Robben Ford At TPS! [New Pedalboard, Little Walter Amp, Playing Tips & More]

A true guitar legend joins us to talk playing, tone and much more!
Welcome to the show. It is indeed a big day for Dan and I as we welcome one of our all-time playing heroes to Schwangri-La, Mr Robben Ford.
Dan has been working with Robben for a little while now, helping him to get a new pedalboard together for new tones and inspiration.
In this video we talk about his recent playing life, taking in a few choice guitars along the way. Please note there is/will be a separate video in which Robben shows us his fabled Dumble Overdrive Special amplifier and tells its amazing story. In more recent times, his Little Walter 50-watt ’59 model has been taking care of business, as it is in this video!
Massive thanks to Robben for being here, enjoy the episode!
Quick signal path explanation…
Robben’s signal chain goes in the order that you see it on the QMX6 switcher from right to left.
The volume pedal is placed AFTER the QMX switcher and BEFORE the delay and reverb which are not in QMX loops. Reverb is last in the chain.
Guitar plugs into the input of the QMX.
Please check out…
• Robben Ford’s Guitar Dojo - www.robbenfordguitardojo.com/
• Tour dates, general info, merch etc - www.robbenford.com/
• That Pedal Show Store - how we fund this show - www.thatpedalshowstore.com/
Pedals & stuff in this show
• Lehle Mono Volume S
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3UpDCS7
Australia: bit.ly/3JqTKgY
USA: sweetwater.sjv.io/andY1Q
• TC Electronic Polytune Mini Noir
UK & Europe: bit.ly/30GVcUn
Australia: bit.ly/348bMOY
USA: sweetwater.sjv.io/ZQWJdW
• Hermida Audio Zendrive
No longer available new
• Mythos Argo
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2UT0EVw
Australia: bit.ly/3qt3Y4s
• Fairfield Circuitry Randy’s Revenge
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3SPLBFN
Australia: bit.ly/3yogY24
• Electro Harmonix Micro POG
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2dxmneP
USA: sweetwater.sjv.io/oqdPeY
• Jam Pedals Harmonious Monk MkII
UK & Europe: bit.ly/421cyKA
Australia: bit.ly/414fg2h
• Jam Pedals Boomster Mk2
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3qOFdWt
Australia: bit.ly/3JqU2o4
• Mad Professor Silver Spring Reverb
www.mpamp.com/eu/silver-sprin...
• Strymon TimeLine
UK & Europe:, bit.ly/2fzulGD
Australia: bit.ly/2pSEFKm
USA: sweetwater.sjv.io/WqoJDn
• Hotone Ampero Control Midi switcher
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3Q6ZKyY
Australia: bit.ly/3UlUl9Z
• The GigRig QMX6
UK & Europe: www.thegigrig.com/quartermaster
Australia: bit.ly/34rwaKG
Interesting bits & go-to sections
0:00 Intro playing and hello!
2:12 Pure, Robben’s latest studio album
5:57 All about the guitar again
7:52 New reverbs and delays
11:07 ‘Mint’ reverb example - TimeLine preset
13:25 Robben’s new pedalboard
15:40 The only way to move forward
16:11 Zendrive still rules
16:57 PRS Robben Ford Ltd McCarty
19:00 Zendrive sounds
20:36 Dynamics and melody
27:28 Approach to altered scales
30:55 Q from Simon Jarrett, diminished I to IV
37:50 Robbenfordguitardojo.com
40:50 Little Walter ’59 amp
44:13 Dumble sound at lower volume?
47:00 Robben’s other PRS
49:45 The tailpiece is so important
50:39 Dan’s LP Junior?
52:10 Supernatural Tele story
59:12 The magic right hand
1:00:12 MIDI control for Strymon Timeline
1:03:07 1966 Gibson 335 12-string conversion
1:07:10 The beauty of volume
1:09:05 Fav sax players
1:13:00 EH POG for bebop
1:15:25 Mythos Argo
1:16:40 Fairfield Ring Mod
1:17:50 Harmonious Monk
1:19:20 Jam Boomster
Guitars used in today’s show
• 1966 Epiphone Riviera
• PRS Robben Ford Limited Edition McCarty x 2
• 1966 Gibson ES-335-12 (converted to a six-string)
• 1960 Fender Telecaster
Amps in today’s show
• Little Walter 50-watt ’59 & 212 cab with ToneSpeak Austin 1250 and Manchester 1290 speakers
We hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to our channel.
You can buy TPS merch to support our efforts www.thatpedalshowstore.com
We are on Patreon - crowdfunding for creatives
/ thatpedalshow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf

