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Rig Rundown: The Doobie Brothers

The guitarists from one of classic rock’s most enduring hitmakers walk us through how they combine old-school custom axes with some of the latest technology.

Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for Doobie hits like “China Grove,” “Long Train Runnin’,” and “Listen to the Music,” Johnston has been a tried-and-true PRS guy since he stumbled upon one in a San Rafael music store in the ’80s. His current No. 1 is a 2009 25th Anniversary Custom 24 that rides in standard tuning. And all his guitars are equipped with Greg Sfarzo strings gauged .009–.046 and he’s been loyal the Jim Dunlop Herco .50 mm picks since the ’70s.

Special thanks to tech Chris Ledbetter.

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