Q Steve, What amps were you using at the 1/25 show at the Keswick? Looked like a Princeton or some variant and another tweed. I was too far back to tell. Anyways, your tone was incredible. Keep searching! Daniel, PA

Q Hey Steve, I have the opportunity to pick up an old Magnatone TC1 thats been converted to a guitar head. Anything i should look out for on it? it seems to have a tweed deluxe style tone stack/control added and a...

Q All, JID in Salt Lake was phenomenal. I was wondering if any of those shows will end up or on Nugs.net? Safe travels on the rest of your tour! Sean, Utah

Q I will not disguise this statement as a question; just wanted to let you know that you and your music make an impact on me. I danced to the magic of the music and to your fingers last night in...

Q What’s your criteria for choosing a strap for your guitars? I’ve noticed a few recurring trusty standards such as the black one with the white strat, rainbow with the explorer, saddle wraparound deal for the l-7 and so on—do you...

Q I loved the show at the Paramount in Denver 1/15/23. I'm still processing what I just witnessed so I will keep it simple: amazing. Your tone is incredible. I have fallen in love with the mutron clone I'm using and am...

Q Being a stereo player for a long time, do you ever run into phase issues? From what I can see, you don’t use an ABY switch that may have a polarity switch on it. Do you ever run into problems...

Q Oh just wondering what’s traveling along with you on the jazz is dead tour. Anything out of the ordinary for the project Re:Garcia tone? Any funky pedals. Hope to catch you in tarrytown! You rock. And roll. Thanks, Anthony, NY

Q Hey Steve Im a keys player looking to get into some lapsteel.. your range and tones on the small one you have is awesome! (thank you for the amazing show at the Lodge Room) I was wondering what kind that is...

Q Aloha, Will LIVE Audience Recording be allowed for Jazz Is Dead? January 8 - 12, 2023 in So CA. Mahalo, Taper-Jay from Kaua'i. Jay, HI

Q Hi Steve, I’m curious what you think about 1x15 cabs and the speakers therein. Is there a situation where you would only use the 1x15 cab or should they always be accompanied by some sort of 1 or 2x12 cab? What’s...

Q Hey Steve, I will soon be ordering my first Scott Walker guitar. I’ll be going with his Santa Cruz model most likely in an HSS configuration. It’s hard to describe my excitement lol Would you give your thoughts on Scott as...

Q Steve! In a fashionable late, i was exposed to your brilliant guitar tones. Im sure there are countless factors effecting it, but i would like to know one specific thing for now: what are those XL lipstick pups and how...

Q You know feel free to skip an answer my question from the morning- Ive been feeling all day it might have been a bit wordy, you know if it doesn't resonate don't worry Tho id love to hear your approach But also as...

Q Hey Steve; I really admire you as a musician- the fact that you would host this forum for questions and openness is so cool- education sharing ideas so pivotal to everything we can create as humans - also how refined...

Q Steve, I have a number of vintage fender amps. They definitely have a certain sound. When you play them live, they have a hi fi quality, like there’s something there that doesn’t seem to be there when I sit down...

Q Was just watching the “Infared Roses” shows you did with George Porter a couple years back. What a cool lineup and cool venue, wish I couldve seen those projected visuals in person. Your tone is pretty dirty through the whole show...

Q Hey Steve! Long time appreciator of your music and playing. Just caught Zero at Ardmore last night and WOW! Your tone and playing was stellar. So much warmth and roundness, but so much clarity. So I have to ask what...

Q Wondering if you could share and or direct aspiring guitarists to resources to learn usable guitar theory. When you sit down to just play without thinking — the stuff for the gods, where do you find yourself going in your head? Anthony,...

Q Just really really enjoying the show on youtube from 10/8 in Atlanta. The crunchy signal on your Strat in butter is so great, really just gritty but so smooth and buttery... what's your signal chain look like there? I miss you...

Q Hi Steve, I love the sound of the East Coast setup with the Pro. After listening to your playing through stock (even relative stock) Fender amps I had a couple of questions as I aim to navigate some new roads tonally. The...

Q Hi Steve, First time I saw you may have been Ranch Rock 86’. Cipollina was just awesome look up and see and hear. I’m still a simple 10-15 watt Fender blackface or Tweed amp player. I’ve bought of dozen dozens of pedals...

