Tone Sessions: Andy Timmons & Protocol III - "Amrita" with the Lone Star Special

Andy Timmons has been collaborating with renowned drummer Simon Phillips in various musical forms for years. 2015 marked the release of Protocol III, an album featuring Andy, Simon, bassist Ernest Tibbs and keyboardist Steve Weingart. While at the factory in April 2015, Andy played through a track from that new album called “Amrita” into a Lone Star Special Head and matching 2x12 Lone Star extension cabinet. Exceptionally tasteful playing and tones followed in the Mesa Video Lounge and we’re grateful to Andy & Simon for allowing us to share a track from their latest release in this format.
Andy’s signature tone is often accompanied by a classic Dual Delay setup. It’s a combination of modulation and repeats and is an emulation of classic Memory Man delays. In this video, Andy is using a Strymon Timeline Dual Delay in its “Dual Mode”. The delay timing is a dotted 8th 1/4 note repeat with one side set to 375ms delay and the other side set to 500ms. The Timeline is connected in the FX Loop and Andy has an expression pedal connected to the Timeline to increase or decrease the amount of echo volume blended with the dry tone throughout his performance. Andy also used a JHS prototype AT drive pedal for his high gain tone in this video.
Recorded with an Ibanez AT-10 with Dimarzio AT1 Bridge pickups and Dimarzio Cruiser neck and middle pickups into a Lone Star Special Head and matching 2x12 Lone Star open-back extension cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s. Mic’d with a Shure SM57, a Shure KSM 313 ribbon mic and the CabClone in Open Back Mode. Mixed with 40% SM57, 35% KSM 313 and 25% CabClone. No other FX/Plugins/Mastering was used in the final output.
If you like this tune, the rest of the album is equally outstanding and we highly recommend checking it out at all the major music providers and supporting these amazing musicians:
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[@timjohnston3324]

Absolute perfect tone and phrasing. He’s got the real feel of Larry Carlton, Eric Johnson and Jeff Beck in there plus amazing technical mastery. One of the best ever and deserves to be mentioned with those greats.

[@neatbear4759]

I've seriously heard all the guitarists out there, but Andy just has the best tone.

[@bobbyburrows724]

This is the video where I “Discovered” this amazing guitarist. I know…late but since then in 2015, I’ve got all of his recorded work and had the opportunity to meet him. What a soulful melodic player and a very humble man as well.

[@ToneScavenger]

Bobby Burrows Better late than never! Andy Timmons it’s incredible. I hope for many more years of him making music and getting even better (if that’s even humanly possible!)

[@NavidKhan84]

Andy's tone kills me softly! Such a humble genius

[@psyguitarguy]

Mr. Timmons is always so tasteful in his playing and leaves plenty of room for his band to testify as well.

[@_ariepermadi]

No words can express how beautiful this masterpiece

[@mesaboogie]

Thank you, +Arie Permadi - We think so too! :)

[@Guitarmike]

Amazing and beautiful! Such a tone and Andy is so incredible. Very unique and yet reminiscent of Jeff Beck's finest hours. Bravo.

[@alexwalendowskyhorta9858]

EXACTLY, the tone is very similar of JEFF BECK´s tone!! Cool note.

[@MrRFasters]

Yes. I understand the similarity. But Jeff seems to seek it up there in the higher gain regions. I love Andy s tone a little better. Jeff is going against and across of the harmonic boundaries all of the time. Andy is doi g it some of the time. Again I like Andy's better. I truly enjoy Andys feel for harmoniclines, blues, rock but also jazzy and truly classical patterns. I think Andy is largely underrated.

[@scottfishkind5335]

Damn, Andy is freakin' amazing! So much taste, style, and tone! This shows that virtuosity is so much more than shredding but being able to execute all the subtleties of emotion from one's musical heart thru their fingers into their instrument!

