Gear Gab

One of this site’s features is an open-ended Q & A section for fans and fellow guitar players to pose questions to Don. Every week we get asked everything from what specific gear set-ups Don uses to how average Joes can best try to achieve his signature sound.

On the eve of his performances this coming Friday and Saturday, February 20th & 21st at the Fallsview Avalon Ballroom in Niagara Falls (>> venue and ticket info and latest lengthy press preview here), Don tuned in to talk tone.

“Fellow guitar addict” David F. wanted to know: Have you ever used a compressor/sustainer pedal? If so, why would you use one and what impact do they have on guitar tone. I am a guitar player and have fiddled with them, but never really “got it.”

Don: “I have never used a compressor/sustainer pedal on record. I’ve tried several times to find a way to use them but have always walked away disappointed with the results. The only people I know who use[d] them are Lowell George and Bonnie Raitt to get that long clean sustain for slide. Lowell would use two 1176 limiters in succession before the amp. I think Bonnie learned it from Lowell.”

And following up, David asked: Some of the tones you have used over the years with the Eagles seem like they might have been generated with a Mesa/Boogie amp. Is there any truth to that, or have your amps been modified to have similar overdrive functionality when you wanted it?

Don: “I have 2 Mesa Boogie amps but never use them. I’ve had them since the 70′s when they first came out but found them too loud and not a TRUE tone to my ear. I have modified a few amps over the years but always go back to finding a great sounding amp that works for a certain guitar sound (Strat, Gretsch, Gibson etc.) and setting the amp for that guitar. It’s nearly impossible for an amp to deliver all the different tones from so many types of guitars and pickups well. I find it best to find a great sounding amp that doesn’t drive you out of the room with volume and find a tone on it that will work with a certain guitar. I you don’t find anything great MOVE ON!”

The Q & A has become so popular that it’s generated a little backlog, so if your question hasn’t been answered yet, “take it easy” and sit tight. Fans are welcome to submit their guitar/gear questions for Don via the Guitar Q & A page.

And if you’ll be attending Don’s upcoming Toronto area shows, feel free to send in your reviews & photos!