PDA

View Full Version : Mark Knopler

SHM
10-13-2008, 04:25 PM
I just played the first two Dire Straits on the stereo, loud. To me, some of the best strat tones ever recorded. :phones

Mark Knopfler is a Monster!

Just to let you know:rotflmao
Flyin' Brian
10-13-2008, 04:27 PM
No argument here...he's a tasty as they come.
greggorypeccary
10-13-2008, 04:28 PM
Who is this Knopfler you speak of?

Seriously, he's always been one of my favorites!
MartinC
10-13-2008, 05:26 PM
I think his strat tone is great ... but it's his touch and all the nuances of his playing that does it and matches with the tone so brilliantly. His tone is kind of delicate and subtle ... might sound a little anemic in the hands of a high energy blues rocker. But with Mark Knopfler driving, it's a defining sound.
itgoesto11uc
10-13-2008, 05:58 PM
Doesn't get any better.
James M
10-13-2008, 06:04 PM
He plays with his thumb, right?

I think Brothers in Arms is one of the prettiest songs...
bilbal
10-13-2008, 06:14 PM
I'll take it step further by saying that when I saw him in about 3 months ago in Boston, I left thinking it was the best live tone I had ever heard as well. His tone with the Les Paul is absolutely killer.
re-animator
10-13-2008, 06:44 PM
honestly, how can anyone not like mark knopfler?
HHB
10-13-2008, 07:09 PM
he came so fully formed on his debut, awesome
GuitarsFromMars
10-13-2008, 07:16 PM
His live work with Emmylou is outstanding,as is the highly underrated 'Love Over Gold'.
HiddenCharms
10-13-2008, 07:22 PM
The strat tone on the Dire Straits debut album is one of my favorites. I would also recommend Buddy Guy's "A Man and the Blues" on Vanguard for a wonderful clean strat tone.
mojocaster.com
10-13-2008, 07:24 PM
That album with Emmylou is superb. Mark is my #1 influence as a guitar player.

The two latest DVDs I saw with him were must-have: one night in London and the live one with Emmylou. Those bands are incredible, too!
Dr Git
10-13-2008, 07:34 PM
I'm probably one of the lucky few on this page thats had the pleasure to Jam with Mark (although it was only for like 20 minutes). John Suhr was my guitar tech in the early 80's and I had him put a trem on my San Dimas Charvel. Well when I talked to John on the phone I told him I was opening up for Frank Marino and needed a Floyd Rose. John talked me out of the Floyd, and told me a new manufacturer called Kahler was the way to go (not sure if I can agree to that today, since i don't see many Kahlers on Johns guitars) Anyway, John installed the Kahler prototype that Rudy's got, onto my Charvel. When it was ready I drove down to Rudy's and the door was locked. I was like WTF. Then Jack Cohen came to the door and let me in (Jack worked behind the counter-i'm not sure of this but friends of mine told me that Jack joined Mark on tour) and told me to go upstairs, sitting there was Knofler and John. John said Pete, Mark wants to check out your guitar...And so it was written...We jammed for about 20 minutes together and had a ball. Mark is a Monster
kevin hart
10-13-2008, 07:41 PM
Check out this link about Knopfler in the studio starting work on his next record. He's checking out a Divided by 13 combo and it mentions he's using the Reinhardt head with (2) 6v6's & (2) el84's along with a new Reinhardt 2x12 cab.

http://www.guyfletcher.co.uk/diaries/20089album%20diary/08recdiary1.php
Swain
10-13-2008, 08:36 PM
Man, always great tones from MK!

But, I must say that the Les Paul/Komet (I think?) tones on Shangri-La are maybe my favorite MK tones ever.
rog951
10-13-2008, 09:17 PM
I think he's my favorite guitarist whose last name starts with the letter "K", just edging out Paul Kossof, and all the Kings.
HoboMan
10-13-2008, 09:58 PM
The first two albums are good but the third "Making Movies" is AWSOME!
rog951
10-13-2008, 10:09 PM
The first two albums are good but the third "Making Movies" is AWSOME!

My personal favorite too. LOVE Romeo and Juliet!
kevin hart
10-14-2008, 05:38 AM
Man, always great tones from MK!

But, I must say that the Les Paul/Komet (I think?) tones on Shangri-La are maybe my favorite MK tones ever.

I love the tones on the Shangri-La record as well, but I must say that Live, his sound on this last tour where he was using the Reinhardt amp was the best I've ever heard by a long shot.
zzzezums
10-14-2008, 05:51 AM
Love him! saw him most recently a couple of months ago in a small great sounding theater in Syracuse and his tone (and the band asa whole) just enveloped me.
wildschwein
10-14-2008, 06:13 AM
Yeah great player - he really fits his lead fills in the slots and it's not an easy thing to emulate; it sounds so simple but it's far more complex than it first appears. In fact he's just all over the place - in a good way. My faves are the first album and Making Movies - loads of great tracks. I also really dig the slapback tones on the first record - it's used on a couple tracks.
m1911
10-14-2008, 06:26 AM
What's funny about internet forums....and was stated on another MK thread a couple of months ago.....
EVERYONE either likes him, or simply respects him.....and NO ONE knocks him in any way....Pretty amazing to be liked by all....especially at places like this.
To me, that (under)states evrything about the man.

He really IS...as good as it gets!

He also is one of those guys that has underplayed a bit over the past few years....which is what you kinda want isn't it?
Always leave 'em wanting more...
jerseydrew
10-14-2008, 07:11 AM
Knopfler is one of my all time favorites. He's also one of the reasons why I play guitar today.
Droptop
10-14-2008, 07:13 AM
My personal favorite too. LOVE Romeo and Juliet!