[@mesaboogie]

Agreed! thanks for the kind words, Scott! :)

[@Valerifon1]

Wow - where the heck have I been that I'm only just discovering Andy Timmons! Boogie I'm very familiar with as I used to run a pair of rack-mounted MARK III heads in a 20-spc rack back in the early 80's... but recently having acquired an old Mark III combo, I've been wanting some new music to fuel my playing and then I find Andy Timmons... nice... It's really great that Mesa is featuring him playing their amps - a great combination!! - Luther

[@Stoffendous]

Luthier

[@washburn969]

that sound... OMG!!! ... goosebumps everywhere

[@AlexAlexanderLIVE]

Oh my god YES ! I knew it would happen thank you MESA/Boogie for an epic video!

[@mesaboogie]

Thank YOU, +Alex Alexander - You called it... :D

[@hellskreamer]

+MESA/Boogie I have to agree, this was amazing to liosten to!

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks, Heavy Metal For Life! Thanks for watching. :D

[@Rails2Revolution]

I think this video just cured me of my mid week stress 😌😎 I'm sure even non-guitarists will enjoy just listening to this!

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks +Rails2Revolution - Glad we (and Andy) could help! :D

[@headunits]

I would love to hear Andy play a vintage strat.

[@frankschreuders5906]

Search for his video ‘that day came’

[@ten5ionator]

THIS is how I want to express my feelings through my instrument...

[@rogerwilliams2629]

Sitting out on a beautiful day listening to this beautiful tone and music. Thank you.

[@alexwalendowskyhorta9858]

ANDY TIMMONS GIVE US A TALENT SHOW!! Feeling, good taste, killer phrases, perfect tone... wow, this gy is brilliant! God Bless your Soul to keep you playing this sounf of Gods! Cheeers

[@MrKennyG57]

Just found this.....incredible soulful playing from a real maestro.

[@alexchejlyk7764]

Beautiful tone and playing. Andy you are one of the greatest. The Mesa Lonestar is a great sounding piece of kit. Thanks for sharing!

[@Dream-Academy]

Andy's a bit like Beck in his hey day of Blow by Blow and Wired. Super tasty class with some flash on top!

[@slipkid3662]

You are so right. Whats funny is Andy stated in an interview that he never really listened to Jeff Beck. He then saw JB live like early 2000 or something and was blown away.

[@jfo3000]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@guenterjaklitsch6561]

what a fine art of playing and composition ! true mastery in every aspect !

[@gregoriocarreno]

Amazing and beautiful

[@RCSBlues]

Excellent - very good playing! - but then again this is Andy Timmons -

[@ratamacueseven]

Miss your Feel and Guitar Brilliance in the Simon Phillips Band !!!!

[@carlosjarquin28]

Í have been watching this for 50 times, is one of the best tracks i've ever heard!

[@johnfritzenjr.1240]

One of the greatest

[@wadeburgan1574]

Great tune! Andy is a hell of a guy and a great player. I had a chance to talk to him for a while at one of his clinics. Awesome tone, Incredible player and all around great guy.

[@KillertoneLabs]

I kept thinking this was Larry Carlton, oh but maybe Jeff Beck or is it Neal Schon? But basically it's all those guys rolled into one great tune

[@canaan_perry]

Awesome. Very classy tone. Andy is the man.

[@nkphnx]

Another thing to note is the mixing done by Simon Phillips on the Protocol albums.. Spectacular separation of each and every instrument in the mix.. Everything just sounds right! Like all the ingredients together in a finely crafted cuisine!

[@JamesRussoMillas]

Oh the feels...

[@Stoffendous]

What did you feel James?

[@DaveRaspberry]

Thanks Messa. it's great. More from him please... Timmons is awesome

[@mesaboogie]

Thank you, +Dave Raspberry!

[@adriangrizzly]

Timmons = King.

[@carlosjarquin28]

I have seem this about 100 times , the best tone !

[@mesaboogie]

Thank you, Carlos!

[@ashimmitramazumdar7425]

I waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnttttttttt these tones!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa... I can't get it out of my head........

