Got to love your gear haven't you - here's my shrine to mine!

Some of it has been with me for many years. All that is listed here is used on my guitar demo. Prefer a fairly organic sound and the natural tone of guitar and amp rather than lots of effects.

For those that say they like the sound - thank you, always good to hear!

 

Here's my line up...

 

USA Fender Stratocaster Deluxe - 2001

Always got to have a Strat - used many different models over the years but this one has stuck. When Fender revamped the Strat spec to include the 2-point bridge, they resolved lots of tuning problems. This one doesn't go out of tune and it balances really well - nothing sounds like a proper Strat.

 

Westone Thunder 1A - 1983

The seventies and early eighties saw Japan, and especially the Matsumoku factory, produce some fantastic guitars. The reason I use Thunder 1A's is simple - they have nice flat saddles like a Strat. I don't like the feel of the Gibson Tune-o-Matic bridge or angled neck of a Les Paul - have never found the money for a decent one either!

This is the second identical T1A I have owned and although I know there are better options now available for shorter scale length twin-buckers, I can't let it go - that beautiful ash body! For more info on Matsumoku guitars click here.

 

Taylor 214CE - 2007

When you first hear a Taylor you go, that's the acoustic sound I like - well I did anyway! There are many manufacturers in the acoustic market that make beautiful guitars and I have tried a few but for gigging the Taylor has proven the most manageable when plugged in - loud!. For my money, this model, with the enhanced Taylor Expression System, makes for a very affordable, quality sound.

 

Boss Analogue Effects - The Original ME-5

The ME-5 was the original programmable effects unit by Boss and houses the basic analogue compression, overdrive, modulation and delay effects in 16 groups of 4 - perfect!. The ME-5 also provides a switch-able chain to include or bypass the good old Dunlop Cry-Baby Wah-Wah.

 

Boss Digital Effects - The ME-50

OK, sometimes you need a sound that analogue just won't do (or you can't afford the unit that does it!). The ME-50 provides prolonged delays, phase and pitch shifting as well as a tuner - handy!

 

Carlsbro Fatboy - All Valve 12-inch Combo

Effectively the British Vox AC-30 having the same valve configuration, although the Fatboy, equipped with the Celestion Blue speaker, is somewhat heavier! I am lucky enough to own the last one produced (according to Carlsbro!) as they are no longer made. As well as sounding great, it is a very controllable amp used at low or high volume.