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

[@martinheath5947]

Robben is a gift to us all, gracious, humble, patient and above all a musician sublime

[@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.

[@Alice-the-seal]

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]

@@Alice-the-seal Tele helps! A lot!

[@OutlawGuitarSlinger]

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

[@GCKelloch]

You really think there's something magical about his hands that allows him to get a sound nobody else can? A lot is the pick type, but where on the string and how you angle the pick matters. I think he said he uses a Dunlop Primetone 1mm. Although Ultem is a hard plastic, it has a beveled edge and more rounded point than a Fender heavy. That makes a difference right there. I don't like the Dunlop point geometry. I use thicker beveled sharper pointed hard plastic picks-- to each...In the case of his PRS guitar, it's also the Aluminum/Brass insert wrap around bridge. The Aluminum absorbs some midrange and high-end without sounding dull. The denser Brass inserts just soften the highs a bit, but resists wear more than Aluminum. It's a good alloy combo. I have an old Parker NiteFly with an aircraft Aluminum bridge. The Stainless saddles absorb less high-end, and wear less than Brass. The thick Aluminum shielding I use softens the high-end, while the passive circuitry I installed can alter the freq response dramatically.

[@andrewhammondt]

​@@GCKelloch Yes, anyone can soften or brighten their tone by picking position and hardware appointments etc....but my point is that Robben utilizes these varying shades in an extremely tasteful way that is a hallmark of his playing.

[@heymrguitarman7637]

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

[@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!!

[@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 😄

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

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

[@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.

[@boabglen]

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

[@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!

[@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 away 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😊

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@hugomartinho2555]

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

[@tylergorham7301]

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

[@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 👆

[@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.

[@cjgsicknote]

Robben's playing, interviews and general demeanor/vibe trigger my asmr thing and it proper chills me out and I take more in. I'm convinced this is part of what makes Robben such a great teacher but also a peaceful influence on the soul.

[@FuriousMess]

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

[@albertopassanisimusic]

"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.

[@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.

[@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! 🎉

[@tonyg6158]

I can't believe we can watch stuff like this. What an awesome show. Thanks guys.

[@tonyg6158]

@joegoosebass3958 I'm sorry Joegoosebass I don't know how to take that. But cool name.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@johnnymossville]

it's the delicate touch of his right hand. he knows when to play soft, and when to dig in. It's so dynamic. I love it. Oh, and that Tele sounds about perfect to my ears.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@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!

[@joeysislandofmisfitsongs9634]

Is there anyone better than Robben? Beautiful player, communicator, teacher. Such a gift to all.🤘

[@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 🙏🏻

[@noahvillasenor67]

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

[@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!

[@eweesplace]

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

[@weschilton]

Wow, what an incredible talent, and human being.... just amazing! Congrats guys on having one of your bucket list guests and a living legend on the show!

[@cpk313]

Robben! What a excellent guest on TPS!

[@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

[@sroelit]

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

[@Stephenmboone]

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

[@renderkid]

BEST episode ever. Thank you guys!

[@terryeaster1]

Three wonderfully sweet people. An absolute joy to watch

[@stratplayer96]

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

[@MarcusV-q8q]

I never want this episode to end. Fantastic.

[@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!

[@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.

[@farrelldesign4621]

Thank you for all that you do. I wouldn't understand much of what I do with respect to my guitars/gear as I do today because of what you guys have done here. I'm proud to be a fan/patron/listener. If I had more discipline with understanding the theory of music, I might have become a proper musician. God bless you all.

[@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...

[@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!

[@geoguitar1950]

Robben looking and sounding terrific. I understand that guitars need amps and sometimes pedals, but when I listen to this beautiful soul talking, I then understand that when he plays I'm not really hearing those things, I'm hearing the soul of the man expressing itself through the instrument and the gear. A special gift indeed. Long may it continue to enthrall us all.

[@ThatPedalShow]

This is the truth! Thank you.

[@MrGuitarDad]

Top shelf indeed. Glad your both as humbled by Robben as us mortals watching. Great stuff leg ends!

[@briandarabaca]

Pure, the very first music album that made me cry, I’m humbled honestly. Music that’s played so pure and beautiful. Thank you sir, Robben Ford!