[@lucianociancidrums]

Andy we love you

[@andrewpeterson4473]

The Lonestar Special 1X12 is my main amp. It continues to be a huge inspiration to play. I've had 2 now and will never part with my current 2002 model. Unfortunately I can't play like Andy Timmons or I'd give a demo of it haha

[@michaeltaylors2456]

Don’t worry, You are still a great human, only chasing a god

[@marzzz1]

Wow, beautiful.....!

[@dvcerdeira1]

It's só nice seeing AT as one of the more respected Contemporary guitar players this. First time I hear himnon the 90's I thought he was only a Satch wanabe. With time he prove me I was wrong. He's a unique player, so versatile with one of the best bendings and vibratos out there. And of course is tone. Mesa should be proud! Congrats on your career Andy!

[@TheRodge2112]

There is no such thing as the "best" tone, but Andy Timmons has it.

[@JakobStrand]

Such tasteful licks and amazing tone! Thanks!

[@scottfleming6166]

I got one of these amps in a 1x12" combo, I love it

[@mesaboogie]

Awesome, +1039sflem ! Hope it's serving well! Thanks for watching... :D

[@sudman6251]

Wow! Just wow... So good!

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks for watching, +Sud Man ! :)

[@countroshculla]

"Amrita" means "immortality" and is often referred to in texts as nectar. Similar to the Greek ambrosia and carries the same meaning.

[@draper858]

this is bit smoother/warmer than his maple neck guitars...I like it

[@chronicfatigue5416]

Fantastic video! Thanks for posting it. Andy is a phenomenal player.

[@MrTanza14]

dam, what a guitarist and what a tone.... unreal

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks, +MrTanza14 - We agree! :)

[@gottfriedbrux]

Thanks for sharing this video Mesa. Andy turned me to Lonestars and have been playing a Classic for 11 years and a Special for almost 3 years! AMAZING amps! Would love to see a mini version of my all time favorite amp! You guys ROCK!

[@mesaboogie]

Thank YOU +gottfriedbrux - We appreciate the kind words and the idea of a Mini Lone Star sounds AWESOME! :D Rock on...

[@bobbyburrows724]

That is some of the most tasteful playing I've heard in a long time. He is soulful. Excellent tone and touch. He's been with Ibanez for a while. Has anyone ever played one of his signature guitars?

[@givemeajackson]

i've played the at10. feels and sounds great. i thought the triple humbucker setup would be weird, but it works well, and they sound more like single coils than humbuckers.

[@Gibostratson]

I own the At100 & is an incredible guitar. the neck is very smooth and the guitar is perfectly balanced. As you can hear from AT's music, you can get almost any tone you want from this guitar. Of course, not everyone (me included) can play with Andy's hands, feel & tone, so that statement is not 100% true for anyone with the AT100 at their disposal. I was also blessed & privileged to play his actual guitar while taking a private lesson with him several years ago. Andy was more than generous to allow me the opportunity to play it. I bought mine shortly afterward.

[@bobbyburrows724]

Played one the AT10rw and loved it. It feels like an American made instrument if that makes sense. Not a racist thing but has a finished feel to it. The Cruiser pickups are nice. bought it and couldn't be happier. Thanks for the input givemeajackson!

[@bobbyburrows724]

Awesome story mate. That guy is so good. What an cool opportunity to meet him and play his guitar.

[@pauloamw]

Unbeatable tone.

[@josebemol23]

Great Andy and Great amp!!

[@pavanellibooks]

Andy Timmons have the best tone in the world right now, he overcame even Larry Carlton or Eric Johnson. (and with an Ibanez huh?! )

[@tonehunter007]

I know ...even with an Ibanez....He is my favorite player....Maybe the finest electric guitar player on the planet!

[@CreamFreshCream]

an Ibanez but with the dimarzio p'ups!

[@minkorrh]

Funny how everyone knocks Ibanez when so many top rated players use them. I shouldn't have to remind everyone that they were making better copies than the originals back in the day.