Q Hey Steve, Very broad question. I'm itching to get a new guitar. I have a strat and a les paul, but I'm curious. Are there any guitars out there that you'd recommend specifically? I know that the quality of the guitar...

Q Hey Steve, So I've noticed in this recent run you've added a dimarzio to the middle position of your teak cripe in place of the harmonic design z90—I'm curious what brought about this change and what pickup model it is? Also...

Q That Trombetta pedal, is that a Rotobone or based on one? Love the sound of that through your rig. As you stated from a different post, I can hear now that it’s a fuzz you go through instead of an...

Q Greetings Steve, I would like to know what guitar pick you use? Keep playing your wonderfully, beautiful music. Peace, Robbie Robbie, nc

Q Hey Steve, I recently acquired a 1980 Ibanez ST-50. Heres a little spec rundown to maybe guide the decision making: All Mahog body, 25.5" scale length, 24 frets, rosewood fingerboard, dual humbuckers, set neck. The body is about as thick as a...

Q Howdy, Steve! Long time listener, first time caller. Local of the Fayetteville AR area. Been a huge fan since seeing SK&F at Chester's 20 years ago when I was barely old enough to get in. Also got to hang with...

Q https://youtu.be/Voc_2SIrBUw Loving some of the clips coming out of the Zero tour so far! Hope to see you on the east coast soon. Just curious, what are the amps you are running in this video? Looks like a Two Rock Kimock special...

Q Hello Steve, I have been a longtime fan of your playing, tone, phrasing. I saw in one video you were using a Trombeta pedal. I am a 64-year-old guitarist in North Carolina. I love your clear clean sound but also love your...

Q Will you ever play Birmingham? Scott, Birmingham Alabama

Q Hey Steve, quick question - does your string gauge on the L-5, and for that matter, whatever archtop you might be using differ much from your typical setup on solid bodies? Are you using round wounds or flats? Have a good...

Q Hi Steve, sorry if this isn't the kind of question your looking for. I don't play anything, I just love your music so nothing too technical to ask. I'm just wondering if there's any possibility for a new studio album...

Q Hey Steve, I've really been digging the sounds you've been getting out of the L-5 and the Vega (I think this is what you played at the Ardmore with Ron Holloway last November). Anyway, I've been in the market for an...

Q Hey Steve, Can you tell us a bit about the ramrod guitar? Playing experience, tone, controls, woods, scale? Also. What’s it’s history! Thanks as always. Sam, Sheridan, WY

Q Man your tone is fantastic! Was wondering what strings you use and gauge. Maybe any set up insight you might provide would be appreciated! Deron, Florida

Q Hey Steve! Huge fan. Thanks for all the wonderful music. I’ve got a quick question: I recently read that you’ve used the Boss rv2 since the 80s, and that you have it set to ping pong mode. As a fan for almost...

Q What band are you bringing to Camp GreenSky this weekend? Can't wait! I haven't seen you in MI since you played Bell's with Hot Tuna! - KJS Kyle, MI

Q Steve, what's your tuning, root 3rd 5th root 3rd 5th? Do you use many slants or behind the bar string pulls? Who are your influences, I'm guessing playing with Freddie Roulette must have been informative. Any advice on developing your...

Q I am very excited about your new release 'Naught Again' and would love to purchase a copy. But how do I purchase a digital copy? I have already sold all my vinyl and CDs due to space constraints and only...

Q Hey everyone, I’m looking to achieve a “Kimock-esque“ tone, but I’m completely new to amp mods. I have a Fender Twin Reverb. Could anyone make some mod recommendations that would point me in the right direction? Your input is appreciated! Rusty, Atlanta,...

Q hi steve, i've had the pleasure of seeing a bunch of your shows live & i keep up best as i can online with your journey, but i don't think I've ever seen you use a tremolo arm on any of...

Q Hey Steve, I was wondering if you could shed some light on your process for writing some of your instrumental tunes... How did they come about? Divine inspiration? Brute force? Do you start with a groove or a snippet of melody...