[@andrewhammondt]

The way Robben can soften the attack of bright guitars/tones with his hands is such an underrated aspect of his playing. It just gives him so much extra dynamic space to express himself. A true master.

[@nancypantz]

I wonder if that's from being a Telecaster guy? I developed a knack over the years of taming that brightness on a Telly, by just hitting the strings in a way which is really impossible to describe, as it's subconscious.

[@BrettValentine]

@@nancypantz Tele helps! A lot!

[@OutlawGuitarSlinger]

Back to the good stuff, let's stay with this. That bit you did the other day was caustic.

[@willgoodfellow3144]

Watching this with my newborn 2 week old son on my lap. A truly special moment (Robben on TPS, not my son 😂😂)

[@johnnathancordy]

Congratulations Will! Hope kiddo is doing well!!

[@willgoodfellow3144]

@@johnnathancordy Cheers John! Your videos are keeping me going through the sleepless nights.

[@HeySenatorArnold]

Congratulations! You timed that well.

[@davidpekarsky2977]

Is this your first? If so, I stand amazed in your dadjoke potential. If not your first, your experience shows.

[@willgoodfellow3144]

@@davidpekarsky2977 it's my second so I'm in my dad joke prime!

[@heymrguitarman7637]

A living guitar legend. Such a tasteful player. Always seems to play the right thing. Awesome

[@DrokiHazan]

When Robben started playing his tele, it changed everything I knew about how a telecaster was supposed to sound. I just don't know if there's anyone in the world who can do what Robben Ford does. There are masters of the right hand out there, but there might be none like him. Thank you so much for this video Dan and Mick. It was amazing to watch, it was amazing to see Robben light up and get so excited about sharing this with you, and it was delightful to see two of my favorite people on the internet get to experience this moment live in person. So happy for you both.

[@musictimewithjoel3020]

My parents took me to a Robben Ford concert when I was 9 or 10. I sat at the front of the stage in awe. When he finished the night, he walked over and handed me his pick. I’ve been a fan ever since. Thank you guys for sharing this amazing content!! Can’t wait for the next video 😄

[@PPIMV]

Fantastic episode guys! Love the way you seamlessly wove between music, guitar and gear. All the while Robben was engaging, generous and inspiring with his insights and awesome musicality. Also thanks so much for asking a question for me - what an honour...so kind of you guys!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Simon! Glad you enjoyed it mate. Big day for us obvs!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Robben is just brilliant! He's been a massive influence over the years and continues to be. Thanks, Robben, Dan, and Mick for this!!

[@AlbertoPassanisi]

"I think we can bring the Dojo together thru Discord" - Only later I realized how funny that sounds 🤣🤣 Thank you Robben for mentioning me and to Dan and Mick for this great content!

[@mattwesthaver6909]

Discord and psychedelics 😅

[@Robstafarian]

Thank you for letting them know about Discord. The ability to set a volume for each member of a chat is vital.

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

What a great start to the weekend! Thanks, Robben, Dan, Mick, and team!

[@tomminet]

Such a sense of freedom. Robben is fearless in his playing. He will play a line and find himself somewhere and just be pleased to think "where will I go next?" Amazing.

[@ThatPedalShow]

This 👆

[@foolhardymcpain]

Have to remark on Mick’s deference and professionalism. So natural. He and Dan really get the most from TPS guests and we are SO lucky to witness it.

