Rig Rundown - Wilco's Nels Cline

[@johnmcleod3385]

C'mon Fender.....where is Nel's signature Jazzmaster?

[@benrothschild6074]

John McLeod he doesn’t want one that’s definitely been offered

[@steveshadforth]

Twat, have u more money than sense

[@charizardoystersauce]

does he have one now?

[@benrothschild6074]

@@charizardoystersauce he does not, Nels has stated specifically that he considers his 59 his personal signature instrument but would never want recreations of it

[@IETCHX69]

tx . cool

[@RMoore-zt7zs]

My favorite Rig Rundown ever. That intelligent, respectful lady gives him a little nudge here and there and then gives him the space to divulge a humongous amount of info about his rig and what he really wants to do with it. I love the fact too that he isn't a purist or musical snob and seems to be so down to earth. And I love the fact that neither of them let ego get in the way of a super performance, smart people in my book. But that was 8 years ago; how about "Nels Cline, Rebecca Dirks, Rig Rundown 2020"... I bet he has some different gear we need to hear about.

[@jaredbumbis]

He did a bored to death with earthquaker you should check out!

[@doubletakes9731]

In case you didn't notice this guy is a genius. Not to mention incredibly likeable. Rebecca is smart enough to just let him talk...

[@cynm1]

They should let Ms. Dirks do all the Rig Rundowns.

[@csh8403]

I agree. That guy who did GBV and the Breeder is so awkward and blabby. This girl nails it

[@MtnLiner]

She’s spooky in a cute way.

[@IETCHX69]

Double Takes It DOES take a restrained host to let the player spill his guts .

[@OlyStereomaid]

Agreed.

[@themightyquinn516]

For some reason, I completely lost it when he said "it's a Bleep Labs Thingamagoop" in a total deadpan voice. What an amazing gentleman and a true, passionate musician.

[@hendrixg]

Easily the best rig rundown ever done.

[@marknorris3769]

that was awesome

[@tysonrinker8089]

That comment is on so many of these Rig Rundown. but this one seriously is one of the best ones it's one of the most unique ones. the amount of gear is insane

[@OlyStereomaid]

Easily!

[@proc007]

This is exactly why I hate when people say things like "do you really need all of those pedals?" Or "why are you using all of those effects, don't you realize that they're taking away from your tone?" In my mind at least, these are the people who won't ever understand that in the end, it's all about sounding as much like yourself as possible and (more importantly) having a good time doing it! As guitarists, we're all entitled to our own opinions when it comes to creating the "best" sound possible, but regardless of what you use or how you play, as long as it sounds good to you, it's very likely that it will sound good to someone else. Nels does an excellent job of demonstrating that here. I've always loved using pedals personally, because there is someone mind-boggling about shaping the tone of your guitar into something that either enhances your tone entirely, or makes it sound absolutely NOTHING like a guitar at all... That's the beauty of music and that's why I like seeing people like Nels become successful in this world.

[@KelticKabukiGirl]

I know this is old, but conventional rock just isn't capturing today's youth, they like weird noises, my buying a Data Corrupter opened a new world of tonal possibilities, and I don't listen to Wilco but I love the things this guy does.

[@hickorymccay2994]

@@KelticKabukiGirl What about conventional rock with weird noises, like Radiohead's Lucky, which combines the sound of playing guitar behind the nut with a Pink Floyd-sounding melody?

[@ForViewingOnly]

A definite favourite rig rundown video, one of the best for sure. This guy is a real artist with his effects.

[@jeremyschep3589]

He's the best musician to ever play for Wilco. Absolute master.

[@michaelwtapp]

I would to see a guitar moves episode with Nels Cline.

[@NoUploadJustComment]

Yep this is the best Rig Rundown ever made. Nels is the man.

[@huxtable2000]

ThankU Rebbecca & Premier Guitar for another wonderful interview. My story: after a recent WILCO New Zealand concert in April, 2013, the next day Nels was catching a flight. As busy as AKL International airport was that morning, he was kind enough to speak with me as well as sign an autograph. It was as if we were old friends. We'd never met. More power to him, his music & tenure with Wilco. pcHux

[@NorthWriter]

Yeah, it's nice to hear from a guy who 1) knows his guitars inside and out, and 2) LOVES his guitars with all his heart. You can tell that Nels isn't just, like, "Yeah, this is a cool guitar."

[@DaviTrombela84]

After watching guys from a bunch of bands no one knows about showing their stuff like they re doing a favor to mankind, you have this very nice man being absolutely nice and really enjoying the interview! It just works better, doesn't it?

