Nail Pat Martino's Tone: Fender Deluxe & Gibson '57s

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So, you're chasing that legendary Pat Martino tone, huh? Awesome! It's a worthwhile pursuit, as his sound is iconic. You've got a great starting point with a Fender Deluxe Reverb and a solid-body guitar loaded with Gibson Classic '57 pickups. Let's break down how to get closer to that elusive Pat Martino sound, focusing on the gear you have and the techniques you can use.

Understanding Pat Martino's Sound

Before we dive into the specifics of your equipment, let's first understand the core elements of Pat Martino's tone. It wasn't just about the gear; it was about his unique approach to playing and his deep understanding of jazz harmony. However, certain equipment choices definitely helped him achieve his signature sound. Generally, his tone is characterized by:

  • Warmth and Roundness: He favored a smooth, almost vocal-like tone, avoiding excessive brightness or harshness.
  • Sustain and Clarity: Notes needed to sustain well, allowing him to create long, flowing lines, but each note also had to be clearly articulated.
  • Midrange Focus: A strong midrange presence helped his solos cut through the mix without being shrill.
  • Compression and Sustain: Pat often used compression to even out his dynamics and add sustain, allowing for smooth, legato phrasing.

Your Gear: A Solid Foundation

Your Fender Deluxe Reverb and Gibson Classic '57-equipped guitar give you a fantastic base to work from. Here's why:

  • Fender Deluxe Reverb: This amp is a workhorse for countless guitarists, known for its clean, warm tone and its ability to take pedals well. It's a relatively low-wattage amp, which means you can push it into overdrive at reasonable volumes, giving you a natural tube saturation that's essential for that classic jazz sound. Its bright switch can be useful for adding clarity, but you'll likely want to keep it off for a warmer, more Martino-esque tone.
  • Gibson Classic '57 Pickups: These pickups are designed to replicate the sound of the original PAF humbuckers from the late 1950s. They're known for their warm, full tone, their balanced frequency response, and their ability to produce a smooth overdrive. They provide a great foundation for jazz playing, offering a rich, complex tone that's well-suited to Martino's style.

However, to really get closer to that Pat Martino sound, you'll need to consider how you're using this gear. Simply plugging in won't magically transform you into a jazz legend. Here's a breakdown of how to dial in your amp and guitar settings:

Dialing in Your Amp Settings

The Fender Deluxe Reverb is a relatively straightforward amp, but here are some key settings to consider when chasing Pat Martino's tone:

  • Volume: This is your primary gain control. Start with it around 3-5. You want to get a slightly overdriven tone, but not so much that it becomes distorted. Experiment to find the sweet spot where the amp starts to break up when you pick harder.
  • Treble: Keep this relatively low, around 4-6. You want to avoid excessive brightness. The goal is warmth and roundness, remember?
  • Bass: Set this around 5-7. You want a full, rich low end, but not so much that it becomes muddy.
  • Reverb: A touch of reverb can add depth and dimension to your sound, but don't overdo it. Start with it around 2-3 and adjust to taste.
  • Mid: Deluxe Reverbs don't have a mid control, which is a drawback for some, as Martino’s sound has a distinct midrange presence. Consider using an EQ pedal to boost the mids slightly, around 500Hz-800Hz.
  • Bright Switch: Start with this OFF. It adds high-end sparkle, which isn't ideal for Martino's warm tone. If your guitar sounds dull, you might experiment with it on, but use it sparingly.

These settings are just a starting point, of course. Experiment and adjust to your own ears and your specific guitar. The key is to find a balance between warmth, clarity, and sustain.

Guitar Settings and Technique

Your guitar's volume and tone controls are also crucial for shaping your sound. Here's how to use them to get closer to that Pat Martino vibe:

  • Volume: Experiment with rolling back the volume knob slightly. This can sweeten your tone and give you more control over your dynamics. It can also clean up the sound a bit, which can be helpful if your amp is already breaking up.
  • Tone: This is where you can really shape your tone. Roll it back to taste to warm up the sound and reduce any harshness. Don't be afraid to experiment with different settings. A good starting point is around 5-7.
  • Pickup Selection: Martino often favored the neck pickup for its warm, round tone. Experiment with both pickups, but focus on the neck pickup as your primary sound.