[@tylergorham7301]

I can't imagine what having Robben on means for the two of you personally and professionally. Wonderful episode and many congratulations!

[@nigelvonshredman]

I think this will one of those TPS videos that I watch over and over and not get tired of it. Robben seems very chilled with you guys.

[@AdamGotheridge]

No words for how special this was. Huge thanks to all of you, but particularly for Robben sharing so much. Really special.

[@JMunchen-wf2yj]

One of the things you realize when being in the presence of Robben Ford and hearing him play, in the room, live and loud, is this: there is so, so, so, much MORE information you can squeeze out of a single note. He is the most mature, developed, intuitive and creative player alive. His touch is so perfectly crafted and the next time you pickup a guitar, you realize how far you still can go even just playing a scale straight over a chord. Really waking up to his approach to playing makes you feel like you’re staring into the Grand Canyon, there’s so much depth and landscape to explore, more than you ever could have imagined. I love that about his playing and songwriting, he’s gifting us the answer to get back to musicality and creative passion. Dan & Mick so glad you got to experience this and thank you for sharing and giving us this wonderful hang with Robben! 🎉

[@joakimflinck8208]

Refined evening with a Single malt in the glass, Robben is one of my absolute favourite musicians. I will treasure this episode in my heart. Love to u all three

[@lightaces]

I saw Robin Ford and the Blue Line back in the late eighties, and it was unquestionably the most dynamic, interactive improvisational music I've seen live. The way those three guys listened, understood, and responded to each other was amazing. One of the best musical experiences of my entire life.

[@immanuelgrau]

I'm sorry, but Dan's 61 LP Junior continues to be the most stunning sounding guitar featured on the channel: It's always got a special thing going. There are others that do different things better, but it always stands out. Amazing.

[@vasilshkutov2890]

I have watched most interviews with Robben and this is the first time I see him get so excited.

[@janrogertrnnes1341]

"Hit the Zen!" That´s a T-shirt :) Amazing session. Thanks for a great show

[@amhoody]

Robben always amazes me. No one plays guitar like him! Unique and musical, a very hard balance to strike and he does it effortlessly.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Big congratulations on this collaboration with Robben! I'm glad to see Robben has been dialed in with a new rig - it's been well overdue. Well done Dan, The Gig Rig, and TPS for brining this to us. Robben is a world treasure and one of the most generous, sincere, and genuine people I've come across in this musical community of ours. I'm so pleased you all were able to connect and work together on what seems to be start of a long fruitful relationship! Again, congrats and I'll be looking forward to watching this in full over the weekend! ~Mason

[@saijunmak5792]

Well said, Mason. Love your clips too!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you Mason, much appreciated. Best to you man.

[@raffaele7185]

oh man, Robben Ford on TPS??? What an episode! I saw him live in Milan 20 years ago with my best friend, such an inspiring concert. I remember transcribing 'talk to your daughter" and his 'help the poor' with a cassette player by ear as a teenager. All my fingering was wrong, but I enjoyed every single moment. Thank you Robben!!

[@MorleyRobertson1975]

This has to be the greatest episode of all time. Robben seems to have such a light touch. If only all of us had 1/100th of the talent of that fine gentleman. Excellent show lads. What an honour to be able to watch.

[@boabglen]

Such a gentle soul. Seems like the nicest guy. Very calming energy. Genius

[@jojothemojo]

I Love Robben Fords Music, he is a Great Influence to me! I only listened to his music and this is the first time i get to see him actually talk and interact, amazing artist. Thank you TPS

[@banjo7598]

When Robben played the second PRS I could have sworn he had a vibrato bridge. What a player, and a humble engaging man. Wonderful episode ❤

[@Migueltxum]

In case someone is interested...the amp he's talking about at 42:35, the "vibrolux with the white knobs" is a Custom Vibrolux Reverb. Started in 1995 in blonde tolex for just one year but it continued in black tolex for some more years.

[@bradbond8874]

Absolutely one of the best episodes you guys have ever put out and that is saying a lot! Congrats on having Robben as a quest.