[@darrenofdrivers]

I still watch this about once a year

[@TheWelshBrothers]

So many rig rundowns, but this one is the magnum opus out of all of them. It has basically everything a gearhead could ask for.

[@LiberTBo]

I actually learned a great deal from Nel's great interview with Rebecca. What an amazing intuitive man, who explains virtually everything about his equipment, which draws you right into the story. It would be nice if more rig rundowns were of this nature and quality. Other musicians actually benefit from discussions like this. Thanks to Nels and Rebecca for an outstanding rig rundown.

[@danashane]

If the performer thing doesn't work out for Nels, he'd make a heck of a music store salesman.

[@jonathanheredia4419]

I rewatch this like every month it's my comfort food at this point

[@jonathanedwards9254]

SAME

[@iwillnevergetone5]

musicians like nels cline (and others) should be held in high regard as today's visionaries that everyone should know

[@ChrisVanDeusen]

One of my favorite timid and humble artists who appreciates the classic tones and welcomes the new.

[@cdacadkison7714]

I want to jam with this guy! Fender should make a signature Nel Clines Jazzmaster.

[@aazaranis6]

"Degradation is my sound." (I'll drink to that)

[@monkeyxx]

sonic crud, 100%

[@jason5150bb]

Easily the best rig rundown ever. The guitarist himself geeking out and Rebecca just letting him run wild and talk about whatever he wanted to.

[@jrpipik]

GREAT rundown. Not only do we get the man himself, and not his tech, but he actually plays to let us hear what he's talking about. Terrific! (And a great player, too.)

[@surfsup5757]

Nels cosmic tone's and weird riff's along with Tweety's twang gives us one of America's best bands.

[@liljgoneman9765]

I got lucky and caught the "a ghost is born" tour in a tiny little venue in grand jct Colorado and Nels is one of the best players I've ever had the pleasure to see. Period. At 1 point he was literally whirling his axe on the strap over his head and it STILL sounded "right". There are a few guys still exploring the boundaries of the guitar, guys like Stanley Jordan, Tom Morello and this dude is one of 'em.

[@gamesandcake4892]

Dude loves to talk about his gear, and I love hearing about it. I enjoy it so much when musicians geek out about their equipment.

[@trevorg7665]

Fascinating. You can tell the guy loves what he does. It's infectious. Couldn't be a nicer guy too. Good on ya Nels.

[@08RES]

Love Nels. I watch too many of these things when I should just be practicing but he was so gracious with his time and explanation. Hat off.. thank you Nels!

[@wtosal]

I'm no musician. 60 Years.... and let me tell N. Cline is the best thing that happened to guitar since Henry Kaiser (Hendrix and Garcia are gone so Wes).

[@PeterReesvan]

One of the most enjoyable rig rundowns. Degradation is my sound, can’t beat that.

[@mattsta79]

I really just needs to be said over and over again that this is the best rig rundown that has been done. What an absolutely cool guy!

[@DingusBobingus5555]

"Fuzz Factory + 2 octaves down = End of the World" An impeccable mathematic equation.

[@buckcornell]

I don't comment very much, but this video is just f-ing incredible. I can't think of another guitarist's rig I would want to watch a walk-through of more than Mr. Cline's setup. Thank you, Nels, for being so gracious, and thank you Ms. Dirk for being so patient and just letting Nels talk...it would've been so easy to keep interjecting stuff, but you just let him go and it was awesome to watch. My favorite youtube vid for sure.

[@chrisdgoldie]

This has to be one of the most informative rig rundowns I've watched. I love it. Nels is the MAN.

[@brarunasunburn7794]

Most players prefer left their vintage treasures in their home studios locked,but nels takes them in the road,and hes also very open to talk about how he get their amazing sound,thats super great for begining and advance player,when i start to play i never had all that information around,you tube doesnt exist at that time,best rig rundown,thanx!

[@videobeez]

"... degradation is my sound" ...masterful. 24:00

[@mattplummer764]

Love how Nels talks about his rig in such a holistic fashion - it's not just about how his gear sounds or feels, but also how it looks. His gear is his muse and the results speak for themselves

[@Robert-ze4hd]

Time for an updated Nels Cline rundown 😉

[@mshuptar]

1) I love when the actual artist takes us through their rig. 2) The video description says that Cline has an "expansive pedalboard" but I think PG means "expensive pedalboard." 3) That rosewood Jazzmaster is amazing.

[@Dreyno]

“It’s G, G, D, G, G, D”.....looks at interviewer to see her reaction to this madness....nothing 😄

[@Disharmonikash]

I keep returning to this rig rundown. It's the best video about gear on the Internet.

