Rig Rundown - Wilco's Nels Cline

www.premierguitar.com PG's Rebecca Dirks is On Location in West Des Moines, IA, where she catches up with Wilco lead guitarist Nels Cline who walks us through his entire rig including Fender Jazzmasters, Schroeder Amps, and an expansive pedalboard.
For more Rig Rundown videos or to watch one of Premier Guitar's other 1500 videos online, be sure to visit www.premierguitar.com/video

[@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!

[@jonathanheredia4419]

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

[@jonathanedwards9254]

SAME

[@michaelwtapp]

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

[@aazaranis6]

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

[@monkeyxx]

sonic crud, 100%

[@jeremyschep3589]

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

[@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."

[@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.

[@ChuckNorrisCutsMyLaw]

6:26 That is one of the best 12 string electrics I've ever heard, it sounds amazing, and it's probably made of plywood or particle board.

[@danashane]

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

[@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?

[@NoUploadJustComment]

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

[@darrenofdrivers]

I still watch this about once a year

[@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?

[@cdacadkison7714]

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

[@iwillnevergetone5]

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

[@ForViewingOnly]

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

[@jrmwigga5555]

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

[@Robert-ze4hd]

Time for an updated Nels Cline rundown 😉

[@Dreyno]

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

[@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

[@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).

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@briandarabaca]

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

[@ChrisVanDeusen]

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

[@surfsup5757]

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

[@videobeez]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@chrisdgoldie]

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

[@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.)

[@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.

[@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.

[@PeterReesvan]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@Disharmonikash]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@Delonelyman]

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

[@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

[@scrimmerman]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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...

[@hongdekong]

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

[@JoshuaPickenpaugh]

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

[@alejandroblanco2071]

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

[@schua888]

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

[@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!

[@anthonyfisher5076]

one of the best rig rundowns to me.

[@klebfg9537]

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

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

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

[@countvond233]

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

[@slimturnpike]

one of the most interesting, and inspiring, guitarist interviews that i've seen in a long time.

[@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.

[@enjoyCarlos]

Probably one of the best Rig-Rundowns i've ever seen on your channel! ;-) Great guy! Cheers from Greece!

[@saulroblessoy]

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

[@nnm2rnmfgkre]

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

[@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.

[@thesecretsamurai]

Thanks so much for doing this interview and posting!

[@jonathon1334]

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

[@ryanhingorani4019]

awesome rig rundown, maybe my favorite yet. even a lot of inspiration as far as tone and even riffs and stuff.

[@shadygroves8252]

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

[@carakenio]

One of the best rundowns !

[@jimboshizz]

This was such a treat!! Thanks for making this video :)

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@MrJonathanMarquis]

awesome 40 minutes. Guitars, pedals and Rebecca :) .. thank you PG

[@theaceofspadesjl]

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

[@SuperRoggerRabbit]

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

[@panthro213]

This is the best one. Very thorough.

[@metelegerald]

OH GOD I'VE WAITED FOR THIS FOR SO LONG

[@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.

[@M_Erstrand]

Best rig rundown! Learned a lot!

[@gary_beniford]

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

[@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.

[@thedanalcantara]

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

[@premierguitar]

Thanks for posting this, very helpful.

[@carakenio]

The best rig rundown ever !!!!!

[@robbys55]

I frankly love this rundown.

[@triplesevensix291]

I love that cacophony of sound!! End of the world indeed! Love it.

[@tremoloking]

Love these Rig Rundowns but this one is especially good. Really interesting.

[@stevekenton9422]

Dang. I was at this show.

[@davesalk]

Had a really fun time watching this.

[@domsawyer8953]

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

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@StephenTack]

"...degradation is my sound." :-)

[@huskvarsm]

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

[@FabianSalomonsson]

Please make a new one! This was fantastic