Rig Rundown - ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill [2015]
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- Опубліковано 22 лис 2024
- Article and photos: bit.ly/ZZTopRR2015
ZZ Top’s guitar and bass tech, Elwood Francis, explains the ins and outs of the newest guitars and basses that Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill have out on the road for 2015.
Dusty Hill’s new No. 1 bass matches Billy Gibbons’ No. 1 guitar, and both are chambered John Bolin creations. The new designs are called the “Peeler” guitar and bass, because of the paint-peeling look, which is a laminate sticker design that was inspired by the peeling finish of a ’56 Precision bass that was damaged in a flood. All of Hill’s basses are ’50s slab-body Precision basses that feature Babicz bridges and stacked Seymour Duncan Precision reissue pickups. The bridge pickup in Gibbons’ T-style is a Cream T Billy Gibbons signature Banger and Mash.
Gibbons’ current encore guitar is “Lil Red,” a ’61 Reissue Les Paul SG with a disconnected sideways tremolo. Francis says he disabled it because it’s a tuning nightmare, but he left it visually intact for the mojo. The bridge pickup is a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates and the stock neck pickup is disconnected. Gibbons uses his signature Dunlop Rev. Willy’s Mexican Lottery strings (.007, .009, .011, .020, .030, .038) on all of his guitars.
To continue reading about ZZ Top's setup, visit: bit.ly/ZZTopRR2015
![Rig Rundown - Lynyrd Skynyrd [2018]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GNKWiIJbK6Y/mqdefault.jpg)
![Rig Rundown - Lynyrd Skynyrd [2018]](/img/tr.png)
And now Elwood is on bass. He's the perfect guy for the job. RIP Dusty.
No beard and too many arm tattoos so he couldn’t do it
@@kingofallwhites This is 7 years ago Elwood has a beard now.
Elwood grew a beard during lockdown/hiatus
I agree bro..caught em in Tuscaloosa week ago..Elwood fit right on in
Mike Anthony
Came here just to pay respect to Dusty and wish Elwood best of luck! Rest in Rock'n'Roll, King Dusty!!!
It's always amazing when the guitar tech becomes the band member. Happens more often than you think
Name some others.
@@fdfsdfsvsfgsg4888…..Eddies Guitar Tech for VH
@@fdfsdfsvsfgsg4888 Not OP but off the top of my head Billy Howerdel was Tool's guitar tech before forming A Perfect Circle with Maynard. Not exactly the same but interesting.
@@fdfsdfsvsfgsg4888in Megadeth, Chuck Behler was Gar Samuelsen's drum tech, then Chuck was the drummer and Nick Menza was his tech, and then Nick became the drummer
Respect to Elwood Francis for filling in for Dusty, all the best to him.
RIP Dusty Hill
RIP Dusty, you will be missed!! There's no one more experienced or knowledgeable to fill in other than Elwood Francis...
What a pro this guy is, stepped right in. The tech is always the best option to step in. Nobody knows the band better especially the long time techs, way to go Mr.Elwood!
RIP Dusty!! Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard and the Texas heat will sorely miss you, amigo! Bless!
Rest in power Dusty. Elwood's got some gigantic shoes to fill but there's no one else who's more suited to keep the bottom end goin' for the Top
Elwood is super cool, he reminds me of the couple years I spent as an equipment tech for a touring band. That job is more fun than you could even think, and way more work than you'd ever imagine.
Elwood knows his stuff and works hard. Hope they appreciate him.
@@ganymeade5151 Of course they do, he's worked for them longer then all of the other guitar players, met him while he worked the DLR, tour for Vai he's a genius.
very impressed with the way this girl stayed on top of the interview with this guy. she seems to be very knowledgeable
Yes, she is quite into this guitar tech stuff!
Is she Jennifer, the lady on Norm's Guitar of the Day videos? Her voice sounds close to the same. Well to me anyway.
thing! Except the DROP OF THE STRING question. GHS ?
What's with all the haters. This guy is totally engaged and is a great listener. He stops talking any time she interrupts him and answers the new question. This is one of the best run downs.
I agree. Hes high energy but polite.