[@jonathon1334]

One of the best right rundowns and definitely one of the best guitarist..... Check out the stuff he does outside of Wilco

[@ianc9843]

What a god! He knows so much about his guitars when he honestly could get by with just having his techs do everything for him. One of the best to ever do it!

[@briandarabaca]

"Degradation is, my sound..." Now that's the highlight of the video!

[@adanacman666]

what a humble dude,i love listening to guys like him,true masters of their insturments,i love his passion,and willingness to share,i can see y he is in a band like Wilco,talent like he has,is very special,if i woulda been able to see this stuff when i was a kid,things woulda turned out different,kids today are so lucky

[@countvond233]

I love it when a tasteful, inventive player is also a cool guy. Rare for damn sure.

[@ropeswingify]

really appreciate and respect Nels genuine love and enthusiasm for his instruments and tones..actually letting us hear his run down..huge kudos to you Nels for doing that..as opposed to the "superstar" whos just looking to get through the run down..or the super wank who sends his guitar tech "only" out to do the bit... "get your tech in the mix"..i get it..noble..but no appearance at all?.. certainly not as cool as a class act like Nels..or the "war on drugs" cat.. or any other players PG honors with a rig run down who give us sound and vision...much appreciated..true "cool".

[@SonikJesus]

j mascis' was cool like this one too

[@shadygroves8252]

Love his guitar playing AND he seems like the nicest & smartest dude

[@PeteWojMusic]

I agree with everyone. Def the best Rig Rundown ever. Nels is the nicest guy around. You think Dan Auerbach's taking a half hour to demonstrate his playing and guitar's tone? He's too cool for that. #NelsForPrez #ILoveWilco

[@faunoram]

this was the best rig rundown ever !! you can actually feel the passion and the wisdom of this mad genius ! and everything in a really humble way not like some guitar divas that send their guitar tech...

[@NickBernzz]

12 years later and this is still one of the best RRs ever

[@timothyviard1353]

He is very generous of his time and Rebecca dirks, so very patient, so very much the fan. I appreciate both of you, I'm much less depressed.

[@natrick]

I love this guy. He's one of few people that, while having a ton of gear, can wring every little bit of beauty out of all of it.

[@curtisprice9806]

Awesome tones galore!!! Nels....a very knowledgeable, creative, and dedicated musician to the core. Great video! God...what a beautiful host lol!!! RESPECT, peace, and LOVE

[@jonwarner1762]

I can't tell you how many times I've heard other guitarist quote Nels's "degradation is my sound" both in other rig rundowns and elsewhere. just another testament to how influencial Nels is in the gear world.

[@schua888]

A guitar & gearhead tour de force. It just doesn't get any more fun (watching) than that. Thank you Nels, Rebecca and PG!!!

[@Cosmoknothappens]

It makes me sad that some people only know Nels Cline as a member of Wilco. He's one of the most innovative guitarists of our time. Wilco pays the bills though, I guess.

[@enggopah]

I was a fan long before he was in Wilco. One of the few guitarists that really affected me.

[@stonecrazy]

This is by far the best rig rundown ever! I think i've watched it at least three times! But what about a Rig Rundown for Jeff Tweedy (who own a lot of cool gear) and even Pat Sansone and John Stirratt!

[@rottenpizza84]

I like , how he tells and play ., show n tell .

[@thedanalcantara]

I love how simple his rig is, when it's all boiled down. Just a ton of overdrive and some fun stuff.

[@johnwaynesfoot]

I hope this is useful... 00:19 '59 Fender Jazzmaster/ 02:49 Henss Jazzmaster in rosewood/ 04:44 Gibson Les Paul (Junior?)/ 06:26 Jerry Jones Neptune 12-string/ 08:17 Jerry Jones 12-string and baritone doubleneck/ 10:39 Crown, painted by Norton Wisdom/ 11:48 Hopf Telstar Standard/ 14:54 Souldier Straps/ 15:27 '69 Fender Jaguar/ 17:01 Bill Nash Tele-style with Lollar pickups/ 18:44 Schroeder DB7 head (approx. 35 W), paired with Marshall JTM45 2x12 cabinet (continued...)

[@Prof3ssrBrando]

Thingamagoop! Wow, I did not expect to see that in this video. One of the bands I play in has a track that uses the Thingamagoop and cats are always asking "What was THAT?!" after the set. Haha. It's a great conversation starter and also an absolutely awesome instrument! Nels Cline is such a monster. I've been spinnin' Jeff Gauthier's record with him, such a great cut.

