Geared Up: The Coronas Discuss Their Favourite Brands and Current Set-Up

Not many groups can claim to have supported Bruce Springsteen in Hyde Park, played for former US President Joe Biden in Co. Mayo, have built a burgeoning global fanbase, and completed sold-out tours in North America and Australia. However, every single one of those things can be ticked off the bucket list for Dublin indie-rock band The Coronas.

Their latest chart-topping album, Thoughts and Observations, achieved the rare feat of four consecutive number 1s following its September 27th release having entered the Irish charts at number 1, ending Sabrina Carpenter’s 5-week run at the top of the pops.

The Irish band returns to UK stages in 2025, so, in the meantime, we grabbed bassist Graham Knox for an edition of Geared Up.

First things first: what’s your current setup?

Graham Knox: “It’s a pretty basic setup! I have 3 basses, all Fender. A reissue of the 57 Precision, a Jazz and a Mustang. On the bigger shows I have my 8×10 Ampeg with a classic head but we’ve been trying to cut back over the last few years, so I now go straight into a Rupert Neve RNDI with a tuner, a Bigg Muff and a Sansamp Bass Driver in the chain also…”

Do you have a special way that you recreate your album (guitar/vocal/bass) tones in a live setting, or is it more just plug-and play?

“It’s definitely more of a plug-in and play and trust the producers/engineers you are working with to get the richest sound possible. I find it helps not being too loyal to a specific set up and sound which gives you space to experiment and give each song its own tone which suits it best!”

The Coronas by Wolff

How does the piece of gear hold up with regular touring and gigging?

“I’ve had most of my gear long term now and have been lucky enough that I’ve never had any major issues. I invested in good quality early on and its paid off me.”

What was your first-ever instrument?

“My first bass was a turquoise Fender Jazz that was robbed out of the back of Danny’s car when we were just teenagers! Never turned up either…”

What piece of gear gave the longest service? Are you still using it?

“Shortly after my first bass got robbed, I invested in another Jazz, which I still have to this day almost 20 years later! I use it as my main backup on tour but tend to always go back to it as my number 1 when we are in the studio…”

What brand do you usually lean towards when looking up new options?

“I’ve been fairly loyal to Fenders and Ampegs all these years and don’t think I’ll be moving on anytime soon.”

The Coronas ‘Thoughts and Observations’ Album Artwork

Which company do you think has provided the most support to you as a musician? Any sponsors who deserve a shout-out?

“My dad has a small independent music store in the Dublin suburbs called Metro Music so I’ve always ordered everything through him. The wholesale prices helped a lot.”

Destroying instruments on stage: yay or nay?

“Nay but our guitarist Lar Kaye may have something else to say on the matter.”

The Coronas by Wolff

What piece of equipment cost you the most during a show or tour?

“For our last tour we invested in an Allen and Heath DLive desk which cost a pretty penny. We have basically recouped the money back already though as it saves us on renting desks and saves a lot of time in soundchecks as we just plug it in and we are basically good to go which is great as travelling between cities on show days any time saved is a big help.”

Have you ever had any of your gear stolen or go missing? Did you ever get it back?

“My first bass got robbed out of Danny’s car when we were just teenagers and I never got it back and I’ve also recently seemed to have misplaced and Ampeg 4×10 and I really don’t understand how that can happen.”