Mark Goldenberg’s Stage Rig

Peghead Nation instructor and sideman extraordinaire demonstrates the instruments he uses onstage with Hugh Laurie’s Copper Bottom Band.

July 30, 2015

Mark Goldenberg’s Stage Rig, Part 1

Mark Goldenberg’s Stage Rig, Part 2

Peghead Nation Guitar Chord Theory instructor and multi-instrumentalist Mark Goldenberg’s career includes so many impressive credits it would be difficult to list them all. But extensive stints with Peter Frampton, Linda Ronstadt, and Chris Isaak, as well as his 20 years as a member of Jackson Browne’s touring band, have helped him become an A-level sideman. Mostly known as an electric guitarist, Goldenberg is also at home playing acoustic guitar (ably demonstrated by his self-titled 2004 release of instrumental solo guitar compositions) as well as most other fretted instruments and keyboards.

We caught up with Goldenberg in May 2014, during an extensive world tour with singer/pianist/actor Hugh Laurie and his Copper Bottom Band, which brought him to San Francisco’s legendary Fillmore Auditorium. Following the band’s soundcheck, Goldenberg took time to walk us through the array of instruments he’d use a couple of hours later during a high-energy set of New Orleans–infused jazz, blues, and pop.

Although the majority of the show featured Goldenberg (markgoldenberg.com) on one of his three electric guitars (a Bill Asher Ultra Tone T, Gibson SG, and Flip Scipio “Coodercaster”), he also played a Collings OM2H (with L.R. Baggs Anthem electronics), Gold Tone six-string banjo, Joe Yanuziello electric mandola, Epiphone acoustic-electric mandolin, Korg VK-7 keyboard, and a “$199 student accordion.” His National Reso-Phonic Resolectric stayed in its stand during the San Francisco show, as that particular night didn’t include the songs he uses it on. Goldenberg’s amplification rig includes a Bogner Duende amp, an L.R. Baggs Venue preamp/DI, and an extensive pedal board with an array of boutique stomp boxes.

Part 1 of these exclusive videos shows Goldenberg’s guitars and other stringed instruments, and Part 2 features his signal chain, amps, effects, keyboard setup, and more.

To study music theory with Goldenberg, enroll in his Guitar Chord Theory course on Peghead Nation today.