[@Fusionaris]

andy's guitar wiring configuration quite different, it is more likely to les paul so he can achieve that fat tone and more option of blend variety, the treble bleed mod helps retain the crystal high end, that's why his unique sound never change while he change his pedals quite often

[@johnsmith-dg8hv]

I just ordered a lonestar special 1x12, Combo,I am wondering if there is a complete difference in the head and cabinet version , I don’t think one is better than the other I’m telling you it’s hard when you love in a small town in canada and can’t demo these amps in person. This demo was really nice !

[@newpowersoul2005]

Man ! this tone !!

[@joeydego2]

wow excellent! A far cry from Naughty Naughty!

[@jeffreyduncan989]

I have owned a ton of amps everything from vintage to boutique and my lonestar isn’t necessarily better in every metric but has the least amount of weaknesses and the most versatility of any amp I’ve owned 👍👍👍 stellar amp

[@jeantcable7356]

Ok, i have the lonestar and i have an observation. In the description says that Andy also used a JHS prototype AT drive pedal for his high gain tone but during his solo (4:32-5:05) the green light of clean channel is off (it's always on before and after that section) which means that he's using the lead channel of the lonestar. Does anybody else notice this? Great playing in every aspect and big fan of Andy and lonestar! 😎

[@miles-178]

precise !!!

[@hemmelight]

Love it, not helping my AT10 GAS, either. Really wanting the AT10RP now in white, just to be a bit more unique. Though I do adore the 2 tone sunburst with maple fretboard. Just need a Lonestar!

[@koonsickgreen6272]

Love it. Smooth and intricate.

[@gab.lab.martins]

-Hey, Andy, we want to make you a signature guitar! -Hey, that's such an honour! Make me a strat. -But Andy... we're Ibanez. -Oh, I see... put some DiMarzios, then. -[sigh]...ok.

[@JamesRussoMillas]

+Gabriel Martins (Inconfident) His dimarzios are not your typical Dimarzios...

[@gab.lab.martins]

James Russo I don't think you got the joke. hahaha

[@JamesRussoMillas]

***** I guess not lol

[@gab.lab.martins]

James Russo His guitar has 3 single coils and a standard tremolo, just like any regular Fender Strat. Ibanez has been using DiMarzios since forever. The joke is: this guitar could've been a Fender Strat, but since it was Ibanez who offered, he asked for DiMarzios. Get it now? Not even half as funny when you have to explain it. hahaha

[@greekfreak1980]

+Gabriel Martins (Inconfident) -Hey,Andy we want to make you a sign. guitar. - Hey,that's such an honour!Make me a strat,that actually stays in tune and has good access to the upper frets, oh and put some proper pickups on it. ;-)

[@shaman5150]

Un sonido precioso y una dinámica exquisita al tocar.

[@Skoora]

Its awesome to hear this as the amp can be a real flamethrower rock machine so easily. Pretty much how I use the LSS head I have.

[@MattGarwood777]

One of my FAVORITES guitarists of all time. But dude I thought this was insanely boring and meandering. I miss melodies I can sing, something he has always delivered. Terrific tones, I thought.

[@danielxaviermusic]

***** this isn't even Andy's own composition anyway, it's Simon Philipps'. I personally find this song to be my favorite in the Protocol 3 album, which is a great album btw.

[@PB-1]

Why is there a Mesa Boogie Cab Clone when the cab is mic'd?

[@mesaboogie]

Hi Philip - Great question. We record with multiple sources and then blend those sources in post production for the most accurate capture that reflects what the sound was like in the room. In this case (as listed in the video's description), the blend of mics and CabClone was Mixed with 40% SM57, 35% KSM 313 and 25% CabClone. The CabClone serves a lot of different purposes, and blending the mics and CabClone signals provides nice options for tone as well as offering a direct signal that you could add Impulse Responses and many other options to create great tones. Thanks for watching! :)

[@christianboddum8783]

Love the guitar. I wish you could choose among at least 3 neck width/profiles.

[@Snowy0123]

I'm having a hard time seeing Andy play without his 3 tone sunburst Ibanez. I've never seen him with anything else.

