in a park by the river all those years ago ... and just set the place on fire. Fantastic and still well remembered. Thanks again Tab, you're welcome here anytime!

[@T-Gill777]

From the Bayou all the way to Nashville love you Tab Benoit

[@stratocaster1greg]

Saw him tonite in Colorado he played his ass off! Killer show we had a blast!

[@stevespayde7469]

Humble,real,and talented---win,win,win.

[@Craig_Fussell]

I’ve listened to Tab over the years, but haven’t seen him live. He is a riot! Love his demeanor and practicality. Seems like he’s “good people” as we say in the South! 🤙🏻😎🎸

[@bluekestral8316]

I've seen him twice. Definitely an experience

[@audiophileman7047]

I just loved this Rig Run Down video with Tab Benoit. It's great to see that a guitar can be played without too much tech when it's in the right hands. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@bradrehn1007]

This was GREAT!! Down to earth (er swamp!) rig rundown on all that's necessary!! He's like the guy who knows how to crack open a keg without the tap! The party will go on, strings (!?!) who needs em, just rub out dat riddim on the pickups, keep your nuts greased, and jest hobo on down the rolling rock road past the blue byouzz!!

[@kendallbraziel5621]

Tab is one Hell Of An Artist!

[@JP1AO]

I only came across this guy on KZbin about a year ago. He is definitely on my to see list. I love his sound.

[@mojotronix]

Saw/heard Tab last night in Petaluma last night. I can attest this "simple rig" works very very well indeed. Lots of colors coming out of his setup by using technique, and feel. What a great musician, and person. Extra bonus was hanging out by his bus as he smoked a cigar, and took time to chat, and tell great stories. Fan for life...

[@jeffhebert9643]

Hadn't heard of this gentlemen . ...but what a super cool guy , really humble and laid back . Awesome sense of humor too. Will be checking him out more.

[@luc2o]

You will not be disappointed.

[@Hamrhed545]

Love Tab- such a cool dude and great player... great interview 🙌

[@lorenzo6mm]

Category 5 "Andrew" The ultimate.

[@garydupuis2796]

Tab is so cool! I got to meet him years ago when his cousin, who, at the time, was a good friend, introduced me at a show.

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Tab's my kinda guy. I had a 100w all tube MM -RD210. MIM string through tele. Just the stock pedal that came w/t amp. Loved that amp. Sometimes I'd use a 2x12 cabinet for larger venues. A couple 57s fore and aft through the system and I was good. Raw sound is always the best.

[@overthetop040411]

Tab is my blues hero.

[@jipes]

Tab Benoit is the real deal a trusty Thinline Custom Fender and great amps that's it. I had teh chance to see him playing at the Jazz Fest and it was amazing

[@ryan.1357]

Been waiting a long time for this one.

[@LUckybones25]

Tab is so interesting to listen to.

[@millionhairs]

Anybody else yell at John, "Don't touch his guitar!!!"? I know it wasn't just me who did...lol

[@john-zw9rw]

FANTASTIC ARTIST.....WHO DID NOT SELL OUT TO A MAJOR ENDORSEMENT....Respected by Artists for that act..

[@richardlee866]

Tab is a hoot and a gentleman got to play him a couple times and a good drummer to boot.

[@DennisCharretteakaDenChea]

Great interview. Down to earth gentleman. I need to see him. Peace*

[@macauley70]

great dude and great artist. honest guy

[@joshuataft5541]

Here in vermont there are some famous benoits that are great whitetail hunters and trackers..I bet there related in some way..I'd usualy say no but there very similar to this guy..jst a thought

[@aidankatz7441]

Nice! Glad you guys are branching out to more New Orleans based musicians!

[@mickeythompson24]

Be cool if they would do Flow Tribe or The Meters

[@t-boog2173]

Sparse rig but cool rundown. I live in Houma, Tab's hometown. I don't really know him but I'm friends with his bass player Corey, who is an amazing bass player. Tab seems a good guy though and he's def an authentic Cajun/Blues musician so it's cool to see him get the recognition. (May yeah sha!)

