Rig Rundown - The Darkness

Article and photos: http://bit.ly/DarknessRR

Fueled by a pair of brothers rocking Les Pauls and the bass rumbling thanks to Gibson Thunderbirds, this U.K. outfit is here to rock and roll.

Rhythm guitarist Dan Hawkins received this 2000 Gibson Les Paul Standard—his current number one—from his brother Justin when the band started in 2000. Dan refers to this instrument as “Dune,” a tribute to one of his favorite sci-fi films that was directed by David Lynch. He left the stock 498 humbuckers in the guitar because he likes that they crank out an aggressive bite thanks to their high output. The only change he’s made to the guitar is adding a TonePros bridge and tailpiece for better intonation.

Bassist Frankie Poullain’s main ride is a 1990 Gibson Thunderbird he affectionately calls the “Brown Bastard” that he bought from a guy named Welsh Ray. He favors this beast because the aftermarket pickup “kicks serious ass and is my pride and joy.” (Frankie and his tech can’t figure out where it came from or what model pickup it is.)

Lead guitarist and tantalizing frontman Justin Hawkins uses nothing but white 2001 Gibson Les Paul Customs. Seen here is his go-to axe that is generally used most of the night aside from any songs with alternate tunings or if a string breaks.

To continue learning about their rigs, visit: http://bit.ly/DarknessRR