Q When Steve Kimock is playing with Steve Kimock and Friends this summer, who is in that band and what instruments do they play? Is there a vocalist? gW Gerald, Texas

Q Hey Steve, With your extensive gear knowledge, I thought I’d ask you about your preferences regarding lesser used pickups (gold foils, Kleenex box, Charlie Christian, etc). Any thoughts? -George George, Colorado Springs, CO

Q Hi Steve, I recently sold my 59 Bassman with plans to replace it with a smaller amp. Yeah, I know, who the hell sells a 59 Bassman. It was just too valuable to take out of the house much and louder...

Q I know you are fond of the blond 6G6B Fender Bassman but what is your experience with the BF Fender Bassman? Part of the reason I ask is that the BF Bassman is much easier to obtain. I'm still able...

Q Hi Steve, We met in Mill valley after a performance of the New Maihar Band (Ali Akbar College's student ensemble) at the Sleeping Lady. I was playing Double Bass, not brilliantly. After the gig you introduced yourself, and here's what I...

Q Over the years, I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of reverb units. What is/was your favorite and why? Craig, FL

Q Hey Steve, Really enjoyed seeing the gig at the Ardmore with Ron Holloway and Tim Carbone at the end of last year! I'm currently sidelined from playing fretted guitar due to tennis elbow and a couple other nagging overuse injuries. My...

Q Dumble passed away, which Im sure youve heard. Did you ever get to meet the man? Was your Dumble amp one of the bespoke ones which he tuned to your playing or did you get it from a previous owner? Benjamin,...

Q Hey Steve, I read somewhere that you have dropped down in terms of your normal string gauges. Can you give us some insight into what you’re running on the strat and Les Paul? Brand would be cool too! Also wondering where...

Q Hey Steve would you mind telling us about your new archtop you've been playing on stage lately? I'm curious about the pickup and that stripe running through the middle—I've never seen that in an archtop before! Jarett, Fl

Q I didn't mentally understand the suggestion for subbing tritones for every other blues note. Then I played it like a scale and I didnt hear it. Then I played it as double stops, and I heard it. Then I inverted...

Q Hi Steve, I am the new owner of a guitar that I believe you collaborated with Scott Walker on. I believe it is the prototype to his Phoenix model. It has a bookmatched set of flamed mahogany with a rosewood neck....

Q Steve, I can't get over the tone you're getting with the goldtop. I like it more than you're other humbucker related tones that you get from the Explorer and Walkers. My favorite tones are coming from your Jerry-related Instagram video....

Q Hey Steve- We e talked about this before, but we’re always interrupted by work. Can you tell what tunings you use and why? Why use the “Stella blue” tuning bringing string 3 up to A. Why not just use that all...

Q Hey Steve, Going for a strong reverb sound to match with an old blackface head. Where do you keep the settings on your old grey boss reverb? You’re the man. Much love and respect as always. -Sam Sam, Sheridan, WY

Q Hey man thank you. Love your quarter note swing. Was there a specific practice regime you followed coming up, or was more of a “if you like it learn it” type situation? And if you could change anything regarding your...

Q Hi Steve, love all you've done. what cables are you using these days? thanks in advance mark Mark, ontario, canada

Q Hi Steve, I am having Bilt make me a guitar with lipstick pups. I can't get a hold of anything vintage. Do you have a recommendation for a modern winder? Thanks! Rick Rick, CO

Q Hi Steve, Just recently discovered your music, and saw my first show at SunEagles…I was blown away! I was trying to figure out the setlist based on my research of your music…hopefully you could provide it! Really really liked that first...

Q Hi Steve! I was just wondering how you run your 3 by 10 cab. I’m guessing you’re using the blackface bandmaster with the updated output transformer in it. Do you run the cab at the normal 4 ohm rating of...

Q Hi Steve, Just recently discovered your music, and saw my first show at SunEagles…I was blown away! I was trying to figure out the setlist based on my research of your music…hopefully you could provide it! Really really liked that first...

Q 10 Aug. 21 Hi Steve: Just a brief note of appreciation for you and your band's and staff show at The Ardmore Music Hall on Sat. evening. You can play all tempos of music in an engaging way. Everyone is your...

