June 2012 \ Features \ Rig Rundown \ Rig Rundown: Johnny Winter

Rig Rundown: Johnny Winter

We recently caught up with the legendary Johnny Winter to check out his live rig.
Premier Guitar June 2012
We recently caught up with the legendary Johnny Winter to check out his live rig. Watch the video:

Guitars
Though best known for his Gibson Firebird (pictured), Winter's main axe is a Lazer from Erlewine Guitars. Winter says he prefers the Lazer because it stays in tune, sounds trebly like a Fender, but plays like a Gibson. The pictured Firebird is used primarily for slide and is kept in open D tuning. The bridge was modified before he purchased it.

Amps & Effects
Winter uses a Music Man 410 120-watt combo, which has been his amp of choice since the late '70s. He sets it with the bass and mids dialed completely out so it's all treble. The Boss CE-2 Chorus is kept on all night to add depth to his tone.


     

Related Articles

Rig Rundown: Roger Waters' The Wall Live
Rig Rundown: Nickelback's Chad Kroeger and Ryan Peake
GALLERY: Rush's Clockwork Angels Tour Gear
GALLERY: Pro Pedalboards 2012
GALLERY: Red Hot Chili Peppers 2012 Touring Gear


Comments

 (23 comments) display by
UsernameComment
einar hult
on 02/09/2013 		I wonder what the firebird with the 3+3 neck is ? a prototype, a fluke , a special. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm4cikvvL bU
George
on 01/19/2013 		Johnny Winter's contribution to the blues, and this thing we call rock and roll is enormous. I think it's long overdue that the rock and roll hall of fame recognizes this. WTF!
F. Lux Capacitor
on 07/23/2012 		Johnny looks like he's been to hell and back, but his devotion to fiery blues guitar seems to have sustained him (and his listeners) over all these years. Love his graciousness, modesty, and sense of humor -- what a presence. And nobody plays like Johnny. Amp setting = no bass, no mids, all treble... gotta love it. Thanks, Johnny.
Ed Seelig
on 05/28/2012 		I was somewhat surprised to find the Winter interview included Johnny's purchase of the sunburst Firebird V. It was purchased at The Galena Pop Festival on a farm near Wadena, Iowa, on July 31, 1970. It was in mint condition at the time! Johnny had the stop tailpiece installed on this one shortly after I sold it to him. I did change the Gibson Deluxe Vibrolas to stop tailpieces for him on the white Firebird V. On the Pelham Blue & purple ones, Rich Worthington did the custom work. Johnny has the sunburst, white, blue, purple,& red ones, which are all old Firebirds. As you can imagine, I have had a great time selling guitars to Johnny over the years, & spent lots of off stage time with Johnny & Susan Winter, & they have always been very gracious, & great friends!
Splash!
on 05/26/2012 		Johnny Winter is one of the top 5 Guitarists of ALL TIME. If a battle of the bands came up - his contribution to blues guitar and intricate, lightning fast riffs are second to none. None better. Period! I only heard him hit one clam in more than thirty years. Long Live Johnny. Glad I was on the planet during the reign of the king.
Magneto
on 05/26/2012 		Now THAT is a simple rig.
James Walsh
on 05/25/2012 		Great Texas Guitarist. Not sure who makes the Lazer guitar. Lovely man of the blues rock genre. Amazing Artist on guitar and singer too. His hands were made for playing guitar.
Handimax
on 05/25/2012 		I saw him 3 years ago in Charlotte, NC @ The Neighbourhood Theatre. His age and health are beginning to show sadly. I've been listening to him for 35 years and am so thankful to be alive at the same time as him, so I could witness his prowess for myself.
Allan
on 05/25/2012 		The BBC showed Johnny Winter playing "Jumpin' Jack Flash" on a programme called "Guitar Heroes". It is the best version of that song I have ever heard.
jim
on 05/25/2012 		i saw johnny in the early mid 70's the showed up at he brothers show .one of the greatest show i'd ever seen. he's a great guitarest



Your Comment:  

All comments are subject to editing or deletion by the Premier Guitar staff.

Your Name:  


Please enter the text you see in the image:  
10

A16606B3-8E72-4482-A4F6-40F982D05C27