[@JackRosei]

Brian Jewell very rare, used a tele for Farmer Says, once I saw a paul in his hands, and last year this white baby

[@luigicannizzo2669]

Ricreat Sugestion on Ambient Music. .. Great Work's on Music Concept. .. Thank' s so Much " Maestro " Timmons ... ☺😊😀/👍👌👏

[@MajittoDono]

Too much sexiness and sensuality in one tone! Andy, you bad boy!

[@augustepiccard1985]

if not the right to say that hes the best out there , how would i say it......? he is the best !! :P

[@rustymoonstudio]

Very nice!

[@zero15388]

thats a sweet tone

[@QueenToKingOfSpades]

If i recall he uses two memory mans with different delay times and settings to get his delays sounding right.

[@JELIFISH19]

Nikolaj Haun Hansen I thought he switched to the Timeline

[@QueenToKingOfSpades]

He might have. It's been a while since i checked up on what gear he's been using. Love his new white sig btw.

[@mesaboogie]

Hi +Nikolaj Haun Hansen - Andy is a big fan of the Dual Memory Man setup but has recenlty switched to the Timeline for increased reliability and added real estate on the pedalboard (Timeline more compact). We added some detail on Andy's delay settings at our blog: mesaboogie.com/amplitudes/2015/August/andy-timmons-protocol-III-amrita-playthrough.html Thanks for watching! :D

[@MarkoMaricPz]

jeff becky :D andy is such and inspiration !

[@matjazpincelic756]

This Lonestar sounds so warm and beautiful. Andy used clean channel and AT drive for distortion? What is Cabclone a speaker simulator or dummy load? Is this amp switched to 5w suitable for playing in an apartment? Mesa Boogie amps sounds amazing.

[@mesaboogie]

+Matjaž Pincelič - Correct - Andy used his signature AT drive for overdrive in this video. The CabClone is BOTH! It's a Direct Recording device with a dummy load that allows you to record a direct signal from your amp either silently or along with your speaker. The 5 watt mode certainly reduces the overall output of the amp but it's still not a "quiet" amp, even at 5 watts. That said, the amp is only as loud as YOU set the Master - so this amp can be played anywhere and at any volume and sound great. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching! :D

[@reallg]

Sick.

[@Guitarmattms2010]

I really need a LoneStar Special now. Happen to have student discounts. ;)

[@sylwestersosniak220]

Pieknie !!!!!!!!!!

[@lagardedavid]

Special VS Classic for home ?

[@cyberbazar3802]

El ejemplo de un guitarrista fino.

[@TimsGuitarWorldwithTimFeskorn]

😎😎😎😎Andrew your being naughty. So Great Man!!!!😎😎😎😎

[@Stratofennder]

Clean to drive sound.. how he did !

[@adriangrizzly]

I love the coloscheme on this guitar - looks like a little bit of brown/sand. The regular AT10 is more whitish or is it exactly the same as this one?

[@skidjs]

I have started buying ugly shirts with the hope that it will improve my playing. I need to find out where Andy gets his.

[@mesaboogie]

It works!!! +skidjs :D

[@lemer3]

Lmao. I've got a few ugly shirts too

[@southsilicondan1776]

Stevie wonder has one too..!

[@ravovasquez]

Great! Do you know what kind of speakers are in that cab? Thanks!

[@mesaboogie]

+ramiro vasquez Mesa Celestion Vintage 30s. Thanks for watching!

[@alexandreriveraldoscarparo1463]

Gênio! 👏👏👏👏

[@ArtyomKunyov]

Is there ANY chance we can get a backing track for this? Absolutely beautiful track.

[@voltaz5825]

Guitar God

[@vitorisaia]

And that ibanez... :)

[@stuartwilliams5771]

Hey +MESA/Boogie - do you know which power tubes Andy runs in that Lone Star? There's a gorgeous, decidedly EL-34 like character to the drive tone. Cheers for another example of why Mesa amps are the best.

[@mesaboogie]

Hi +Stuart Williams - This 100W Lone Star is running with 6L6s but, as you probably know, the 100W Lone Star also offers a bias switch where you can use EL34s as well as running 6V6s when the amp is in the Tweed power setting! Thanks for watching and hope this helps!