Rest in Peace Dusty 😢😢😢😢! Thanks for all the great memories and rock and roll you gave us over the years! Condolences to the family of Dusty and Frank and Billy!
Premier Guitar!! Give this girl a substantial raise!!! She’s the best interviewer you’ve had.
Again, She can’t keep her mouth shut and just listen. Typical BS. Cuts him off again and again.
She asked all the right questions, very informed.
She got Elwood to open up and give the most detailed information of any guitar tech I've ever seen great job cheers
Tessa is by far the best interviewer/presenter/journalist for premier guitar. She clearly does her homework, and seems so passionate about it all. Loved this rig rundown and love Tessa's genuine knowledge and interest! Makes the rig rundown really interesting and more intimate with her actually connected questions.
she sucks.
This girl knows her stuff. I want to see her do these more. She got got so much more info out of a reluctant Elwood here because she did her home work and kept him talking more with her specific questions. Outstanding job girl.
Tessa is a great interviewer; very knowledgable and down to earth. She seems like a cool person to hang out with.
And she is beautiful i mus say.
but she's not quite Rebecca
god i miss rebecca
You're just thirsty aren't you?
Tessa..very great interviewer gal.
It’s awesome to have someone so knowledgeable doing the interview, she asks the questions I’m thinking.
That giant chunk of detuning metal on the SG actually does serve a purpose. It helps cure the neck dive of the Gibson SG. Great interview.
Elwood the king of understatement yet he reveals the feel, I love the interviewer she allowed him to relax.LOveD it
They have good work chemistry. They play off of each other well.
I LOVE that he has effects he turns on for himself occasionally, great idea for a tech to stay on top of possible new sounds; for themselves and the artist they support.
Elwood has not slept since the 80's.
That's what noOne said
Dude's been on the road too long.
He has said "comfort zone" 20 times, he is not in his, that's for sure.
I don’t get it, what do you mean?
@@chipmcdip8629 they are insinuating he does speed or meth
Really good interview. She made it feel like a normal conversation between friends, which is really hard to pull off. Great stuff!
What a great video! I love the interviewer. Elwood is the music nerd we all needed.
Just found this it's a very interesting interview with Elwood I never knew he had that kind of responsibilities and experience behind the show. I do have to say that I was shocked when he said he was really a punk rocker. Great interview and what I have saw Elwood do in concert has been great Dusty definitely picked the right person for the job. Rip Dusty I saw you live 6 times it was great
ZZ Top, when they’re gone, they’ll never be another. One of a kind, and to be honest ain’t no body does it better.
They will go down as one of the greatest bands ever and only a 3 man band
man, she`s so nice and always does her homework, so much information, loving it
Elwood was my guitar tech for a year or so. Awesome guy, I really miss him. He played a huge role in me meeting my wife. Love you Elwood!
In which band did you play?
@@dsenunez Led Zeppelin
What band did you play in my dude?
@@dsenunez wallflowers, school of fish, john hiatt . . .
@@RichardMcLamore Nice! thanks for the answer.
Great interviewer, seems to really know her stuff, and comes off as a genuinely nice person. Asking about the slides was definitely a plus, too.
Seriously dude? She cuts him off over and over just as he gets to explaining something. Farthest thing from a good interviewer.
@@socalfun64 Elwood had plenty of time to answer, and often gave half answers, maybe because that's just his personality. You're hearing her cut him off, I'm hearing her trying to get him to give more information for guitarists watching the vid.
@@chriscampbell9191 I’ve been Married 30+ years and my Wife does the same thing, so I know exactly what it sounds like, lol. Everyone has there own likes and dislikes though, so I’ll agree to disagree in the name of Peace for Dusty! 😎❤️
@@socalfun64 No argument here on that, brother. :-) Right now I think I'll pull up that Pensacola 1971 ZZ Top show that's on YT (audio only, but really good). Some great playing on that bootleg, and another Ft Worth one from the same era. Peace.
This guy is a horrible interview and has no interest in this segment. She’s not great but she is knowledgeable and doing the best she can to keep it interesting.
