Article & photos: bit.ly/TabBenoitRR Don't Miss an Episode: bit.ly/RIgRundownENL

Tab played a show in town a few years back and one of the tuners broke on that 72 thinline during soundcheck. The venue manager called me and said "I know you can fix guitars. Can you come take a look at Tabs tele?" I asked "I mean yea totally, but like...he doesnt have a tech?" and I was told "His sound guy is his tech and the tour manager and all he knows about guitars is how to tune them." So I went down there and took the tuner apart to find out that it was just worn out and the teeth on it were so worn down that it was unusable. So I thought "Maybe my teles tuners will fit." They didnt. So I grabbed 3 guitars and took them to Tab and told him "Sorry man, I cant fix this without replacement parts on hand. But I brought 3 guitars and you can just use any of these. The tele needs a set up though." He grabbed my tele, played 1 lick and said in his cajun ass drawl "This'll do. I aint picky. Plug it in and turn it up." I thought "Dude...these others play way better." but I didnt say anything. So when he was halfway through the 1st or 2nd song of his set, his other thinline tele broke a string so I ran mine out to him, and did a quick string change (with the oil he mentioned at the bridge and the nut) on his guitar while he played "I Put A Spell On You" on my guitar. Hell yea I took pictures. Afterwards he said "Hey man, that thing needs a setup. It was fretting out on me." Ill never forget the day that Tab Benoit hated my guitar. He should have hated it. It was a cheap MIM tele that played like shit, but he made it sing man. It's crazy watching this video and reliving that experience exactly how he describes this stuff.

If you haven't seen this man live you're missing out.

I love this guy and his guitar playing is just getting better every year. Thoroughly enjoy his music and see him every chance I get.

Just saw him less than a week ago for the 2nd time and he is simply amazing. Straightforward. Plays his butt off. Very engaging with the crowd. Very funny. Played requests that were screamed out to him. Anytime he comes to south florida my wife and i will see him. Hes a gem

I've seen Tab several times & he's a phenomenal guitarist. So excited to see him on here.

Living on the Deep East Texas/Louisiana line I’ve been listening to Tab from the start. Never met a more easy going down to earth normal guy. Play on.

This conversation about amp blending is fascinating. Love the logic behind his mic placement.

This is my new favorite Rig Rundown. Tab seems like such a cool guy and I'm a sucker for a simple setup!

My experience seeing a Tab show, 2 for the price of 1. Music and comedy. Had a blast and wish he would tour more in my area. Love his gritty straightforward way of playing.

This dude is awesome, my favorite artist right here.

Every guitar player should watch and listen to this guy....Tab Benoit. He makes total sense and everything he says rings the bell for me. Not only that, he is a RIOT.....wonderful sense of humour....humble demeanor too, a real mentor for anyone aspiring to play clean using mainly fingers... as I do myself these days Its truly inspiring to look at his rig as well...simple setup....personally I use the KISS formula too....i.e. Keep It Simple Stupid . Why complicate things? If it ain't broke don't fix it eh

Bottom line: He's pluggin' in heaps of raw talent combined with thousands of hours experience and he's smart enough not to complicate things rig wise. No wonder it all comes together on stage. Been listening to him since forever.

What a cool guy! We saw Tab a few years ago in a smaller venue. It was probably the best show I've ever been to. Killer tone, playing & vocals. Tab is the real deal!

Tab Benoit; an absolute master of music!

I've seen Tab more than 25 times. He NEVER disappoints. always a great show.

Just saw Tab last week in Solana Beach with JD Simo. An amazing show and I was amazed at the tone he had.

Gawd, this was wonderful! What a guy! Thanks John and PG.

Thanks for the rundown . . . I never heard this guy before, what a guitarist and standup comic . . . "Night Train" is outstanding. Cheers.

Is the gator head true bypass?

This guy is the real deal. No pedals, stock guitars and simple, straight-ahead amplification. I love that he plays a 72 Telecaster Thinline, as I own the same guitar.

Never seen a pickguard like that, from playing. This man is a national treasure. What a wonderful songmaker.

I can’t even think of another guitar player that has such a simple rig, hell I doubt if he even has a tuner..probably just still tunes by ear…and still manages to get different tones for every song….incredible 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

I love Tab! Just saw him last night here in Orlando. It’s my first real concert since Covid and it was so fantastic to see live music again. He was on fire. Tab and the audience we’re also happy to be experiencing live music again.

Tab has less gear than almost anyone I can think of yet this was one of the best all time "Gear Rundown"s. I love Tab's music!

From one Cajun to another. Love the work he does

I met this man at Benny's in New Orleans before he took off. My friend asked if he wanted to start a band...Tab said he was honored but his first CD .. Album.. was just coming out...many great times at the Rock and Bowl on Carrollton. Great Great player funny too.

Thank you Don Ritter for making the most incredible amps! I have one will never need another.

I wasn't sure, but All these comments have sealed the deal for me. He's going to be playing 20 minutes from me in 2 months. I'm there!!

