I had the pleasure of seeing Duke live over the weekend (at the Turning Point in Piermont NY), and it was a great show, as usual.  One thing I came away with was:  does anyone sound better on inexpensive equipment than Duke?  I remember attending gigs in the early '80's, and seeing him use Tokai strats with a Pearce solid state PA (!) head, and he sounded great.  On saturday night, Duke used the p-90 equipped Epiphone he has used on some lessons here, along with an Eastwood L-5 copy, both of which are Korean, I believe.  

     Duke, were you running both the Louis electric and Evans amps together?  What were you using for stompboxes?  

No matter what equipment you use, you can always get your sound.  That's an important lesson.

Oh, and if you haven't picked up "Low Down and Tore Up" yet-get it! 

Slim

Hi Slim, I was using the Evans amp only that night. I actually think many inexpensive guitars that are available today sound really great. Of course the prestige of playing a real Gibson or USA made Fender is great to have but not essential, especially these days (Of course supporting US made instruments is important). Actually there have always been cool off brand guitars and some of them have a sound that no expensive guitar can capture. i have spent my life going from guitar to guitar to the point that it's just part of what I do. No one who knows me, expects to see me with the same guitar for long and keeping all of them just isn't a possibility. I have actually owned every desirabe American electric guitar there is at one time or another (no brag, just fact). In some cases several of a certain model (one at a time) like a 54, 57, 62 strat or a broadcaster, 52 tele, 50s &60 Grestchs, Gibson 54 LPs,(never owned a 58 LP) L-5s Super 400s, Barney Kessels, ES-175s  335s, 345s, 355s Strombergs, D'Angelicos etc. etc, etc. Not to mention, Vega, Orpheum, Harmony, Kay Rickenbacker Washburn, Martin, National and all sorts of known and unknown archtops I have bought played and sold or traded in the last 45 years! Now I can honestly say I don't have a need for rare instruments although I still appreciate them very much. I could actually get everything I need out of my Airline Twin-tone or Epiphone Casino or any other mid or low priced guitar out there. What's my point? I guess it's save your money and buy one good inexpensive guitar cause it's ALL IN THE FINGERS ANYWAY!!!     

Duke,

     Just the Evans amp?  What were you using for "dirt"?  I've heard the Evans with Jazz and Pedal Steel players, and it seems like a pretty clean deal.  BTW-I don't mean to disparage inexpensive guitars, quite the opposite.  I've worked in a vintage shop (Mandolin Brothers) and been lucky enough to be around many fine guitars, and I think guitars today are better than they've ever been, considering the price.  I only wish I could get them LEFT HANDED.  It's agony seeing something like your Epi Casino, and not being able to get one......

Slim

Hey Slim, I was just having fun talking about guitars, I didn't think you were dis-ing inexpensive ones. I was using a Bad Monkey pedal for distortion. They are great and only 40 bucks! It's the only blues type distortion pedal I like. Plus it's got bass and treble.