Don Caballero Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Don Caballero band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Don Caballero is an instrumental band from Pittsburgh, known for pioneering the math rock genre with their intricate and dynamic compositions. Formed in 1991, the group originally consisted of Damon Che (drums), Ian Williams (guitar), Mike Banfield (guitar), and Pat Morris (bass). Over the years, Don Caballero has been celebrated for their complex, dissonant guitar interplay and the virtuosic drumming of Damon Che, which has been a driving force behind their tightly structured yet chaotic soundscapes. The band has been instrumental in expanding the boundaries of post-hardcore, indie rock, and noise rock, drawing inspiration from genre innovators like Slint and Bastro.
How to Sound Like Don Caballero
Don Caballero's music is characterized by its aggressive yet precise sonic architecture, marked by intricate rhythms and dynamic shifts. The band's sound is both complex and controlled, with Damon Che's explosive drumming creating a foundation of polyrhythmic energy. Guitars are often layered to produce dense, angular textures, achieved through the use of effects like the Akai E1 Headrush Delay/Looper, which contributes to their rhythmic complexity. The use of the Gibson SG Standard provides a rich, full-bodied tone that cuts through the percussive intricacies, while the Pearl Export EXX728DB/C Drum Set delivers a thunderous yet precise backbone. The result is a sound that is both mathematically intricate and viscerally powerful, appealing to musicians who appreciate technical prowess and energetic expression.
Discography
For Respect
1993
Don Caballero 2
1995
What Burns Never Returns
1998
Singles Breaking Up
1999
American Don
2000
World Class Listening Problem
2006
Punkgasm
2008
Gang Banged With A Headache, And Live
2012
Five Pairs of Crazy Pants. Wear 'Em: Early Caballero
2014
Lookit Them Elly May Wrists Go: Live Early Caballero
2014
Get the Don Caballero Sound
Want to sound like Don Caballero? 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.