[@P3ace_maker]

+MESA/Boogie Isn't that a Special? It's supposed to run a quartet of EL84s. Looks like both channels are set to 30W, so all four work for each channel. BTW, Is Andy using any pedals to boost the OD channel or is it just the LSS in this record? Thanks!

[@zefferan0]

@@P3ace_maker indeed. I have specifically zoomed the panel 😅 That would be low bow from Mesa if Andy actually played on his favourite LSC when video is tilted LSS 😂

[@carlosaureliocarvalhosouza1647]

Sou fã 👍🏻👊🏼🎸🇧🇷

[@GrossmanPhoto]

fantastic! is there a succinct way to compare the Lonestar "Special" to the 100W Lonestar? Also, how would the 1x12 combo compare to a 2x12? I am on the fence as to which combo to get and I'd love the advice. Cheers!

[@mesaboogie]

Hi - Great questions and unfortunately, it's not possible to be succint on the subject. 100w amps and the 100w Lone Star is loaded with punch, warmth, roundness, bass and headroom. The Special is also plenty louyd but it's EL84 power tubes offer a distinct midrange and low trebele emphasis that many people associate with popular Vox amps. The footprint and width of the sound from a 100w amp is incredibly wide - when you close your eyes and listen in the amps direction the amp appears to SOUND much wider than a special. The same is somewhat true of 1x12 vs. 2x12... 2x12 has more punch and proejections, but a 1x12 is a more open and more vocal sound. If you play in a LOUD band, you should probabvly consider a 2x12. If you play in a qieter band and you use overdrive and subtle clipped sounds as a part of your tonal preference, 1x12s can be stunning and expressive for subtle clip. Hope this helps, let us know if you have any further questions, and thanks for you interest! :)

[@sonjaspackenberger9250]

Something that's missing for me from most of the current guitar cowboys: improvisation! Sure, he sounds amazing. But how amazing will they sound if they arrive in a studio or sit-in in a club and are handed a strange lead sheet?

[@mesaboogie]

If anyone can do it, Sonja, Andy can. His improv is tremendous and he works on jazz daily in addition to other styles. Thanks for watching! :)

[@julitridantono]

Can you help me.. may i know whats series thats ibanez?

[@mesaboogie]

Andy Timmons Signature model! :)

[@ThePedroDB]

That particular guitar is a 'one-off prototype' White version of the Ibanez AT100CL, which is Andy's signature guitar. Ibanez did release a limited run of the cheaper AT10P model (which is pretty similar) in White to the public. They have since stopped but you may be able to find one 'pre-owned'. The AT100 & AT10 are normally available in Sunburst finish with a Maple fretboard. You can see Andy's Sunburst AT100 (which he's had since 1994) in the background at 3:23 of the video.

[@ClamsAnonymous]

Good song. Sounds like it's channeling a lot of Nadia by Jeff Beck, but twisted into Andy's own style.

[@pavanellibooks]

Its sad that in Brazil I would have to sell a liver in the black market to buy an amp like this. :(

[@adriangabardo]

+PavaN é nóis manow... vende a alma pro capeta pra conseguir grana pras breja ;)

[@soguitar2251]

Só pedir uns trocados emprestado para a Marmota.

[@givemeajackson]

might be worth it though...

[@OculusSF]

I like how you said "A liver" and not "MY liver". :P

[@givemeajackson]

Joe Racette holy shit lol

[@mmm43kir]

вот бы мультитрек достать этого трека)

[@robocoptickmusick]

it’s 85 degrees, 🌤 ....

[@jayfrench7476]

Came for the amp review. Stayed for the soft core porn music.

[@brutallyremastered4255]

Me too. It’s fucking nasty! Still, I did buy the amp.

[@Bellabaddi]

Just shows it’s the guy not necessarily the gear. Shred guitar never sounded so delicate!? Amazing tone and feel!

[@wyattearpp9540]

Larry Carlton influence is eerie!