Gonzalo Bergara's Tone?

swing75

I'm really digging Gonzalo Bergara's tone ATM and was wondering how he gets his unique sound.

I hear fret buzz a lot, particularly the D & G strings, but instead of detracting from the sound, it actually sounds good to my ears - it has a hip growl to it

Anyone here know what axe he uses? more importantly how it's set up? strings, picks, etc. ? Cheers

adrian

He's played an Olivier Marin guitar (http://www.oliviermarin.com/) on his last few recordings. He just recently started playing a Bob Holo guitar (http://www.hologuitar.com/).

Relatively thin pick (1.5-2 mm) and and relatively high action.

Hope this helps,
Adrian

swing75

That's great, thanks heaps

kevingcox

From what I recall, he was using a 2mm dunlop at DiJ but not the pointy end, he was using the rounded tip.

Also, he practices like a mofo. I remember coming back from the Tcha concert and he was already in his room practicing when I walked by.

-K

dennis

it's in the picking technique and the pressure from the left hand... you need to attack the strings in a way that the notes "pop" it has to do with the initial contact, and the left hand has to do certain things to get the strings to "growl"

mandocat

Not quite on topic but do these guys (Gonzalo, Adrien, other studio professionals) lift the left hand fingers off the strings when shifting positions to avoid the squeeking noise that I get?

Bones

I'm not sure how he gets the tone but he's had that tone even on his Gallato that he used on Portena Soledad so I don't think it matters so much what brand of guitar as long as it has that gypsy tone.

The last lesson that I had from him over a year ago I think, he was using those Dunlop Gator picks. I forget how thick but not thick like a Wegen GJ. As I recall he used them because they are cheap and he doesn't have to worry if he loses them.

I think it is largely technique as opposed to the guitar or the pick though. Also, his right hand technique is really strong so that may be part of it as well (i.e. picking very strongly can produce that sitar like over-drive that he gets???).

I love his tone and phrasing. So melodic and instantly recognizable.

BluesBop Harry

Lately Olivier Marin (the best!) Cedar topped (not spruce)
Dunlop Gators 1.5 or 2mm
Gypsy picking and... Gonzalo's hands!

swing75

Thanks everyone for the great answers, just what I wanted. With his Dunlop Gators, does he put bevels on them or play them just as they are?

Jim Kaznosky

Pretty sure GB just plays his Dunlops as is. They are good all purpose picks and are a great alternative to the $$ specific picks that we all tend to gravitate towards. Sure, I'm going to grab a Wegen first and admit freely that I spent too much money on picks at DiJ this year. But I always keep these Dunlops around and use them pretty regularly at home, which can become a black hole that has a voracious appetite for things like socks and Wegens.

Brief aside...I remember asking Michael the same question a few years ago when I was looking to upgrade my guitar...that is, what is the guitar that is allowing GB to get that sound that he gets. He responded that GB is going to sound like GB on any guitar he uses. I've noticed a difference in general tone when I've tried a higher end guitar at jams, but I have to say, when I've played a Holo, I've never sounded like GB.