This girl is amazing... Very good job!!!
damn, she really takes the time to read up on the band before asking about their gear. great job
I think her knowledge is a bit more than one gets from "reading up". I think she's a true guitar nerd.
@@SubdolphinX Good point. Peel off the layers, and she's got some depth there...fast forward 7 years, the nervous tension is still long gone, & I think they're still dating lol...
If they ever do a movie about the ZZ Top story, Billy Bob Thornton would be great as their guitar tech. :-)
So would David Spade.
So would Steve Buscemi.
Billy Bob does appear in ZZ Top's biopic (2019) but merely as an interviewee. ;)
He should play the drummer....
That movie now exists, it's on Netflix, it's called "That lil old band from Texas", (it's a doc, though) and it has interviews with Billy Bob Thornton. He says that when he first saw them on stage, it was like seeing Bugs Bunny in real life ...
One of my favorite interviewers with one of my favorite techs, thanks everybody
I like this interviewer. She knows the band, the lore, the instruments. Good work.
I was privleged enough to see zz top twice this weekend and what an amazing show. I also met Elwood after the show by the hotel he was staying at. He was very kind and offered to take a picture and gave me and my friend a guitar pick.
What a nice guy. Very impressed with how he runs those rigs.
she is a calm presence and asks the right questions and keeps everything on track. Great rundown as always
Elwood performed in Dusty place last week days before Dusty’s passing. He did a good job….
I agree bro..kinda resembles an old bluesman that just blew into town..he did one HELLUVA good job taking Dustys place..more power to him..seen em in Tuscaloosa last Friday nite
Elwood is the man. Saw the Toronto show last night and he is killing it. What a great addition to ZZ Top on stage and Dusty has to be smiling on all of them to keep the band rockin’. 🎸 31:59
Billy: can you make me a giant beer sticker for the back of my tele
Elwood: why?
Billy: so that I can flip it up on stage to let people know I like beer
Elwood: O ok
project Balrog he did that when I saw Him, billy is the man
Lol this made me crack up for some reason, pretty much.
Billy: Do I have too? Ugh, this is too much . . .
I'm a little late to this party but I figured he did it to promote more beer sales at the venue. Nothing wrong with that.
EVH is in a different school so I didn’t consider him at all. That done it’s easy. All I need is a 1962 Melody Maker, a Seymour Duncan single coil hot rail and a set of seven gauge strings. Then stick a little ole Pesos in Billy Gibbons left hand and watch him push that sweet Texas sound through a hundred watts of Marshall growl.
Watch this video when it was posted originally. Thank You for sharing it. RIP Dusty. 👍👍
Tessa just killed in this interview. Wow, you know your gear and history.
Marvin Gardens, I’ve heard better and much worse.
@@Claytone-Records - yeah it was pretty average. the best thing she did was ask about pickups. many of these rig rundown guys don't
Great interview!
@@ikigai47 and string guage, and type of picks... It was terrible, but honestly, what the hell are you supposed to ask? "Nice" pretty much cover it! lol
Stan Lee they covered string guages. Surprisingly light. And did he say chambered necks? I want one.
I always love rig rundowns for life performances, especially for guys that have been on the road for years. all that experience that goes into it. magic
Tessa, thanks for the work you do like this. I am just one person, but I do enjoy being able to find someone I want to know more about concerning their sound and being able to scout your catalog to learn things more in depth. I appreciate your dedication to doing what you do.
Seen this a few times because I’m a gear nerd and huge Top fan. Watching it now is a little sad but I’ve changed my mind and think I’m gonna keep my 2 year old rescheduled tickets and see Elwood on the bottom (Two days ago I said no way can they go on without Dusty) I had second row (literally 2nd and center over $1,000 for the 2 tickets, birthday gift from my wife) at a small little venue in Las Vegas for my birthday three days after the pandemic started, So the show got canceled. Been waiting nearly 2 years after three different reschedules. Looked last night and my tickets are still valid. Long live ZZ Top and best of wishes and luck to Elwood ( Big shoes to fill)
He's not Dusty but after watching this video, I feel incredibly comfortable that it's fitting he steps in and keeps ZZ Top alive. Very cool guy. Totally different personality than I would have expected from watching some of the performance videos from last week. The way he can't hide how strange a cat Billy is to deal with is classic. Makes me appreciate Billy even more.
at least this time we didn't have a snare drum banging away while Mr Francis explained the gear
...and now Elwood is filling in for Dusty with his blessing 🤘
That dude hasn't slept in 20 years
That's what Fastguitars said
Good stuff..😳
He acts like he's coming up on mescaline, haha!
