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May 15, 2025
zZounds' Legends of Tone: The Allman Brothers
Explore the tones of southern rock royalty.
Fusing southern soul with a healthy dose of blues, The Allman Brothers Band was one of the premier acts to emerge from the Southern rock explosion of the early '70s. Thanks to the classic lineup's dual-Les-Paul-wielding one-two punch of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, fat tone was pretty much a given. Despite Duane's untimely death in 1971, the band forged a formidable legacy to be discovered and cherished by future generations. Join us as we take a closer look at The Allman Brothers' distinct sound in this edition of Legends of Tone.
Learn even more about what goes into this legendary band's tones on the zZounds Blog!
Gibson 2018 Les Paul Standard
The mighty Les Paul is often a welcomed addition to any band. With its maple cap, mahogany neck and body, and a pair of humbuckers, the Les Paul's sound has become synonymous with rock 'n' roll. Fortunately for the Allmans, a pair of Pauls spearheaded their signature sound.
To capture the Allman Brothers' vibe, we suggest the Gibson 2018 Les Paul Standard. Rooted in the past, this Les Paul modernizes the playing experience with an asymmetrical Slim Taper neck profile and an Ultra-Modern weight-relieved body. We have to say, the AAA figured maple top also looks pretty amazing under bright stage lights.
To capture the Allman Brothers' vibe, we suggest the Gibson 2018 Les Paul Standard. Rooted in the past, this Les Paul modernizes the playing experience with an asymmetrical Slim Taper neck profile and an Ultra-Modern weight-relieved body. We have to say, the AAA figured maple top also looks pretty amazing under bright stage lights.
Fender American Professional Precision Bass
Fender basses were the go-to bass for rockers in the '60s and '70s, and the Allman Brothers were no exception. From the rumbling lows to the aggressive mids, the Fender Precision Bass defined a generation of bass tones. Despite being equipped with only a single split-coil pickup, the P Bass explodes with sound and fits like a glove in any mix.
If you're looking to capture the sound of the band's bassists Berry Oakley and Lamar Williams, you can't go wrong with a Fender American Professional Precision Bass. A V-Mod pickup ensures fat, clear tone, while the 1963 "C"-shaped neck instantly feels like an old friend.
If you're looking to capture the sound of the band's bassists Berry Oakley and Lamar Williams, you can't go wrong with a Fender American Professional Precision Bass. A V-Mod pickup ensures fat, clear tone, while the 1963 "C"-shaped neck instantly feels like an old friend.
Martin D-28-v2 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
If you were doing a session with a band like the Allman Brothers, anything less than the best probably wouldn't fly. When Les Dudek recorded the acoustic backing tracks, he knew he had to be on top of his game.
To recreate the jangly acoustic sound heard at the beginning of "Jessica," we opted to go with the trusty Martin D-28-v2. This legendary acoustic guitar features a spruce top, a Faux Tortoise pickguard, and an enhanced neck profile to keep you sounding, and looking, your best.
Own it for $2,899.00 or payments of !
To recreate the jangly acoustic sound heard at the beginning of "Jessica," we opted to go with the trusty Martin D-28-v2. This legendary acoustic guitar features a spruce top, a Faux Tortoise pickguard, and an enhanced neck profile to keep you sounding, and looking, your best.
Own it for $2,899.00 or payments of !
Marshall 1987XL Plexi
What is there to say about the iconic Marshall Plexi that hasn't been said before? Simply plug in, crank up the volume, and let it rip.
Modeled after the originals, this reissue keeps all the design aesthetics that made the old ones so cool, while also completely recreating the amp's famed tone. A pair of EL34 power tubes imparts a smooth, midrange-focused color on your sound that's completely irresistible. Pair it up with a Gibson Les Paul and you'll instantly hear the sounds of the '70s.
Modeled after the originals, this reissue keeps all the design aesthetics that made the old ones so cool, while also completely recreating the amp's famed tone. A pair of EL34 power tubes imparts a smooth, midrange-focused color on your sound that's completely irresistible. Pair it up with a Gibson Les Paul and you'll instantly hear the sounds of the '70s.