Clapton Sound Effects

[warren0728]

I'm a big Strat guy, but I may be the only one on the planet who thinks that Clapton's guitar playing and tone was better with Gibsons in the Cream era.

you're not alone bob! :AOK: i don't know his current pickup choice but i wish he would go back to his gibsons... ancake:

ww

 

[Blaze]

Check here :

http://www.fenderplayersclub.com/pdfs/gear/clapton_gear.pdf

http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:mNTxWVIrLb0J:www.fenderplayersclub.com/pdfs/gear/clapton_gear.pdf+clapton+gear&hl=fr&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=ca

 

[birv2]

Thanks for the link, Blazes. I remember reading somewhere that he uses noiseless pickups. I'm trying to decide whether to get a set, so I'm kinda curious.

To me, the best Clapton tone ever is on Disraeli Gears. I'm thinking Tales of Brave Ulysses, Sunshine of Your Love, etc. I suppose that's what is called his "woman tone".

And I say that as someone who loves Strats and doesn't play anything else.

I also thought it was interesting that, during solos, he's wishing he was playing some other guitar, regardless of which guitar he's playing!

Bob

 

[warren0728]

yep....great tone on that album....here is an interesting tidbit i got of the web....not sure if it is true but if it is....man would i like to hear it!

"During the time they spent in New York recording Disraeli Gears the group had a chance to explore the city. On one of these nights, Eric jammed with B.B.King at the Café A Go Go. The entire session was recorded, but it has never been released!"

ww

 

[ShortBuSX]

You know, Ive got a Tele, but I think youll be hard pressed to get a "Clapton tone" out of one...unless your going for his less popular Yardbirds tone.

A Tele will nail early Jimmy Page/Zeppelin all day long...but a Tele bridge cuts through way too much for Clapton. Maybe if you overdrived the neck???
Id say just about any Strat will get you in the ballpark...I think the ceramics kinda nail his tone but Im sure more expensive pickups might do better.

 

[just strum]

you're not alone bob! :AOK: i don't know his current pickup choice but i wish he would go back to his gibsons... ancake:

ww

 

[birv2]

Woohoo!

:dude:

Thanks for posting that, Strum.

 

[GREENMACHINE]

Claptons Tone

Man thats a cool lead tone, does anyone know how to get something similar to that? (Without a semi hollow body)

Cheers,
GREENMACHINE

 

[Kazz]

I've not played a single hole of golf... ever!

Sorry to hear that Rocket....Golf is a great game if taken in the right context....never take it too seriously and go out and enjoy the grass and sunshine.


My best round ever was a 79 I shot at the Arnold Palmer designed Emerald Valley course in Creswell Oregon. 79 strokes for 18 holes on a very wet day....all carry no roll that day. I since have shot 2 other sub 80 rounds of golf and neither were as rewarding.

 

[warren0728]

My best round ever was a 79

i shot a 79 once....on the front 9!! :thwap: :rotflmao:

i haven't touched my golf clubs in over 4 years....

ww

 

[sunvalleylaw]

I enjoy golf, and took lessons with my wife years ago before kids. Not enough time to pursue though, and I play maybe once a year to year and a half. I tend to golf the same score I bowl, somewhere 120 to 130 plus or minus. :thwap: :rotflmao:

how about this pedal to play with....less than $100....

DigiTech Artist Series XAS-EC Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Multi Effects Pedal

ww

That and a MIM strat look like a good way to go. As to what he really used during different periods, looks like you are getting some advice here, and you can google around to find some other things to try. Warren's option with a strat though seems a good bet for trying to make those sounds on your own.

 

[duhvoodooman]

I just have to pipe up here and say that, while that Clapton "Crossroads" pedal may have some cool sounds, (1) it is a digital modeler of a diverse mix of some of EC's most famous tones, and (2) please don't think that Clapton has ever used this pedal! Eric really isn't much of a pedal guy at all. Wah pedals, for sure, and occasional use of some others, but he mostly sticks to clean tones and distortion that he can get through the amp and guitar, particularly using that +20dB mid-boost circuit he has in his signature Strats.