Beyond the settings, your playing technique is paramount. Martino was known for his incredible speed and precision, but also for his smooth, legato phrasing. Here are some things to focus on:

  • Pick Attack: Use a relatively light pick attack. Avoid digging in too hard, as this can create a harsh, brittle tone. Aim for a smooth, even sound.
  • Left-Hand Technique: Focus on developing a strong, consistent vibrato. This is crucial for adding expression and sustain to your notes.
  • Legato: Work on developing your legato technique – using hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smooth, flowing lines. This is a key element of Martino's style.
  • Practice, practice, practice: There is no substitute for focused practice. Work on scales, arpeggios, and chord voicings in all 12 keys. Transcribe Martino's solos and try to emulate his phrasing and tone. This is the best way to internalize his style and develop your own voice.

The Importance of Strings and Picks

While often overlooked, the type of strings and picks you use can significantly impact your tone. For strings, consider:

  • Flatwound Strings: Pat Martino was known for using flatwound strings. These strings have a smoother surface than roundwound strings, resulting in a warmer, mellower tone with reduced finger noise. They're a great choice for jazz players who want a smooth, sophisticated sound. Try a set of 0.012-0.050 gauge flatwounds.

For picks, consider:

  • Thick Pick: Pat used a fairly thick pick, often around 1.5mm or thicker. A thicker pick will generally produce a warmer, rounder tone with more control over dynamics. Experiment with different materials, such as Dunlop Jazz III or similar picks.

The Role of Compression and Other Effects

Compression plays a significant role in achieving that smooth, sustained Pat Martino tone. A compressor pedal can even out your dynamics, add sustain, and make your tone more consistent. Here's how to use it:

  • Subtle Settings: Use compression sparingly. You don't want to squash your tone. Aim for a subtle effect that adds sustain and evens out your dynamics without making your playing sound artificial. Start with a low ratio (around 2:1 or 4:1) and a moderate amount of gain reduction (around 3-6dB).
  • Experiment with Different Compressors: There are many different types of compressor pedals available, each with its own unique sound. Experiment with different types to find one that works well with your amp and guitar. Some popular choices for jazz include optical compressors and FET compressors.

While compression is arguably the most important effect for achieving Martino's tone, you might also consider experimenting with:

  • Overdrive: A slight overdrive pedal can add warmth and sustain to your tone. Use it sparingly, just enough to give your amp a little extra push.
  • Chorus: A subtle chorus effect can add depth and dimension to your sound, but don't overdo it. Use it sparingly.
  • Delay: A short delay can add a sense of space and depth to your playing. Use it subtly to avoid muddling your tone.

Listening and Emulating

Ultimately, the best way to get closer to Pat Martino's tone is to listen to his recordings and try to emulate his playing. Pay attention to his phrasing, his note choices, and his overall sound. Transcribe his solos and try to play them along with the recordings. This is the best way to internalize his style and develop your own voice.

  • Listen Actively: Don't just listen passively. Pay attention to the nuances of his playing – his phrasing, his dynamics, his articulation.
  • Transcribe Solos: Transcribing solos is a great way to learn Martino's vocabulary and phrasing. It forces you to really listen closely and analyze his playing.
  • Practice Slowly: Don't try to play everything at full speed right away. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the material.

Final Thoughts

Getting that elusive Pat Martino tone is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and a lot of experimentation. But with the right gear, the right settings, and the right technique, you can get closer to that iconic sound. Remember to focus on the core elements of his tone – warmth, clarity, sustain, and a strong midrange presence. And most importantly, listen to his music and try to emulate his playing. Good luck, and have fun!