Rig Rundown - Los Straitjackets

Premier Guitar’s John Bohlinger met with modern surf-guitar superheroes Eddie Angel and Greg Townson of Los Straitjackets before their hometown show in Nashville. Both guitarists prove that sometimes all you need is a guitar and an amp to rock and roll.

Eddie Angel rocks a sparkly DiPinto Galaxie 4 that houses four single-coil DiPinto pickups. It’s nearly identical to Townson’s guitar with the exception of the five-position switch on the upper bout. Angel spends nearly the entire show on the bridge pickup and strings up his guitar with a hefty set of Ernie Ball Power Slinky strings (.011-.048).

Greg Townson plays the DiPinto Los Straitjackets Signature Galaxie 4 as well, but his version has four small buttons that turn each pickup on and off. He uses D’Addario Nickel Wound .011–.049 strings and if either guitarist breaks a string they keep a single Galaxie on the road as a backup.

[idlevandal]

"Tremolo it's like Tabasco man, you can put it on anything!!!" John's quote of the day...

[justinmcinerny]

I have been following these guys for a long time, I have some of their CD's, I have listened to tons of their music on youtube and spotify and finally saw Los Straitjackets with Nick Lowe a few weeks ago at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco. They are extraordinarily good. A great, great band that seems to be mostly underappreciated. Please go see them, buy their records and make positive comments about them on line.

[tonyl]

Eddie is an extremely underrated guitar player, and more importantly, an amazing songwriter. I've met him a few times, and he's a soft spoken guy who just plain loves to play his music. Doesn't get any purer than that. 🙂

[PhilHenzig]

These guys are my favorite band, both musically inspiring songs, tones, and guitarists. Their show is ALWAYS a fun entertaining special event for me and they are all very down to earth great guys! I loved Chet Atkins, The Ventures, Dick Dale, Link Ray etc as a kid and the beautiful guitar tones, song arrangements and fun factor of their show bring it all back to me of why I took up the guitar. You have to see them if you love a fun time and great guitar music!

[lerxst]

I met Eddie and Greg when they were in Cleveland. 2 genuine nice people. great band, go see them if they come to your city..

[marknason]

Los Straitjackets are by far the greatest modern day surf guitar band and although their lineup has changed over the years, they continue to be great musicians who also know how to entertain their crowds!

[BillCompo]

I like the Dick Dale mention. I read a article with Dick oh 20 years ago now and he was asked about his facial expressions while playing and if it was for effect and Dick said no that's pain because I play the heaviest strings I can get. Thanks to all the YouTube people for posting all the boss Los Straitjackets tunes and shows that keep surf music alive today.

[panther]

Been a fan of them since the mid 90's. Love that straight in / straight out sound. Fits so well with their brand of instrumental rock.

[SurfBandFan]

Thanks Eddie and Greg for the candid talk, still jammin. Miss Danny and Pete. Good luck to you guys.

[loogy]

Both Greg and Eddie came through Glenside, PA via The Blue Comet many times through various acts. Fabulous guitar players, both of them. Nice video.

[treloskitharistas]

AT LAST, a Surf Rig Rundown!!
That's the spirit!!!!

[sirvicemanone]

I really loved these guys attitude and the masks. I checked out their sound and they are really cool... Another great find and thank you PG!

[anotherheadlessdemo]

Totally agree with the tremolo on "Rumble." Awesome sound. I have lots of Los Straightjackets music (but not all - yet). Great band.

[faunoram]

NO MAMEN ! No sabía que Los Straitjackets tenían su Rig Rundown ! Buena onda Premier Guitar !!

[nickburmanmusic]

Great job, John! Love the humour and how you interact with the guys.

[metelegerald]

They are the coolest for doing that intro!!!

[imangus]

What about the bass player?? I realise it's probably a DiPinto straight into that Ashdown amp, but I'd like to hear it anyway!

[stephen]

John is such a class act. That seemed like a tough one but the dude just smiles on through it.

[philipellis]

I haven't even watched this yet but well done PG, such an awesome band.

[GASMan-]

This was cool to find. I got to hear them live in B'ham WA years ago and their performance and tone was stellar. The Pontani Sisters were also a kick in the pants. But it's nice to now know what they use. I got a DiPinto LS Galaxie model years ago and already have a DRRI, so now I just need to re-string to 11s. \m/