Eric Ambel on His Favorite NYC Rehearsal Spaces and Why Musicians Break Guitar Strings

Tell us about your tour vehicle.

I recently downsized from my 3rd Suburban to a sweet Ford Flex. I don’t use it for touring though. These days I’m mostly riding around in the 2nd seat of Sarah Borges’ Ford Econoline named “Vanna White” for the gigs we do together. Vanna’s got 197,000 miles on her and she’s in very good shape.

How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?

Sarah Borges is really good at finding the band a nice non-chain local place to have either breakfast or lunch every day. We’ve had some great, memorable meals. One really good meal earlier in the day is really helpful on tour.

How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?

I stopped breaking strings at about age 45. I rarely break them anymore. I change strings every 3rd gig. I actually like the ritual of changing strings. Most people break strings because they either can’t hear themselves or don’t know how to listen for their own instrument on stage. Through Dan Baird and Steve Earle I had a D’Addario endorsement for a really long time. I don’t mind buying the strings now. I really like D’Addario brand strings. They are from Long Island and I buy them a bunch at a time from a place named, oddly enough, Just Strings.

Where do you rehearse?

I live in NYC, in Brooklyn specifically. It’s kinda rare that anyone has their own rehearsal space here. I like Rivington Music Rehearsal Studios set up on the Lower East Side. Instead of the usual signs that say “NO DRINKS” they built a cup rail all the way around their rooms like a bar. I also like Battalion in Brooklyn. Nice rooms, nice gear, nice people.

What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?

“Eric’s Move” by my band from Laramie, WY The Dirty Dogs (Wyoming’s first punk rock band). The lyric went something like “everyday I wanna go back”. Kinda funny. I hadn’t really been anywhere yet.

Describe your first gig.

Some Shriner’s hall in Berwyn, IL. Our parents had to drive us.

What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?

As close as I get to a job is that I produce records for people and I co-own a recording studio. I’d say that is my favorite job, mostly because it almost never feels like a job.

What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?

Lift with your knees, not your back.

Versatile veteran artist and world-class raconteur Ambel—known to friends, associates and bandmates as Roscoe—is the possessor of an estimable resume that underlines his credentials as a deeply committed rocker as well as a witty and thoughtful songwriter. Having first established his guitar-hero credentials as a member of Joan Jett’s original Blackhearts lineup and seminal New York rockers the Del-Lords in the early 1980s, the Illinois native spent the ensuing years building a powerful and enduring body of work. While still a member of the Del-Lords, Ambel launched Roscoe’s Gang, which began as an informal all-star side combo but soon evolved into a serious vehicle for his songwriting skills and his less-is-more rock ‘n’ roll philosophy. Meanwhile, Ambel built a prolific career as producer, overseeing albums by the likes of the Bottle Rockets, the Blood Oranges, Nils Lofgren, Freedy Johnston, Blue Mountain, the Backsliders, Go to Blazes, Tammy Faye Starlite and Mary Lee’s Corvette.

In 1996, Ambel co-founded the renowned roots-rock supergroup the Yayhoos with ex-Georgia Satellites frontman Dan Baird, Satellites/Shaver/Roscoe’s Gang bassist Keith Christopher and noted drummer/tunesmith Terry Anderson. The same year, Ambel opened the now-legendary East Village bar and music venue the Lakeside Lounge, where he often performed. In 1999, he inaugurated Cowboy Technical Services, which has since played host to the likes of Ryan Adams, Robert Randolph, Steve Wynn, Steve Earle, Marshall Crenshaw, Los Lobos, Laura Cantrell, Marah and the Silos. In 2000, Ambel began a stint as lead guitarist in Steve Earle’s touring and recording band the Dukes, appearing on such projects as Earle’s acclaimed albums Jerusalem, the Grammy Award winning The Revolution Starts Now and the documentary profile Just An American Boy.

You Asked For It: The Shut In Singles Series, Ambel’s latest release, is comprised of singles released during the pandemic. The collection includes rarities from throughout his career, including a honky-tonk version of the Rolling Stones’ “Honky-Tonk Women”. Connect with Ambel online and on the road.