[@SuperRoggerRabbit]

Wow Nels Cline .. you are one cool dude, thanks, learned a lot, awesome! Great sound... glad I found you !

[@kentuckychromedesign]

This is so great. I'm fascinated with Nels' approach. Great to see his gear, and listen to him talking about why he chooses what he chooses. Thanks so much for this!

[@klebfg9537]

I've re-watched this like 4 times it is easily the best rundown

[@Delonelyman]

Cant stop to watch this video over and over again! Best rig rundown ever!

[@gary_beniford]

a rig rundown with everything we like the real artist playing and explaining their own gear and being happy to do so.

[@domsawyer8953]

Thing is, he'd sound fucking amazing going directly into his amp. Wonderful rundown. Thanks, Nels.

[@nnm2rnmfgkre]

I could listen to this guy talk gear all day long.

[@saulroblessoy]

Nels, thanks for being so open with your gear information!

[@lolttyl143]

He mentioned a band called Panic. Could that be early Black Flag? Hanging out with Mike Watt kind of makes me think so.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

This is so awesome. What a great, articulate, explanation of everything. Totally made me want to pick up my guitar.

[@alejandroblanco2071]

Oh yeah , the iconic +++ rig rundown episode it is 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻

[@FabianSalomonsson]

Please make a new one! This was fantastic

[@jasondotson]

I had the honor of moving this man's amp around and discussing Coltrane's interstellar space on more than a few occassions....nicest guy in the world.

[@blashuvec]

what song did nels play when he showed off the sound of his 12-string guitar? it's so beautiful

[@mcrestwood7378]

love da nels,,he is a sonic wiz,a sound painter ,,he`s just a freak!!!

[@cybersludge]

I love how into "ugly duckling" guitars he is. Also, they spent such little time on that first jazzmaster. They probably could have made a mini documentary about that thing. I think I read somewhere that J Mascis owned it prior to Watt. That guitar has been owned by at least three of the greatest musicians to walk the earth.

[@StephenLafferty]

This is the standard that all gearheads will be held to in future. Thank you for this interview!

[@MxSmack]

It's so cool, every single one of his guitars has a story, and it's awesome to have a gear which everything means something to him instead of buying the new model and just go with it. Awesome. :)

[@Nooseybear]

24:56 I do care, awesome tip! I could listen to Nels Cline talk for hours. It seems true that real guitarists play real guitars. This guy's an inspiration.

[@hongdekong]

Ive watched this so many times. Love this video & Nels!

[@huskvarsm]

rebecca dirks is very cool and she is always so interested in the gear great rig rundowns.

[@anthonyfisher5076]

one of the best rig rundowns to me.

[@scrimmerman]

Great rundown as always on one of my favorite and most fascinating guitarists of all time! Thanks PG!

[@theaceofspadesjl]

Rebecca Dirks held up that microphone for 40 minutes... GOD BLESS HER

[@MikeLoeser]

Badass. If there was ever a mad professor of sound it's Nels. Even cooler that when he makes weird noises in the vid, you can recognize where they were used in songs. Amazing.

[@michaelcarrig627]

The best rig I have seen on here.

[@dukdukguus]

Enjoy all the "Rig Rundowns," but this one is especially wonderful as Nels actually PLAYS the tones he's getting from his rig. (Hey, Every Other Guitarist? Please play your stuff, okay? It's great to know what you're using, but hearing it closes the circle of knowledge.) Great video. Thanks.

[@chancehalter2074]

Anyone know the song he's playing around 25:30 when he's demoing the boss compressor? Thanks!

[@michaelcarrig]

Fucking awesome rundown. Nels is a visionary guitarist. He has taught me to indulge my guitar fantasies and experiments.

[@analogdebut]

"I Might" is on their newest album, The Whole Love. It's fantastic.

[@bigbabyjesus12]

Fascinating. I love Nels. He's on almost every great underground record made in the past 20 years. Punk, jazz, indie, country, he's all over the place. Plus he's married to one of the cibo matto girls.

[@bestworstusername]

saw Nels and the boys today, it was fantastic.

[@aceofspades1542]

That 12 string silverburst guitar sounds phenomenal !

[@Jcarroll9889]

Not once did I get bored while watching this entire video.

[@chancehalter2074]

is he playing a song at 25:50 when he's demoing his boss cs-3 compressor? or just a random lick?

[@JoshuaPickenpaugh]

BEST RIG RUNDOWN EVER! So much fun! Thanks PG!

[@apolloc.vermouth5672]

There's no other rock guitarist playing at his level right now - that combination of classic tone/chops and left-field skronky invention