[@luiso1117]

Thank you to That Pedal Show! Thank you Robben Ford for all these years of music and inspiration!!!!

[@nilsx3020]

What an inspirational video to watch on a beautiful Sunday spring morning with a cuppa. Robben has been a guitar hero and tonal inspiration for me for many years like most of us here. Thank you for bringing him on. Can’t wait for the Dumble vid. Stay safe everyone!

[@FuriousMess]

Best episode EVER! Robben is soooo cool and such a fantastic guitarist. Thanks all.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

There's nothing greater in this universe than a good guitar player. 😀

[@CharlieAllenGuitar]

51:14 "Hit the Zen" - Robben is the greatest! Amazing episode!

[@hugomartinho2555]

Robben is one of a kind. Such a legend, such an inspiration... and such a class act.

[@guilhermebatlleyfont7577]

Canon moment for a Robben and TPS diehard fan, this is the stuff dreams are made of! Later this year I'm gonna see Robben live and I'm beyond hyped to see him being a genius in person!

[@cpk313]

Robben! What a excellent guest on TPS!

[@Nick_Stott]

What a beautiful piece of work! For me this is the pinnacle of guitar music journalism. Thank you Dan and Mick!

[@kevinalfrey2633]

I’m watching this video for the second time. He seems like such a humble down to earth, fellow. I recently discovered his music, man heard the name over and over, but never went down the rabbit hole. This guy is wonderful.

[@aarongonzalez5973]

What a brilliant Friday to wake up to two legends.... and Robben Ford too! All seriousness, cheers to the entire tps crew and Robben who influenced my guitar journey immensely!

[@steelsmithey]

Best player interview have seen in long time. I’m a pedal steel guy and Robins’s approach translates beautifully to pedal guitars. Nice job gentlemen!😊

[@davidhawkins9206]

Would be great if the TPS crew would feature a pedal steel player sometime 🤔 Rich Hinman or Russ Pahl or Greg Leitz or..

[@janjuleke138]

Always lovely to see both of your childlike gladness when making an episode with one of your heroes. Truly heartwarming! ;-) Greetings from Belgium Jan

[@gabrielcarvalho5483]

An amazing piece! Robben and Dan, these two “convinced” me to buy a Tele. I mean, all guitars will sound good in Robben’s hands, but when he picks the Tele… come on, nothing beats that! When he starts to play Freedom… it gave me goosebumps. Can’t wait for the next part, thanks Mick and Dan!

[@888jimm]

Same for me...

[@makeperceive]

There are very few people who have achieved true mastery, Robben is one of them

[@noahvillasenor67]

The most unique touch in all of guitar. Robben Ford is a such a killer player.

[@MikeOria]

My favorite three TPS episodes ever were Dave Gregory, Jocelyn Gould, and THIS!! Bravo gents. Antioch CA checking in, Robben.

[@Zan_Halford]

I LOVE his pick attack and dynamics. My god. He makes solid body resonate almost as if they were hollow!’🎉

[@iadorasjourney]

At 20:06 the joyful laughter of Dan and the astonished face Mick makes at the end of the Zen Drive sound demo is priceless! I imagine the happiness to hear live, there 40cm way one of your life time guitar heroes... I had to laugh with joy too... Priceless lesson from Robben about music and improvisation and sound... He's a true master with Blues and guitar... You guys are amazing! All of you, Robben included😊

[@elephantfootrisers]

World class! That 335 in Robben's hands was magic.

[@888jimm]

It sounded almost fenderish to me great sound

[@Stephenmboone]

One can truly see the joy of playing guitar come through when Mr. Ford is casually demonstrating. What a great show!

[@dandyroll7610]

Well, it's very rare that a single day goes by without me listening to a Robben album. His music is one of the most inspiring things you can listen to. When I found this content I jumped for joy in my chair. He is a teacher with a wonderful attitude always. Thank you so much!!!

[@user-jk5jd9ic3i]

I never want this episode to end. Fantastic.

[@tomcoryell]

To me, you both are just top drawer guitarists. It’s nice to see you guys react to Robben’s playing. Great players appreciating another great player.