Q Whats the story with the Gibson Goldtop youve been playing recently? Is it a Les Paul Deluxe? Ben, Ca

Q Morning! I'm taking my daughter (16) to her first real concert - your upcoming show at the Ardmore for Jerry week. Can you share any songs you're working on so that I can get a tune or two in her...

Q Steve, Could you please tab out that beautiful descending riff at the very end of TnG? Thats incredible!! One of the most melodic riffs Iv'e ever heard. Thanks Ron Ron, Pennsylvania

Q Hello, Do you think it's possible to retain an original Silverface Dual Showman Reverb chassis in it's head form and then install 2 x 8" speakers inside the head cabinet to convert the head into a combo? I think the SF Dual...

Q Hi Steve. I’ve been struggling for years to achieve a tone I love. I have a fender strat w stock pick ups, and a mid 70’s fender twin that is way too heavy for me now. I can get a...

Q Hey was just watching Bad Hair from the Gothic. Looks like a pro shot vid, and Steve's playing a les Paul looking guitar with an intricate carving. Looks like scalloped frets as well, but maybe that's an optical illusion. Anyway...

Q Hey Steve, It’s great to hear that you’re gonna be getting back out on the road. Meanwhile, I was wondering if you can point me at a good write-up that explains the wiring of your 60 Strat w lipstick pickups....

Q What's the slide used ( make , gauge etc ) on Surely this day ? Em, Ca

Q Hi Steve! Pete Loupos from the old neighborhood and Hamilton Elementary alumni. I have been following your career and videos on YouTube. So much good music! Congratulations on a wonderful career so far, I am sure there is more to come....

Q Hey Steve! Since we are all emerging from our year and a half hibernation, I am wondering what amps and gear were you really digging while having to spend lots of hours playing at home? Anything you discovered or re-discovered? Thanks! Ben Ben, CA

Q How does one maintain cool during rude rehearsal distractions? JR, NY

Q Steve, would love to get your perspective on other "Garcia style" guitarists and their approach and tone. The good news is that they, like Dead fans, are like snowflakes. No two are the same. Some are faithful to the...

Q Hey there, Steve - Don't know as I've ever crossed paths with any recordings of you using a wah - if you have, do you have a weapon of choice? I think my favorite voicing is the Colorsound wah Jerry was using...

Q Hey Steve! Two questions for you: 1. Are there any modern speakers that you prefer/recommend for Fender style amps? 2. I know you don’t use boost or OD pedals, but are there ones that you like? I’m on a quest to really minimize the...

Q I have been on a long quest for the “perfect” guitar tone. I play a 1984-85 Guild Aviator, and it’s my one and only. I recently bought a Motion Sound kp-408 3D stereo keyboard amp. It has 2 offset 8”...

Q miss ya, brutha... i’m waiting on a louis electric dumble 183 build, 100 watt. (he calls it the cobra). i’m curious about the difference if any in running two 16 ohm speakers vs two 8 ohm speakers (wired parallel), IOW, with...

Q Hi Steve, Huge fan...seen you with Zero so many times I lost count. I have been looking for the tab for this amazing album and I cannot find it anywhere. Can I purchase it from you? John John, NY

Q I came across your music totally randomly on the Internet Archive Live Music Archive years ago and have been hooked ever since. I had never heard of you at all, I only saw the number of shows uploaded and I...

Q What is the backstory on that Dr.Seuss guitar you played on Dark Star on the 3rd night of Phil and Phriends? It’s the weird thing with the large hole between pickups - second from the right at the bottom of...

Q hi steve huge fan here. hope you and yours are well. i've never figured out how to count along with the song dr.zaius. i usually leave the imponderables alone and let it just play along and wash over etc,...

Q Hi Steve. Fan from the OPEN Days, always admired your playing. Would like to see your band here in the Lehigh Valley. 😊🙏🎶 Mark, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Q Hi Steve, Long time listener first time caller... I love the white strat’s tone. I’ve heard the pickups were Danelectro bass pick ups. Any details or intel on this would be greatly appreciated. Hope all is well. Bart Bart, Illinois

Q Hi, I'm Gérard, a french guitarist living in St Etienne, France. I admire the work of Steve since I discovered him on the Everybody's slides 2 compilation in 1993. Since 2009 I have been writing for a French magazine "blues magazine" a...