Looks like he could use a shower
Yeah Frank Beard is waiting on him...
The Texas Triangle was one-of-a-kind Thanks for the Memories,, Y'all made me feel warm and fuzzy inside!!!✌...🎸🎸...🏁... Godspeed my friend...😢😇
Someone said "strange vibe". I thought these two worked well together. Entertaining and informative rig rundown. Thanks
I think it def started a bit strange - mainly, like he didn't want to be there - it was hot, he was done & probably ready to go back to some hotel comforts before the show, now he has to do some interview w/this chick, etc., he's thinking - but he was a sport at the beginning, and I believe had a genuine respect for her by the end. She had to win him over, and she did!
R.i.p Dusty.... rock on man ..... rock history took a massive hit again ... but never forgotten ...
I loved this interview. Very informative, and both of them were a joy to listen to.
You would think he might have let her keep the pick since she was such a fan. She looked a little bummed when he stuffed it into his pocket real quick at the end there.
Anyone else feel the magic die when he said 'The Peeler' was actually just a sticker..?
Strange thing, I saw the 2016 documentary on ZZTop yesterday and there seemed to be something unnatural about them, the peeling seemed too artifical to me. Subconsciously I must have seen they were exactly the same, as this video reveals. So now I feel comforted.
I was a little disappointed . I expected real distressed paint . Kinda fake I,d say
Yup! ...maybe time to stop digging 'case all the pinstripes turn out to be too...
Elwood knocked it out of the park with that Freddie King Bass. Beautiful! 8:40
love these rig rundowns, always very informative to know what goes on behind the scenes
RIP Dusty, we all frickin love your music and always will
Most excellent
Elwood such a humble chap. I very much doubt he's sleeping on the bus!
Good interview, Tessa! Thanks for taking the time, Elwood. Great stuff!
@14:30 Pickup maker is Kerry Learned of Onamac Windery. Great pickup maker.
This guy is really cool and fun and Tessa is a fantastic interviewer, she just talks enough to make them talk without trying to finish their sentences or become the star like so many others do...well done !
RIP Dusty....and best wishes and good luck to Elwood.
Just saw ZZ Top in Colorado last week, hard to believe Elwood has grown the long beard and took over for Dusty on bass! Love the video.
PG - Really like these rig rundowns ...
Elwood needs another Red Bull.
Great job and questions. Elwood was so receptive it’s clear he respects your knowledge. Nice work 🤙🤙
I really like Tesa she knew a ton about the band, well all the interviewers are awesome but she did really well for being relatively new. By the way if yall ever want to add another interviewer to the mix I would love to get in on the action.
I agree; Elwood has a personality himself and she cracked his code long before the end of the interview, had him laughing and giving extra info on a 90-degree day when it was time for him to shut down, go get some rest, a/c, and a shower before coming back out for the show. She had far more knowledge than a typical fan, and I think he noted that and gave her more as a result. She seemed just as enthralled w/him as the band members by the end, and now, that is true - and she has a great memory of it!
The fact that he is now following Dusty's path, at the forthright request of Dusty (Billy says he grabbed him by the arm, and said it loud & clear in his ear, like a moment he will never forget!), says a lot about him.
Oh, ditto regarding another interviewer lol, what a great job!
Seeing them play tonight, this rundown came right on time. Nice little teaser for the show.
How was the show!?
+CodyAlushin it was great, everything you'd expect a ZZTOP show to be. The opener blackberry smoke was really impressive also.
+Daron Wittmayer where did you see them? I saw them the 23 in Brookings, SD. Blackberry smoke opened for em here too.
He really made this interview so awkward. She did an amazing job keeping her focus and him focused. Great job!
I was thinking the same thing.