[@alessandropugliese2123]

Cannot thank you enough guys for gifting us with this interview!

[@CharlieAllenGuitar]

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

[@markh6384]

Well this was worth the wait! Absolute gold! You really appreciate the true masters in a room like this with just guitar, amp, and no-one else. Just magic.

[@steved1099]

Been playing close to 40 years and until I saw this clip I was only familiar with Robben, but never really listened to him. simply as there is only so many players you can listen to so he was one of the ones that got away. But, I have since listened to him none stop ever since watching this… incredible tone and clarity in his playing. The companion clip of your guys playing his ODS is equally fantastic. Amazingly he is playing in my local town in Feb 2025, it’s great to find a new original player to become a new guitar hero since many of my first heroes are now gone.

[@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

[@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

[@craigfuqua4519]

Robbin is a fantastic soul and guitarist. His crossover into jazz style and back to blues is unreal.

[@Nick_Stott]

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

[@mdrummey]

Nothing like hearing a great master of the instrument play some beautiful chords. Incredible tones.

[@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!

[@pjr114]

Best show in recent memory. Good job. Thanks.

[@mb4ckhaus]

Watching Robben just makes me forget about time. “Zen drive on!” and zoom into another galaxy! Fantastic show - thank you so much!

[@markusschmid6315]

Thank you very much for such fantastic content. Robben Ford, a living legend, yet the most humble human being. Two great interviewers, humble and knowledgeable. We are truly spoiled these days. Keep on doing this. I will definitely check out Robben's Dojo, sounds too good to be true😊.

[@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.

[@mewhitak]

You've outdone yourselves on this one ! Thank you ! Thanks Robben ! Awesome.

[@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 !

[@danottley2627]

26 mins in and it’s glorious! Thank you leg-ends for doing this as always the conversation, and recording are first class. Can’t wait to watch the rest in comfort later.

[@-plexico-]

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

[@luiso1117]

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

[@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..

[@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!

[@1963Tele]

Absolutely one of the best players & TPS episodes. Thank you!!

[@fgb747]

What a delight .. consummate musician ..such a kind, gracious & modest gentleman ❤

[@stigwartwillis]

This is one I'll watch over and over

[@BowlChad]

Absolute legend! He has some of the best touch in the game! Def going to watch through this one at least 2-5 times more 😉

[@eddiekolenski6632]

could listen to hear him play all day Robben has a good voice too, seen him live many times too each time much different all good

[@songboy40]

I can't begin to tell you how great this is. Thank you.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

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

[@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

[@aaronrose9637]

Been watching your show since 2015. Dan and Mick you guys have been fantastic over the years. This is probably your best episode ever. Robbed Ford is amazing. Gonna watch this 3 more times. lol

[@bobs_backyard]

Robben is and has been inspiring to so many of us, with his humble and approachable way of sharing his knowledge. Thanks! There's always something to find when listening to his playing.

[@reinellehicks]

Thank you thank you. Was like up close concert. Robben is the best, my age, my style and I will watch 5 times minimum.

[@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.

[@joserdiazalmodovar1898]

Robben Ford is such an soulful artist and master Jazz, Blues guitar player! And a tone Genius. Been following him for about 2 years now I just discovered one of my guitar heroes. Love your music ❤

[@joserdiazalmodovar1898]

And I forgot also a hard rocking Master

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

I’m so enjoying this! You two blokes look like you’re in heaven! All I can say is any time spent with Maestro Robben is divine! (Bravo lad for mentioning his RIGHT hand, all the magic starts there!)

[@chenelk1]

I’m very new to the world of Robben Ford, barely scratched the surface yet but there is something unique in his playing that I can’t quite put my finger on. Very inspiring. Great show again gents, thanks!

[@KrenarCilkuGuitar]

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

[@hoagyguitarmichael]

Totally worth the wait. One of the best Robben interviews ever. Congrats.

[@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.

[@gitarmats]

What a great episode! Robben is a master at his craft! I must say I felt like the PRS with the brass bridge had that extra 10% mojo to it, which I really liked.

[@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 !

[@TheMerc1950]

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

[@matiascrisaffulli1663]

I’m so happy for you guys , deserve is the word that I got, I can just imagine how your mind was blown away for this experience , I’m a fan of the show since the beginning l, and this is so cool