[@Popsaircraftdetail]

Great guy

[@jeffd3660]

great video , Tab is great guitar player

[@dimitri3835]

Tab Benoit,, godfather of blues 🎸

[@zockosriffs]

Love his sound and the way he thinks...plug in guitar, turn it up, and go!

[@TheRockerxx69]

Love Tab !!!!

[@nycLPplayer]

Tab is unreal. Even bought a real set of WRHBs because of his tone.

[@vicpnut1]

NYC LP Player wrhb’s ?

[@nycLPplayer]

@@vicpnut1 70's Wide Ranger Humbuckers....they use a CUNIFE magnet no longer made commonly. Different sound the alnico replicas.

[@buddyboy6071]

The guy doing the interview should be in the Bill and Ted movies. Most triumphant.

[@mattwoodsrootsmusic]

Tab really is a great drummer!!

[@kenwinston2245]

I love it. This is my guitar... this is my amp.

[@GinoGenero]

Best rundown ever. Banjo and gator make it epic!

[@PreachaMan]

Gotta love the simplicity…. Reminds me of the old saying “Beware of a man with just one gun.”

[@tiffanysmith9275]

I was born in 72 funny you say it's and old guitar HA "mystery is in the music" yes indeed!!! Saw John Lee Hooker as a child, blues impacted me ever since, Great interview thoroughly enjoyed , thanks

[@doloresrohn4699]

Tab’s the shit! Wow, so humble.

[@benallmark9671]

I’m still waiting to get that feeling he’s talking about where you lay down whatever it is you have in your head flawlessly. I’ve also yet to play a thinline Tele but did have my eyes on Jim Atkins signature modal wth P-90’s in it.

[@Badhands55]

Monster player and super cool

[@larryrogalski4067]

Tab is awesome!!! What a cool cat!!! Just him a guitar and his amps!! Too cool!!

[@leftchicago]

His laid back demeanor really doesn't represent the fire breather he is on stage. He tells some damn funny stories, too.

[@JohnSmith-in1tt]

Just saw Tab live at the Sony Hall in New York. He came out with so much energy and his band sounded so full and sonically complete for a three piece. Tab’s guitar playing is sensational and his voice is incredible as well. It was hands down one of the best shows I’ve ever been to; he’s absolutely a must see performer if you like the blues or guitar

[@arkansasrazorback6087]

Nice. I get to see him in 2 weeks. I'm ready!!!

[@douglaspack9982]

Tabs the coolest cat.... Great FEELER of music.. way down to earth..!! live ON tab 👍👍💌 --Huge fan from Minneapolis --

[@goodun6081]

It's worth noting that when my wife and I attended Tab's Voice of the Wetlands Festival in Louisiana last October, the other guitarists on stage were mostly playing through backline-provided Fender "reissue" amps, with Fender guitars, and they didn't cut through the mix very well at all. Sound at the festival was excellent overall, except for some of the other guitar players, especially during the "Friday Night Guitar Fight" jam session. If I remember correctly there was a '65 Twin Reverb reissue and also a '67 or 68 Twin Reverb reissue on stage being used by the various bands. Whatever they were, they did not work all that well with Fender guitars in that situation. Damon Fowler, who was playing a red Gibson thinline semi hollow body, was one of the few who consistently made himself heard. (Somebody was playing through a Vox amp during one of the jam sessions, it might have been him but I couldn't tell for sure). Johnny Sansone was playing thru a Tweed Fender (Bassman?) I don't know if it was a reissue or a vintage, but it worked pretty well for him.

[@badmeatguitar843]

obviously super talented vocalist and guitar player, but had the chance a few years back to see him play with "THE FUZZ" [police cover band]... no mic to tab,,,, unbelievable drummer!!! after the show got to have a drink with him at the bar... super nice guy,,,, love me some TAB!!! crack the pieyea!

[@vondakayb1680]

Tab , China dishes 🍽 & wall color's! September 2020 , things are mynute in comparison. Spiritual the best is yet to come. Thanks for making me " smile' Tab Benoit. Rig rundown 👍❣💜 tf goodman 🙃🤔V

[@BrianRowland_Google]

Tab is great! Seen him at the Moon in Tallahassee many times!