We caught up with Frank Gambale while he was on tour with Chick Corea’s Elektric Band in Nashville to talk about how to conjure up a ton of tones with only a few ingredients.
Frank Gambale tours exclusively with a handful of his signature guitars. On the electric side he brings a pair of Carvin FG-1 models (his No. 1 is shown above). Over the years, Gambale has experimented with a variety of tonewoods, but this particular one has a maple body with a maple top. For strings, Gambale prefers D’Addario ProSteel (.009–.042).
For acoustic numbers, Gambale goes with his Cort Frank Gambale Luxe. He strings it up with D’Addario extra light strings, but uses a plain 3rd string.
Gambale runs his signature DV Mark Multiamp FG. It’s a three-channel affair that can pump out up to 500 watts. The Multiamp also houses any effects Gambale would need during a set.
The Multiamp feeds a pair of DV Mark FG212V cabs. These open-back cabs house a pair of DV Neoclassic 150 speakers and weigh in at a rather modest 25 pounds.
Gambale’s DV Mark amp provides his effects, which he controls with this Rolls MIDI Buddy controller. He also employs a Boss FV-500L volume pedal and a Planet Waves tuner.