Rig Rundown – Brian Setzer

The other day I watched the Brian Setzer Rig Rundown by PremiereGuitar. Here they interview Brian’s guitar tech Tyler Sweet for the full details of his rig. I thought it was pretty cool. The guy definitely likes his vintage gear. His #1 guitar is a sweet 1959 Gretsch 6120 into a Fender Bassman 6G6B circuit design with the solidstate rectifier (vs. tube). He pretty much uses one effect and that is the Roland Space Echo RE-301.

Watching this made me think about how odd to have your tone soooo dialed in, that flexibility really isn’t an option. I mean his tubes are vintage (NOS) even. Then again, when I think of Brian Setzer, he is definitely locked to a certain style and era. We’re also seeing what he’s using on tour. I wonder while chilling out in the house he sometimes busts out the B.C. Rich and Mesa Boogie amp for some riffage. I doubt it.

I’m also curious if he’s messed around with some of the boutique amp builders that do model that circuit. I definitely understand the argument of vintage components with their varying tolerances are not reproducible today. Let me know what you think of this!