I agree she is one of the best people to interview someone do you know of any more of these that she has done
He’s likely an eccentric creative guy, that’s how we are😉
@@vividvulpe9842 Well, and of course a guitar tech is not usually front of house in terms of communications although the guys for the stars are frequently asked to do so.
I thought she stepped on him a couple times in the interview and should have shut him her mouth
Saw ZZ a year ago. My ears r still burning, in a great way!!!
I like how mr. Francis goes progressively more tired and sassy :-) I feel for the guy. It has to be tough, working for artists on this level.
Elwood is family from zZ top long time now.
To keep zzTop rolling the logical replace man for dusty unfortunaly he we die Dont presure or talk bad or talk down to him that bass man elwood wil keep the shuffle in c and zZ top rolling. Dusty would say love him like you love me and cheer m like you did me What a strenght those man have to keep upp the performans and concerts. Respect shut b given to them hero’s In honour of Dusty Hill. Give all my loving all my hearts and kisses 2 ZZ Top. For ever. 🤘🦋😎🦋❤️😎❤️🤘
Dig the EQ idea . That way Billy can play any guitar and just EQ it and it will sound like Pearly Gates . Wish I had that EQ system
good interview. She really knew her stuff and you can tell she researched the artist
Those peelers look awesome. I wouldn't mind having that sticker on one of my instruments.
+xthecomingcurse Kinda' cheesy, really.
Are we speaking of Bree or Velveeta?
xthecomingcurse
Fromunda.
Working for Reverend Gibbons has to be extremely challenging. ZZ Top has always experimented with new sounds. Great job mr. Francis.
Does he use it?
_He can_!
No shit! :D
ennamisè ma te becco ovunque christianairte!
+ChristianIce Well, most of the stuff on that SG was disconnected, and strictly visual, so.....
Great rig rundown even though it was 103 degrees outside with 100% humidity, Elwood still stays cool. Thanks for the post.
poor Elwood almost 20 years with ZZ..great rundown and info...
This was a fun interview. This guy is very humble, which is refreshing, and he looks like David Lee Roth! Love the rig rundowns!
David Gilmour rig rundown next!
+DaniGilmour Wouldn't that be amazing, highly unlikely, but amazing. I was bummed they missed Alex Lifeson on the R40 tour.
+DaniGilmour A Gilmour rundown would be consisted or interviewing Pete Cornish.
Alex Lifeson's and Geddy Lee's rigs from R40 were identical to the Clockwork Angels tour. Just a bunch of different guitars and Alex added acoustic guitars back in instead of exclusively using the piezos. The H&K Coreblade wasn't used either. Just the Lerxst and Mesa. AxeFX II, TC 1210, and Apple Mainstage and Universal Audio plug-ins were used for effects. Pedal board and routing are the same - the AxeFX just does the effects the Coreblade did by itself now.
Alex M Considering Alex Lifeson is no longer a H&K endorser...that makes a bit more sense.
Yep, for the R40 tour he didn't have a single H&K piece in his rig - not even foot controllers. H&K discontinued his signature amp and has completely erased any sign of him and that amp from their website. I'm guessing they weren't happy when Alex dropped them and went back to Marshall (not Marshall by brand name, but in spirit since his Lerxst is just a Silver Jubilee 5153 25/50 watt that's been modified slightly by Mojotone for more crunch on the lower end). All the amps and cabinets on the backline weren't plugged in and were just there for show.
one of the only rig rundown with an Interesting bass section.
Who’s here after learning Dusty’s death 😢😢😢😢
Yup.
Me too, sadly.
Me🤘
I like the "beer" sticker on Billy's guitars.
I would flip over guitar bodies and put stickers on my favorite things.
Like popular characters from the movies and TV shows,
Jell-O, Captain Krunch, Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms,
Wienerschnitzel, KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), Chic-fil-A, Popeye's, Tropicana, Minute Maid,
Folgers, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks and Yum Yum Donuts. HA HA!
They're my favorites.
Great job Tessa - Elwood's a cool guy. I get the impression he knows a lot more than he seems to.
