Sonny’s backline blueprint, pt.1

Just call this section "traveling light." In pt. 2 we’ll get into all the gear Sonny took on the bus tour with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, John Hiatt and The Goners, and Tommy Castro. For now, we’ll take a look at the stripped-down "flight" rig Sonny carried on the Summer 2001 trio tour.

The signal chain starts with a Gibson Les Paul Classic equipped with the TransPerformance system (the guitar is in a gig bag for carry-on). "At the push of a button, I can call up any of my pre-programmed chordal tunings thanks to the brilliance of inventor Neil Skinn of Fort Collins, Colorado," Sonny explains. "The onboard computer controls a servo motor on each string that mechanically moves the strings into position for the different tunings, which means you are physically playing these tunings, they're not virtual or simulated. Absolutely amazing."

"The setlist determines which pedals I need. It's give and take, and with limited space you do have to compromise somewhat. With this particular combination, though, I can pretty much cover the bases." First comes a MXR Dyna Comp, followed by a Fulltone Fulldrive 2 distortion pedal, a Big Muff distortion pedal, a Boss CE-5 chorus pedal and an Ibanez Echo Machine delay pedal.

Sonny's tried-and-true 75-watt Demeter TGA-3 amp head gets "checked" along with the pedals. "I've used it for the vast majority of everything I've recorded since 1980: it's old faithful." The speaker cabinet, usually a Marshall 4x12 loaded with Vintage 30 speakers, is provided by the venue as part of Sonny's backline rider requirements. "The newer Marshall cabs sound great and give you the flexibility of switching to either two of the 12s for lower volume in clubs and theaters, or all four 12s to crank it up for the festivals and sheds."