Black Sabbath: Tony Iommi Setup REVEALED | Guitar Tech Tips | Ep. 76 | Thomann

Tony Iommi's guitar tech, the one and only Mike Clement explains us how Tony likes his guitars set up.
This is an in-depth setup video with all the infos you need and some cool stories on top.
Grab your guitar, some tools and a coffee and enjoy the video!

Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
1:15 How do you change strings on Tony's guitars?
3:46 How often do you change them on tour?
4:55 Shoutout to Laney
7:05 Tony's preferred string gauges
8:03 Tony's fingertips
10:22 How about the intonation
11:30 Tony's amp and effects
13:38 Neck relief and string height
16:30 Special knot on the machine head
20:09 No heavy string stretching!
22:42 Tony's custom pickups
26:28 There's something special about using real amps
28:32 Time for a test ride... with the 8-32 strings
29:38 Best tour horror story ever!
32:42 Outtakes

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[qlpcpix]

Just heard on Tony Iommi's channel that Mike has passed away. Very sad to hear - seemed like a really nice person. R.I.P

[petergrant]

R.I.P. Mike, you will never be forgotten .

[MAP]

It's really hard to believe that he was using 8's back in the 60's & 70's, but what do I know? Nothing. But now thinking about how he made those opening sounds on iron man, that would make doing that so much easier. Plus not having the feeling of pain when pushing down behind the saddles with using the leather tips, may be really helpful. Which is such a weird thought that having this disability would offer positive effects. He has overcome so much. What a True Guitar Hero. We love you Tony!

[Romano]

Probably the best video about electric guitars you'll ever see on youtube..

[claudiopalma]

I was in that South american gig! Was in Santiago Chile and Tony Martin was doing vocals. Kiss was headliner while Slayer and Sabbath openned. The venue was a big old rail station and the reverb was huge there. I recall Tony showed UP with a complete different guitar but I never realized he went out of tune or something hahaha the hall reverb kept all those issues hidden from the crowd's perception!

[johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

Tony Iommi is definitely a legend and I’m glad you made this video!

[AceThree]

Special thanks to this episode. I'm a huge Tony Iommi fan and just got his signature SG.

[finnmacdiarmid]

This made my day, hearing the intricacies beyond the artistic side of performing is kind blowing. Everything is optimized and it’s like hearing a secret untold to know first hand how the sound is achieved. Brilliant!

[MrShadowofthewind]

I was inspired by Tony to make my guitar play as easy as possible, light strings, very low action, yea, it playes like butter, i will use all this info to improve it even more.

[johndamore]

Best video on YouTube. Bring Mike back for an encore!

[stesharr]

Went down to Mike's house a few weeks ago, he's just serviced my 2nd gh100ti amp.Lovely bloke.

[HollisAudioLabs]

Great discussion with Mike! Had the pleasure of meeting him on the 13 tour and talk about Tony's guitars. The JayDee Custom Guitar Pickups are great and have them in a few SG's.

[miketurnbull]

What a lovely man, though I gather he has now passed - RIP sweet man. Great insight and I look forward to watching more.

[kurleee]

That is sad to hear Mike has Passed. Just bought an Epiphone LP to restring for some Sabbath songs and saw this video. It's exactly the info I need. Thank you :) Went to see Sabbath twice in The End tour and was blown away. They sounded so good it was unbelievable.

[stanislavmigra]

I was really suriprised, that he uses "Martin's knot" in combination with locking tunners. But it makes perfect sense, when its explained all together.
Also glad, that these "techs of legends" still setup guitars "by feel" and not by exact number.

Id like to dig in deep into construction of those pickups, as they seems to be very unique. By looks (and sound) of things, they might be very close to actual Firebird pickups.

So, you did the impossible and had Tony Iommis tech, so now you need to find way to Brian May's tech <3.

[michaelward]

I'm not a musician, just a music lover. However, I enjoy watching videos that explain to technical side of music. Tony's story is amazing. He showed will power, initiative, and innovation to overcome his accident to become one of the all time greats. RIP Mike.

[darkness_rises]

Wish you all the best and a speedy recovery, Mike!

[Whitesp]

That was amazing. Geeking out on the way he winds the strings. Priceless

[TimB]

These videos are fantastic! The subtleties of a guitar setup have a huge impact on feel and playability and this never seems to get enough focus - great work Thomann!!

[hearpalhere]

This was an absolute pleasure to watch! Kris, you did such a wonderful job - the whole thing felt like a conversation between friends or maybe a slightly older friend who is a mentor showing you a cool trick they've picked up along the way. I wish I could give it more than one thumbs up!