+Gary Mitchell I'm sure he knows a lot of stats about gear. However it seems he also knows a lot about working with it. When he was talking about experimenting with the wireless units with foam and gaffer's tape it made it sound like he's a real engineer / artist who makes modifications to his equipment as he feels they are needed.
+Gary Mitchell I got that vibe too, like he was doing his best to keep his answers from being long-winded and boring. Shame too, I'm sure after 20 years he could tell us 30 minutes on just a tenth of what we saw, and there's probably 3 times more that we didn't get to see.
He's one of the only ones who really knows his shit. One of the few who know that what wood your guitar is made of, or how heavy it is, and all that tonewood stuff is bullshit. On an ELECTRIC guitar with MAGNETIC pick-ups, chambered vs not etc. doesn't matter. He knows that what type of cable you use doesn't matter, what wireless doesn't really matter, knows that non-Floyd and PRS whammies won't hold a tune, knows that digital can be as good as analog and that solid state and valves can be just as good as tubes...it's refreshing for a change. Can't tell you how much I roll my eyes when someone says their Les Paul has so much "sustain."
Wow, based on some of your statements here, it's clear that someone doesn't know their shit!
I use 3M auto body imperial hand glaze instead of car wax on my guitars and basses.
It just gives either instrument a nice shiny luster 'cause there's silicone, wax or drips and runs. It's paint shop safe.
It's like Vaseline that you just put on with a detailing cloth.
I really polish the guitar or bass neatly after applying lacquer and varnish depending on the finish.
"you can gouge your name in there if you want to"
I had to go back and listen to it again...the Billy String gauge's!! He really said 07, 09,....I'm blown away---I can't believe he uses that light of strings!! I always imagined he used very heavy gauge strings to get 'that tone'. Amazing.
It's interesting...another one with a giant tone and really light strings is Tony Iommi.
She's got the most endearing laugh. Solid interview to boot, though Elwood seems a bit worn out.
I love Billys' "Tele"s . The peeler and bangers n mash combo looks ace. Always thought a vinyl wrap would look shit but not here!
Cool rig rundown.
Nice work, Tessa
You have to admire Dusty. Thinking ahead and picking your replacement …wanting the band to go on….A real man.
Yeah, Elwood is awesome, coolest tech.
Thank you Elwood for carrying the Torch for Dusty and ZZ Top. Yet doing a great job.
Elwood sounds like Dr. Evil, LMAO! It's just a 50's esquire slab -body bass, pretty standard really. Great guitar tech, sounds like Billy is pretty hard on him.
For anyone wondering what strings Dusty uses,since she sidetracked him before he could actually answet her...he uses GHS Super Steels
(.45-.105).
The dude is on edge like he's afraid he'll end up calling her mom..
Elwood fits like a glove. I saw the gig where Beck shows up and i was digging it so much. Dusty made the right choice. Give him a few years with the beard.
Rig Rundowns I want: Josh Homme (I know he's secretive), Dean Deleo, Kevin Parker, White Denim
The Gospel of Mark I'm a guitar player I've been thinking of getting a bass. I'd like to get that "I Thank You" zz sound. It is really deep. I know they used Tele bass for recording. his bass and almost 80's subwoofer boom sound. It's a song that will give the low frequencies a real workout. Dean Deleos brother Robert is a hell of a bass player but I already know his rig. Do you know what bass was used to get that sound on "I thank you" if not, "I thank you" any way
The Gospel of Mark if your trying to get the dean deleo sound-I could help you out a lot without you wasting money on his stage rig. Demeter tgp is a great preamp but you don't have to pay that much to get his tone from the first 3 albums. It's a mix a boss chorus and some fuzz or your amps distortion. Guitar rig 5 actually has a patch that will get you an exact tone. He didn't mix the AC 30 with the demeter till much later-Shangri la la da
We Texans lost a National Treasure in Dusty but, Elwood will do us proud. 60 years of The Top and still Rolling! Besides being an Awesome Bassist, Dusty was one of the Best Singers to ever belt it out and he will be sorely missed. Billy is the Tone Meister and Frank is quite possibly The most Underrated Drummer in R&R History. Rock On Guys.
RIP Dusty we love you!!
Jesus took him with him this time.
would love to see billy gibbsons guitar collection !!