Tab Benoit, hands down, one of the greatest shows I've ever experienced And I have been to some incredible shows

Tab's RIGHT hand is the most expressive I ever seen and heard. Not only really fast but he'll be playing between pickups and then quickly right close to the bridge on higher strings with an upstroke for a dynamic, different sound and expression. I've played 50 years and I get totally MESMERIZED by watching his picking hand. A lot of guitarist watch the left hand seeing what's happening and learning and a lot players are not that interested in the right hand. (not having pedals makes one work for it) I defy you to watch his picking and not see an absolute master. Great singer too.

Pure simplicity in that rig and an entertaining personality. The hows and whys and the short stories made this one of the most entertaining rig rundowns.

Tab is one of my top three favorite artist , Good old Southern Gentleman !

What a wonderful man & such an amazingly innovative guitarist. Definitely, a true to his heart artist.

No gizmo’s needed when you have such soul and emotions dripping from your fingertips as Tab does. Do not miss the chance to see him live!

Love Tab, he's such a genuinely nice dude. He could literally walk onstage without an instrument and make the show well worth the price of admission just with his humor and charm alone. I was privileged to get to see him play at the Natchitoches Christmas Festival several years back-- he stuck it out through a few hours on an outdoor stage in upper-30s temps (on the riverfront, at that) and gave a great show, then came right back off his bus with a glass of brandy and a cigar and signed autographs, took pictures, and made everyone there feel like his best friend, for another hour at least. Unfortunately, most of his shows are up north, and the ones he does play here in his home state are mostly down in Cajun country, so it's hard to catch him anywhere nearby in the northern area of Louisiana, but like I said, he's more than worth the price of admission!

when Tab hit the scene in the early 90's, i saw him at a show in the DC area & there were maybe 10 people in total at the place ... Tab walks out in his blue jeans, flannel shirt, and work boots & you would've thought he was playing to 10,000! he broke a string on nearly every song :) one of the more awesome shows i've ever been too

One of the best RRs': humour included. Thanks Tab and PG!

I saw Tab at Ruby's Roadhouse about 5-6 years ago. Great show. Love the bass player too.

Great choice. Tab is destined to be a blues legend. Already is to me.

Such a great approach. I love his playing, and he clearly knows his stuff.

Drowning on dry land by him is great. 🎸

Love Tab! One of the best, funniest, and most humble performers out there. I make a point to see him every time he rolls through.

Tab’s one of my favorite musicians, his Cajun brand of blues is unlike most others and will definitely make you stomp your feet…awesome guitar player as well as a great vocalist ✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼

Tab played at one of our first music on the halfshell seasons here in Roseburg Oregon in a park by the river all those years ago ... and just set the place on fire. Fantastic and still well remembered. Thanks again Tab, you're welcome here anytime!

I’ve listened to Tab over the years, but haven’t seen him live. He is a riot! Love his demeanor and practicality. Seems like he’s “good people” as we say in the South! 🤙🏻😎🎸

A breath of fresh air seeing a guy with a simple rig who actually knows how to get the best out of it instead of having a bunch of goofy pedals.

Saw/heard Tab last night in Petaluma last night. I can attest this "simple rig" works very very well indeed. Lots of colors coming out of his setup by using technique, and feel. What a great musician, and person. Extra bonus was hanging out by his bus as he smoked a cigar, and took time to chat, and tell great stories. Fan for life...

I just loved this Rig Run Down video with Tab Benoit. It's great to see that a guitar can be played without too much tech when it's in the right hands. 👍👍👍👍👍

Tab is a true artist raw true sound not to mention great voice.

Nice! Glad you guys are branching out to more New Orleans based musicians!

Hadn't heard of this gentlemen . ...but what a super cool guy , really humble and laid back . Awesome sense of humor too. Will be checking him out more.

Tab Benoit is the real deal a trusty Thinline Custom Fender and great amps that's it. I had teh chance to see him playing at the Jazz Fest and it was amazing

Like everyone has said...if you haven’t seen this man...do yourself a favor and go ! You will not be disappointed . He is the real deal and seems to be a genuine human being!

I sat right behind his amp in Annapolis MD many years ago and he was playing a very loud Twin with that gator head up on top. He always keeps it Nice and Warm.

“Remember, that’s what we’re doing right??. We’re using these tools to deliver a song”. That’s my rig rundown takeaway.

Tab is so cool! I got to meet him years ago when his cousin, who, at the time, was a good friend, introduced me at a show.

I only came across this guy on KZfaq about a year ago. He is definitely on my to see list. I love his sound.

From the Bayou all the way to Nashville love you Tab Benoit

Saw him tonite in Colorado he played his ass off! Killer show we had a blast!

Anybody else yell at John, "Don't touch his guitar!!!"? I know it wasn't just me who did...lol

Love Tab- such a cool dude and great player... great interview 🙌

Sparse rig but cool rundown. I live in Houma, Tab's hometown. I don't really know him but I'm friends with his bass player Corey, who is an amazing bass player. Tab seems a good guy though and he's def an authentic Cajun/Blues musician so it's cool to see him get the recognition. (May yeah sha!)

obviously super talented vocalist and guitar player, but had the chance a few years back to see him play with "THE FUZZ" [police cover band]... no mic to tab,,,, unbelievable drummer!!! after the show got to have a drink with him at the bar... super nice guy,,,, love me some TAB!!! crack the pieyea!