Q Dear Steve, I am curious if there are any particular physical locations that invoked or inspired particular songs. While I imagine The Muse transcends any specific place, is there an instance where you can say, "Yes, (insert song title) arose in...

Q Hi there, hope everyone’s well. I’m hoping to see if anyone here can point me to some tabs of Steve’s music. There were some great tabs floating around a few years back that seem to have vanished into thin air....

Q Hey Steve im in a band that does alot of SKB and originals......please dont laugh :))) Its been great, so we do Ice Cream, Moon People. Poonk, Tongue and Groove, electric wildlife, Tangled hangers, 5b4funk. Anyway, do you have any charts...

Q In an effort to occupy my mind mid-quarantine I've taken to researching your primary Charles Lobue Explorer and came across the (somewhat defunct) website which states that the body is made of birch, while the neck is mahogany. So my...

Q Obviously there are relevant differences between playing in a small bar or in a big shed and / or playing with a small band or with a bigger ensemble, but taking all that into consideration, what qualities and talents do...

Q Hi Steve, Through the magic of the internet, I have picked up a LoBue guitar. I knew who he was from being an admirer of your playing, so figured why not reach out? Would love to hear any info you've picked...

Q Hi Steve. I have a customer in Paris, France who is a fan of your music and playing style. I'm building him a custom hollow strat and he wants your electronics suite. I have no idea what goes on inside...

Q I’ve had the pleasure of not only listening to your music but also being educated by it. I can only play by ear(as a lefty-strung-righty no instructors would take the time...I digress..), you’ve made an insatiable desire to learn. As...

Q Hi Mr Kimock - I just got done watching the documentary on Bernie Worrell. Worth the watch. I saw your tour with Bernie in Columbus, OH and it was a great show! Have you ever considered releasing some of those shows?...

Q Any future plans for Florida ? Richard, FL

Q Just want to wish the best to you and your family. I was just listening to a Sweetwater download of yours an it was amazing yet again. I was there to see you play the Orson Welles song. Listened...

Q Hi Steve, I saw you play with Phil at the two July shows at the Warfield, I wonder if you have a memory of what your general rig was with that mutating band around that time? Thanks for your time and...

Q Hey there Steve! I've been curious about a few things—first, what's the scale length for your main explorer? And what are your opinions on differing scale lengths in general? Lastly, what's the setup on your 3x10 cab you use with...

Q i met you a long time ago...at a hornsby show...my buddy knew charlie miller...we spoke about your guitars and amp...basically how you get the sound...dumble amps...just want to make it short...we have all been trapped for the last seven weeks...so...

Q Hi Steve - I hope all is well with you and that you are staying safe and sane. I have a number of questions I would love to ask you, but will start with 1. I am new to using 2...

Q You've played with a wide variety of bass players throughout your career ranging from those categorized as -- please excuse the labels -- more jazzy (for instance, a Tony Saunders), more funky (e.g., a George Porter), "classical" (Alfonso Johnson), melodic...

Q Saw you last night with Hot Tuna. Love the sound of your semi-hollow/archtop. I didn’t get a good look at it, but wanted to get some additional for. Brand, model, year, modifications, etc. Great show. Thanks. Craig, New Jersey

Q Hey Steve, I've seen you and some others position your amp on its side on stage during a show. Is there a specific reason one might do that? Anything tone-wise? I've noticed you place a head on top of, say,...

Q Steve, We've met several times before, back in the day. The Cotati Caberet, with the Mix, and also as sound tech at Studio KAFE in Santa Rosa. Also, we have a lot of mutual friends, including Richie Blue and Galene Elliot...

Q Hi Steve, how do you manage feedback with your L-7 at stage volume? Thank you. John, PA Taming feedback

Q Steve, In your vast array of amazing stringed instruments, which is your favorite to play and why? Ron, NJ

Q George's is such a great venue, i would love to do it again. Silly question, but when a room is listening that intently, do you consciously go for more subtle approaches to phrasing and volume? pat, Texas

Q About a year ago I acquired a guitar that used to belong to Michael Travis from string cheese, it’s a 1978 Ibanez mc 200 with a bunch of mods such as built in pre amp . From what I was...

