Inside Ben Poole's Guitar Rig: The Gear Behind "Post-Midnight Behaviour"
The British blues-rock guitarist shares the equipment, techniques, and mindset behind his signature sound ahead of his new album, Post-Midnight Behaviour.
Photo credit: Mike Inns
I was lucky enough to speak to British blues-rock guitarist Ben Poole, who had great advice for musicians of all levels. He is regarded as one of the most exciting contemporary blues talents, earning praise for his soulful playing, powerful vocals, and emotionally charged songwriting.
With his brand-new studio album, Post-Midnight Behaviour, set for release on 25 September 2026 via Gypsy Soul Records, Poole is entering a bold new chapter that expands his trademark blues-rock sound to include soul, country, and alternative influences.
Magesh, Magesh, Musicngear: Your guitar tone has always been one of your trademarks. What was your main guitar during the recording of Post-Midnight Behaviour, and why was it the right instrument for these songs?
We used my 3 main guitars on everything. Mainly my Gibson Les Paul with Burstbucker humbucker pickups and my sunburst Fender Telecaster, which has stacked humbucking 4 Seasons Pickups in it. This album has a slightly heavier, rockier sound to it, so these guitars worked great.
On the songs that needed a lighter, twangier, sparkly tone, we used my white Fender Deluxe Tele, as that has 4 Seasons single-coil pickups.
Musicngear: Did you discover any new pedals or effects while making this album that ended up becoming a big part of your sound?
It was the first recordings where I’ve used my new Fuzzrite by Mosrite Fuzz pedal, which sounds absolutely HUGE. Any of the big fuzz solos and riffs are using this mainly.
We used an Xotic EP Booster on basically everything as that little pedal is subtly awesome, and I subsequently went and bought one. Also, Oli Brown, one of my co-writers, had a couple of cool ThorpyFX pedals which we used on a few things.
There is definitely more fuzz and overdrive on this album, and I’m looking forward to having some fun playing with some new toys to bring this to life on the stage, that’s for sure!
Photo credit: Mike Inns
Musicngear: Is there any piece of gear that you use regardless of the gig or studio session?
Honestly, I cannot believe how good the Orange Dual Terror Head are. They are not expensive, but they sound great, and I’ve used them both live and in the studio for about 15 years now.
I used my Hamstead Soundworks and Marshall amps that I play live a little in the studio too. But mainly it’s the guitars that are consistent. I use the same ones in the studio as on stage. They sound great and feel comfortable, so it’s a no-brainer.
Musicngear: Your live rig has evolved over the years. Is your current touring setup very similar to what listeners hear on the new record, or did you use different gear in the studio?
Yes, basically the same, just with bigger, louder cabinets. In the studio, we used real amplifier heads but cabinet simulators.
Musicngear: You're known for getting a huge tone without overplaying. How much of your sound comes from your hands versus the guitars, amps and pedals you use?
It’s all in the hands, really. The guitar and amp choice is just made for comfort. They might not be the most expensive high-end pieces of equipment, but they feel comfortable for me to play so I play at my best with them. That’s why my guitars have not really changed too much in 15 years of touring!
The Fuzzrite by Mosrite pedal is absolutely savage... Mentally massive sound. The best pedal I own 100%
Musicngear: When you're choosing guitar strings, do you stick with one gauge or change it depending on the song?
I stick to the same. 10-52 Ernie Ball Light Top, Heavy Bottom. I’ve thought about the idea of going heavier halfway through tours when the hands are feeling stronger, but never got around to putting this into practice yet.
Photo credit: Sarah Kim
Musicngear: If you could only take one guitar, one amp and three pedals to a gig, what would make the cut and why?
My Fender Sunburst Tele because it’s pure comfort for me to play and just feels like home. Hamstead Artist 60 because it sounds awesome and also has reverb and tremolo (which saves space for the 3 pedal choices!).
My Clon copy (called a Köln haha by Don Poniz pedals based in Spain), which sounds awesome. I always thought Clon pedals could use a touch more Gain and that they sucked out some bottom end, and this copy has extra gain and retains bottom end, so they addressed this issue really well in my opinion.
The Fuzzrite by Mosrite pedal is absolutely savage. Mentally massive sound. The best pedal I own 100%. And a tuner…because being in tune is important!
Musicngear: What projects are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m just focused on album release stuff. Working with my PR team and record label to get this album out there and give it the most attention we can.
Also, we have some huge tours coming up, so I’m just busy prepping for all of that. I’ll be on tour for the next six months basically, so I haven’t got much time for any other projects now. I already have some ideas for the next album(s) and some other fun things.
I really want to do a live in-studio with video session of all the album songs. Ideally with all the guys who wrote and played on the Post-Midnight Behaviour studio album. I’ll figure that out as soon as we finish the tour. By then, the songs will have been drilled 100 times.
Connect with Ben Poole
Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | Spotify
Ben Poole’s new album, Post-Midnight Behaviour, is released by Gypsy Soul Records on 25 September. He tours the UK from 10 October to 21 November. The album and tickets are available from www.benpooleband.com
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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