Q & A
Q: Jimmy, hope all is well, I have a few questions about your ’67 Super Reverb w/ Tone Tubbys. Is this an original ’67, and is the amp wired point to point? If you are still noodling around w/ this amp have their been any other modifications tubes..etc. The Codetalkers: Amp/s: ’67 Super Reverb with Tone Tubby speakers
A: The ’67 Super Reverb is original except for the Tone Tubby speakers. It is point to point wiring. There has only been one minor mod made to all my old Fender amps. The external speaker jack on the back of the amp has been converted to a line level output so I can have a SEND that is compatible with a digital reverb. The SEND goes to a volume pedal, then to a digital reverb, then to a power amp which is connected to a couple of speaker cabs… This way, I can have the main amp completely dry, and bring the reverb to what ever level I want with the volume pedal. You turn the MIX control on the reverb all the way clockwise and you won’t have anything but reverb coming through the power amp and cabs. It will get a little louder bringing in the verb through the other cabs but if you turn the MIX knob all the way clockwise, it shouldn’t get too much louder.
Q: Hey, I was wondering what gospel, jazz, or blues artists or guitarists have influenced the playing of Jimmy Herring? As a young aspiring guitarist myself, I was simply looking for some more artists I can be pointed to, because I love the soulful sounds of Derek Trucks and Jimmy Herring, and I would like to learn more!
A: There is a group of Steel guitarists called the “Sacred Steel.” Robert Randolph came out of this collective of guys who play steel guitars in church. One of my favorites is Aubrey Ghent. Derek turned me on to the Sacred Steel guy’s years ago. They play steel guitars like a Gospel singer. They mimic the sound of the singers and it’s incredible! The Campbell Brothers, The Lee Boys… these guys are amazing!! As for jazz and blues, there are so many wonderful people to listen to. Sometimes it’s good for guitarists to listen to musicians playing instruments other than guitar. Sax players (Coltrane, Cannonball, etc), piano players (McCoy Tyner, Oscar Peterson, etc). Allan Holdsworth is a constant source of inspiration for me. I never hear the frets when he plays … it’s just liquid. That’s the goal for me, I don’t want to hear the frets!!
Q: What happened with Herring, Rogers and Sipe?
A: I joined Widespread Panic, Bobby had the Codetalkers and Jeff got the gig with Trey. Hopefully is can be continued at a later time.
Q: How is the Panic gig going?
A: It’s going great. It is pushing me in the direction of songwriting and developing musical themes.
Q: With Panic having such a large catalog of music what was your approach to learning so many songs? And how long did you have?
A: I had two weeks after the HRSF tour to try to learn the bulk of the catalog. So I spent 10-13 hours a day for those two weeks listening and making rough outlines of songs. Then, when the tour began I used non show days to continue that same process. At this point I mostly need to work on the numerous cover tunes and continue to explore the original tunes.
Q: What is your favorite guitar to play and what guitars do you own?
A: I don’t have a favorite. I like different guitars for different sounds and feels. It has taken a long time for me to understand the subtle differences in scale length between Fenders, Paul Reed Smiths and Gibsons. I like them for different reasons.
Fender-25 ½ inches
PRS-25 inches
Gibson-24 ¾ inches
Q: What guitars do you own?
A: Numerous Paul Reed Smith guitars, 2-3 Gibsons, several Fenders, 3 Modulus guitars, a couple of one-off customs, a Baker Guitar, Taylor and Alvarez acoustics.
Q: Do you plan on starting your own band?
A: As far as starting a band it has taken some time but it is finally going to happen. Bobby Lee Rodgers is the principle songwriter. He has a lot of songs covering many genres of music. My favorite drummer, Jeff Sipe, is finally available. The great bassist from Macon, Neal Fountain and an incredible pedal steel player, Mark Van Allan, will be joining us. The steel will be the special ingredient that will keep us from sounding like everyone else. The main focus of this band will be original music.