Been waiting a long time for this one.

I can't believe this is real! One of the greatest blues guitarist of all time!

Tab is my blues hero.

Tab is one Hell Of An Artist!

Tab is unreal. Even bought a real set of WRHBs because of his tone.

Just saw Tab live at the Sony Hall in New York. He came out with so much energy and his band sounded so full and sonically complete for a three piece. Tab’s guitar playing is sensational and his voice is incredible as well. It was hands down one of the best shows I’ve ever been to; he’s absolutely a must see performer if you like the blues or guitar

Tab is a hoot and a gentleman got to play him a couple times and a good drummer to boot.

Don’t use 2 mics, sound guy messes it up.. proceeds to show a mic in the back .. 😂 Gotta love Tab !!

John’s going for the Billy Idol look.

Humble,real,and talented---win,win,win.

I was born in 72 funny you say it's and old guitar HA "mystery is in the music" yes indeed!!! Saw John Lee Hooker as a child, blues impacted me ever since, Great interview thoroughly enjoyed , thanks

Love Tab !!!!

This was GREAT!! Down to earth (er swamp!) rig rundown on all that's necessary!! He's like the guy who knows how to crack open a keg without the tap! The party will go on, strings (!?!) who needs em, just rub out dat riddim on the pickups, keep your nuts greased, and jest hobo on down the rolling rock road past the blue byouzz!!

Great interview. Down to earth gentleman. I need to see him. Peace*

His laid back demeanor really doesn't represent the fire breather he is on stage. He tells some damn funny stories, too.

Tab really is a great drummer!!

I saw him break many strings over the years!!! True story

My favorite part was when John said “ that’s some bayou shit “ .. love Tab ....

Efect pedal companies you're done! Tab's here!

Tab's my kinda guy. I had a 100w all tube MM -RD210. MIM string through tele. Just the stock pedal that came w/t amp. Loved that amp. Sometimes I'd use a 2x12 cabinet for larger venues. A couple 57s fore and aft through the system and I was good. Raw sound is always the best.

Gotta love the simplicity…. Reminds me of the old saying “Beware of a man with just one gun.”

If I had a dollar for every time he said "Buss a strang"😅😅😂🤣

Here in vermont there are some famous benoits that are great whitetail hunters and trackers..I bet there related in some way..I'd usualy say no but there very similar to this guy..jst a thought

That’s so cool after watching all your shows I always wondered about the guitar I knew it had some miles on it but it still sounds awesome👍❤️✌️

Tabs the coolest cat.... Great FEELER of music.. way down to earth..!! live ON tab 👍👍💌 --Huge fan from Minneapolis --

Been enjoying PGRR's for years. J.B. is my favorite host/interviewer. This is hands down my favorite episode to date. Can't say I'm familiar with Tab Benoit's music. Been hearing his name for years. Turns out, he's an amiable, seasoned pro with an impressively dialed in stage set up. I, too use a Clayton (.063") tri-tip pick for the very same reason. Don't have to check to be "on point".

Love his sound and the way he thinks...plug in guitar, turn it up, and go!

Tab is so interesting to listen to.

It's worth noting that when my wife and I attended Tab's Voice of the Wetlands Festival in Louisiana last October, the other guitarists on stage were mostly playing through backline-provided Fender "reissue" amps, with Fender guitars, and they didn't cut through the mix very well at all. Sound at the festival was excellent overall, except for some of the other guitar players, especially during the "Friday Night Guitar Fight" jam session. If I remember correctly there was a '65 Twin Reverb reissue and also a '67 or 68 Twin Reverb reissue on stage being used by the various bands. Whatever they were, they did not work all that well with Fender guitars in that situation. Damon Fowler, who was playing a red Gibson thinline semi hollow body, was one of the few who consistently made himself heard. (Somebody was playing through a Vox amp during one of the jam sessions, it might have been him but I couldn't tell for sure). Johnny Sansone was playing thru a Tweed Fender (Bassman?) I don't know if it was a reissue or a vintage, but it worked pretty well for him.

Best rundown ever. Banjo and gator make it epic!

Tab’s the shit! Wow, so humble.

This guy is a rare breed these days sadly..I do worry the guy has licked his fingers the whole episode...

Tab T Boy Leonville in the House. Shout Out From Shawnee Forrest in So Illinois

Tab is awesome!!! What a cool cat!!! Just him a guitar and his amps!! Too cool!!

Swamp grease. A little Tab’ll do ya!

Tab , China dishes 🍽 & wall color's! September 2020 , things are mynute in comparison. Spiritual the best is yet to come. Thanks for making me " smile' Tab Benoit. Rig rundown 👍❣💜 tf goodman 🙃🤔V