Q Hey Steve, I’m a huge fan of your music! I recently (5 months ago) started a jam band with some of my friends from college, and we’ve been loving every second of it! My question is, do you have any...

Q Hello Steve, I have been enjoying the lap steel, after Ohio I work with it at least once a week. Couple questions: 1. Did you recommend a picking pattern? I am mostly thumb and index. 2. Is the end...

Q Hey Steve. You think one of these might affect adversely the tone of my ‘56 strat or do you see these neck plates as only adding benefit. Also do you notice that they thicken up the high E string at...

Q I was wondering what amps you typically use- I have been listening to some of the Zero material and your later albums- I really like your lead tone with the clean Jerryish thing happening. I am thinking Fender, or the...

Q Hey Steve- gotta imagine that both you and Greg wrote a lot of tunes with Hunter that haven't seen the light of day. The Zero shows last July and Nov were great and SF brought back the Zero family...

Q hi are there plans for touring germany in the future? i remember herrenwies black forest. best wishes rudi rudi, germany

Q I’m having trouble with the guitar parts on Bruce’s song Rainbows Cadillac. It moves so fast and I cannot find the music anywhere. Can you lead me to a sorce so I can slow it down and get...

Q First of all, thank you for playing such honest and truly from the soul music. I have been playing the same kind of music for as long as I can remember. Although not on the same level. Even in 8th grade,...

Q Hello. I have been to your gigs a couple of times both in the US and Japan. They were two of the best gigs I have ever expereinced. Anyway, I have had a 50s or 60s Supro Ozark guitar (with...

Q Is it possible to get a copy of 12/9/2004 at the Mystic. I think I bought a copy from digitalsoundboard.net but they are now defunct... That show was amazing! Theo, NY

Q Hello, I'm Tatsuro Kusunoki from Japan. I play the guitar and I'm trying to buy an amp soon. Would you tell me some detail specifications about your Fender Bandmaster. I really love your sound and want to sound like you but Two Rock is too...

Q Hi Steve, I have all way been told that light les Paul’s are the only ones worth bothering with. I just bought one 11.5lb and it is the best Les Paul I have ever owned. So do I have this weight thing backwards? Bill, California

Q Hello Steve! Tal here, I have this discussion with piano tuners and various musicians, but when it comes to guitarists it’s a shoulder shrug usually, like it’s just an inherent part of our instrument that the interval of a third is...

Q At Godfrey’s the sound was very organic, not piezo clack. Is that the Turner thing or do you tame that with the black box/ sho impedance tempering. John, Emmaus PA

Q over the last year or so I keep going back to the Missing Man Formation videos. The sound is so unique.... bobby's bass and your guitar meld so well. Very emotional. That Strat looks unique too, what configuration is that...

Q Any chance Earl Cate will sit in one night? If so, peek into your crystal ball and enlighten me with the date. Much Appreciated! Miss seeing you in Fayetteville as often as when the highly esteemed Harold Wieties was doing...

Q Hey there, Steve - Many thanks for years of great tunes and vibes. Simple stuff: I know at one point you were an occasional Hartman Ge fuzz user ... how about these days? And: you've never been one to get lost in the wokka-wokka,...

Q Hi there Steve. I just bought a Two Rock Kimock signature model amp. I was wondering what amp this is based on or is it more of a custom to your specs type of this? Do you...

Q Hey Steve! I recently got a lap steel and was wondering about yours! What are some turnings you use? Any specific tone bars or slides that you prefer? What string gauges you find work best? Any beginner lap steel mistakes i should...

Q What kind of pickups are in your explorer. What are you looking for from your pickups? Flat response, a little color? I feel like Ive got to the point where Im making little steps as far as better "tone". Really...

Q Hey Steve! This might be a basic/oft asked question, but for the sake of clarity, as well as compartmentalizing in the new forum, I was wondering what strings you're running on your current guitars these days? —mainly the primary explorer,...

Q I noticed you were using a big ol' clear triangle (v-pick?) at the Sweetwater run back in February. At OCF it looked like a standard 351 shape but still that transparent material. Do you have a preferred pick?...