[@tshuqwud1693]

I love the part when he says "I wanted to turn down", then proceeds to play, and the dB meter goes "107dB" 😂 Congrats on a majestic episode, can't begin to imagine how it must have felt to witness and take part in this. Cheers guys, keep it up, you got the best channel on KZbin.

[@mrredritehand]

He also makes great cars & trucks! Thanks Robben love my F-150

[@eweesplace]

Wow wow wow. Best one ever. Laughed, learned, smiled, etc. So fantastic

[@stratplayer96]

I'm going to be watching this repeatedly for years to come. Thank you fellas!

[@joemerchant92]

I had tickets to Robben Ford in Nashville but Covid came in and sadly got the news the show was cancelled. I’m in Savannah now and doubt I’ll ever get to see him live but man I sure do love and appreciate his music. Guitar hero for sure.

[@davidknott197]

Really not sure how you guys kept your cool during this show, I would’ve been a wreck. Thanks so much for getting this right guys, my absolute guitar hero and couldn’t think of any guys more worthy of having Robben on their show. Thank you, just thank you 🙏🏻

[@eaglerayrob]

This is so good, thank you! Every time Robben would change guitars I'd think "yeah, there's the tone, doesn't get any better than that" and I think I was right. Listening to Robben play is as close to a mind-meld as I've experienced. I feel what he's "saying" through the music, so expressive and filled with emotion. Great Production. Bravo!

[@markbishop74]

I’ve been a fan of Robben forever. Above and beyond his infinite musical wisdom, what I appreciate most about him is how selfless he his with sharing his knowledge and insight. That’s what I feel draws people to him over and over. I share Mick and Dans’s giddiness as it’s getting more rare to be able to experience this level of mastery with an absolute living legend! Pure gold!

[@KrenarCilkuGuitar]

This is probably the first 1 hour video I've watched twice, simply amazing!

[@sroelit]

As a fellow lover of guitars and music, I’m just appreciative that this exists.

[@jpaw1325]

This is amazing. So many incredible guests on TPS over the years, but this is right at the top. So much knowledge, and experience. Thank you all!

[@jesuselbailador8914]

Robben is a legend! I highly recommend seeing and hearing Robben live in Argentina with musicians from that country, Red House Studio

[@mattmcculloch7300]

This is so wonderful - thank you and congrats!

[@ScottRainsford-iq6xy]

It’s very late here in New Zealand but I’ve just spent the last hour and 22 minutes with headphones on smiling at the tv . What wonderful energy Robben exudes, will watch again the morning! Thank you to you all for an amazing show

[@rocketguy2]

Best cover of Baby Elephant Walk ever! Such a supremely versatile cat...So glad he finally made it onto TPS!

[@petertiffany8096]

I am amazed by his light touch. His strum is so amazingly light. Wow. Beautiful.

[@Wadey1960CS]

One of the most defining players that reflects in his sound, that he's truly playing each note with a purpose. What a joy to watch and see everyone's organic reactions to the experience as a whole. Thanks for sharing @That Pedal Show and Robben

[@davidzack2822]

The Daniel Donato Young Man's Country album sounds great. You can tell he had a guitar friendly producer. Thanks for recommending.

[@davidsummerville351]

Great episode, learned so much. Thank you.

[@emiledeon1001]

This is so awesome. Thank you!!

[@hurshel7]

What a treat. You never know a man by how he plays but by hearing him talk ,,, reveals so much more ,,, such a great soul !

