38 Special Members, Gear & Sound
American rock band
Members
Select a 38 Special band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
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About
38 Special is a Southern rock band hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, known for blending elements of rock, pop rock, and country rock. Formed in 1974, the group was led by Donnie Van Zant (vocals), brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant, alongside Jeff Carlisi (guitar), Don Barnes (guitar, vocals), Ken Lyons (bass), and dual drummers Jack Grondin and Steve Brookins. Over the years, the band evolved from its Southern rock roots to a more polished, arena-ready rock sound, producing hits like "Caught Up in You" and "Hold On Loosely." Despite lineup changes and shifts in the musical landscape, 38 Special remains a staple of the classic rock genre.
How to Sound Like 38 Special
The sound of 38 Special is characterized by its dynamic blend of melodic guitar riffs and driving rock rhythms, with a seamless integration of Southern rock's gritty edge and the catchy hooks of pop rock. Their music often features thick, harmonious guitar tones, achieved through the use of instruments like the Gibson Les Paul Junior Double-Cutaway played by Don Barnes, which provides a raw yet resonant sound. The band's compositions are marked by a balanced interplay between rhythm and lead guitars, supported by robust, energetic drumming. To achieve a sound reminiscent of 38 Special, guitarists might explore using vintage tube amplifiers for their warm, overdriven tones, combined with crisp, articulate effects to enhance the clarity and punch of their melodic lines.
Discography
38 Special
1977
Special Delivery
1978
Rockin' Into The Night
1979
Wild-Eyed Southern Boys
1980
Special Forces
1982
Tour De Force
1984
Strength In Numbers
1986
Rock & Roll Strategy
1988
Bone Against Steel
1991
Resolution
1997
Authorized Bootleg - Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York 1/29/85
2010
Live From Texas
2011
10 Live!
2014
A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night
2016
Live At Rockpalast 1981
2023
Milestone
2025
Get the 38 Special Sound
Want to sound like 38 Special? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