One of the best songs of all time...in my book.
winkofaneye
10-14-2008, 07:26 AM
Its a shame he doesnt want to take Dire Straits on the road again at present.He inspired me to play,especially 'Tunnel Of Love'.
fyrwyr
10-14-2008, 09:31 AM
I found a copy of "On every street" in an old apartment that was vacant and checked it out. UNREAL production and tones, I cannot believe I never owned it before!!!

He is probably one of those players that can play through junk and make it sound better than most through high end gear!
Dr Git
10-14-2008, 11:13 AM
Was hoping someone would respond if Jack Cohen toured with Knopfler. I believe his brother was the original rhythem player but I heard Jack toured with him. Is this true, for the Rudy' s guys or whoever
Brett Valentine
10-14-2008, 04:00 PM
His live work with Emmylou is outstanding,as is the highly underrated 'Love Over Gold'.

Got "Real Live Roadrunning" sitting right in front of me. :AOK
MickeyJi
10-14-2008, 04:06 PM
I really like "Kill to get crimson" too! Didn't warm up to his other solo records, but this one is very good IMO.
ecm1117
10-14-2008, 04:39 PM
Was hoping someone would respond if Jack Cohen toured with Knopfler. I believe his brother was the original rhythem player but I heard Jack toured with him. Is this true, for the Rudy' s guys or whoever

I don't know about Jack Cohen, but I do know that there was a Jack Sonni that worked at Rudy's and got to tour the world with Dire Straits on their Brothers In Arms tour. Maybe it's the same guy?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Sonni
Brett Valentine
10-14-2008, 07:29 PM
My favorites of his solo stuff are "Sailing to Philadelphia," and especially "Shangri-la".
jefesq
10-14-2008, 07:33 PM
tremendous playing AND lyrics on that album.
Aardvark
10-14-2008, 07:42 PM
I love the tones on the Shangri-La record as well, but I must say that Live, his sound on this last tour where he was using the Reinhardt amp was the best I've ever heard by a long shot.
Totally agree. His tone with the Reinhardt was possibly the best LP tone I have ever heard. And yes, his fingers were a major contributor. Even more so, his mind. What a gift for music.
Brett Valentine
10-14-2008, 07:49 PM
Favorite song currently:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0PL7sRsd8M

Love everything about it. The solo stabs are so articulate, they tell their own story!
JiMB
10-14-2008, 08:43 PM
Favorite song currently:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0PL7sRsd8M

Love everything about it. The solo stabs are so articulate, they tell their own story!


Beautiful!

Thanks for posting!

Jim
cg
10-14-2008, 10:06 PM
I love everything the man does. One of my all-time favorites!
bilbal
10-14-2008, 10:23 PM
Favorite song currently:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0PL7sRsd8M

Love everything about it. The solo stabs are so articulate, they tell their own story!

Hey Brett. How are things? Thanks so much for your help a couple of weeks ago. Things are a bit easier.

Thanks also for the link. What a beautiful tune. That one's getting added to the setlist!!!!

:)

Bill
57gold
10-14-2008, 10:45 PM
Was a couple of years ahead of me in high school in CT. Went to Berkelee, not sure if he finished.

Worked at Rudy's, befriended MK and got asked to come to Carribean to rehearse for Brothers in Arms tour. Call came at Xmas and Rudy lost a key employee. Heard story from Rudy and later a feature in GP.

Guy goes from selling picks and strings to world tour, plays sold out week in Wembley Arena with guests (EC, Sting, Townsend, Elton...) then plays Live Aide....true Cinderella story.
stratman89
10-14-2008, 11:10 PM
Phenomenal player, definately one of my faves!
kslrr
10-14-2008, 11:55 PM
Love Mark Knopfler. Watched him on TV jamming with Brian Setser about 6-10 years ago, wow.
Brett Valentine
10-15-2008, 01:43 PM
Hey Brett. How are things? Thanks so much for your help a couple of weeks ago. Things are a bit easier.

Thanks also for the link. What a beautiful tune. That one's getting added to the setlist!!!!

:)

Bill

Hey Bill,

Good to hear from you! Glad things eased up a bit! You know where I am any time!

If you band plays that kind of material, I'm going to have to see your band!
bilbal
10-15-2008, 09:06 PM
I have one band that plays about 10 times a year. We do Grateful Dead material and some of the original tunes myself and the other guitarist wrote for our old band. He and I, a bass player, and drummer recently started another band that is more this type of material, Gov't Mule, Neil Young, ZZ Top, and some other stuff. We haven't played out yet but intend to soon. It's kinda cool. We are all a little older than when we played together years ago, the egos have chilled, we are open to ANY TUNES introduced at rehearsal, and basically just have a ton of fun. We only get together once, maybe twice a week but I would play every night if we all could. To be honest, I enjoy it much more than the Dead band. I get to use my SLO and Les Pauls as opposed to doing the Bobby Weir thing. Don't get me wrong, I love the Dead stuff but there's just something different with the LP/Soldano - I love the tone obviously, and it just raw - think Neil Young and Crazy Horse "Rust Never Sleeps" kind of vibe.
bilbal
10-15-2008, 09:08 PM
Hey Bill,

Good to hear from you! Glad things eased up a bit! You know where I am any time!

If you band plays that kind of material, I'm going to have to see your band!

Yeah Brett, things have eased a bit but it's still pretty difficult. Thanks again for your help and for being so patient and kind while I was a lunatic.