[@ERICKATERLE]

Phenomenal episode Mick and Dan and Robben! It’s so much fun to watch it and I’m on my second viewing already. Robben is incredibly kind and one of my favorite artists of all time. He’s a musical genius and he’s so nice. I met Robben once at a music store in upstate ny and he was really nice as a person. He gave me some excellent advice about ways to help me with my issues with tendinitis and that rosewood fretboards with taller guitar frets could help the guitar action play easier which would help my tendinitis. He informed me that guitars with maple necks and small frets like my 1970s Fender Stratocaster that I owned at the time have more tension on the guitar necks because maple is a harder wood and small frets can feel stiffer than taller frets. Basically for me guitars with maple necks are harder for me to play and are worse for my tendinitis. So because of Robben’s excellent advice, I bought guitars with rosewood fretboards and taller frets and my tendinitis went away for the most part. Also I use lighter strings and low action. Anyhow I have been playing without tendinitis for almost 3 decades. Thank you for your kindness and advice Robben. You’re an awesome artist and an extremely wonderful human being. Thank you again for all your decades of excellent music and memories.

[@-plexico-]

Awesome all around. Ty and congrats. Another level up for TPS!

[@jcugnoni]

Thanks for this wonderfull interview. It is facinating.

[@BodyjailedBlues06]

Robben ford is one of my favorite guitar players and everywhere he is he’s so cool ! Such an humble person this is how are the best ! Very cool video thank you 🙏 ❤

[@wjb5150]

Great show. Too many great moments to count. Thanks for a great show

[@marieannsy]

Robben has a very unique playing style rhythmically and approach to soloing. Love everything about his guitar playing. More power to TPS and Robben Ford.

[@rnstbeirro5977]

Fabulous!!! What a great sounds! Can´t wait to see Robben live! Thanks!!!

[@TCandtheband]

Absolutely EPIC! You guys truly are legends, THANK YOU!!

[@paulweiler6494]

Well that was just fantastic!! Thanks

[@Kevin-the-Just]

Been a Robben Ford fan since the late 80s. This is an absolute treat to have a front-row insight into the man and his sound.

[@AdamMillerGuitar]

Thank you so much guys! This is magical!

[@GxBxN]

I saw Robben Ford live in Adelaide, Australia last year. WHAT A TREAT! I’m 37 now, but was first introduced to his music in high school by a music mentor, who lent me his ‘Talk To Your Daughter’. This was the first album I heard from Robben Ford and I loved it! This was a special episode of That Pedal Show, and now I AGAIN have a hankering to get my hands on a Zen Drive 😂 though it might be the Warm Audio iteration. I own the original Mad Professor Simple pedal (discontinued now) which I understand covers similar territory so it’s now going back on my board to play with and experiment. Thanks Robben! Thanks Dan and Mick!

[@troybrowne9218]

That was fantastic! I will be watching this again and again… Beyond inspirational, I wish it had been longer. Looking forward to part 2! Thank you so much for all you do and have done ❤

[@benmarshallproduction]

What an incredible player and another brilliant interview 🤘

[@GCW123]

Beautifully done.

[@24-7Guitars]

No words. Robben, that 335, tele, the Prs just damn dude. Been watching you guys since you were just in Daniels’ channel and this is prob my fav video. Thanks for getting Robben in to do this❤️❤️😎👍🎸

[@babagadoush1]

Oh man this is wonderful. Thanks guys!

[@laoboy9]

So good! Thank you guys for giving us this treat! Some things to dig into from his lesson here.

[@TheMerc1950]

Wow! Congratulations guys, so awesome you got to have Robben on the show!!!

[@davidpiedfort837]

That was just absolutely beautiful!

[@jdelcolli]

About 15 years ago my cousin showed up with Robben Ford's "talk to your daughter" album, I asked what it was about... he said it was a kind of blues rock. I was a kid, I heard the album and I was shocked, it's still one of my favorite albums to this day. Hi to Robben from Brazil.

[@Stringtrees]

Thanks Dan and Mick. Robben is one of my all time favourite players and , having met him briefly, I found him a lovely chap. When he was talking to me he was totally engaged. This has started my weekend off well !

[@sonoftheblues]

Thank you for this interview gentlemen 🙏

[@heikkileppanen9605]

So many magic moments here ! Thank you guys!!

[@alex241]

I think this man exited the womb with a guitar in his hand....his playing just seems effortless....great episode...thanks Mr. Ford and TPS!!!

[@timchalmers1700]

Wow! Great show !!