This article series is about the tools of popular guitarists or bassists.. What are their favorite guitars or basses and how is it related to them? This time with the band „Aktiv Dödshjelp“ (Stephan Lyngved, Bassist & Jørgen Lundstad Sparre-Enger, Guitar)
Who am I interviewing?
Stephan Lyngved, Bassist in Aktiv Dödshjelp
When you start bass playing and do you remember your first bass?
I began my musical journey playing the cello as a child, which eventually transitioned into playing the double bass. From there, it was a short step to the electric bass, as I’ve always had a fascination for hard rock. My first bass was a Gio Ibanez, adorned in a hideous marble finish. It was a cheap and compact bass with a short neck. However, I grew attached to it and still have it as my practice bass at home.
What are your influences and which bass players are your favs?
The first rock songs I learned were by Rage Against The Machine and Black Sabbath. But it was when I decided to learn the entire „Kill ‚em All“ album by Metallica that my bass playing really took off. So I guess I have to say that Tim Commerford, Cliff Burton, and Geezer Butler have been my major inspirations since I started playing. Coming from the double bass, it felt natural for me to play bass with my fingers, and I never really considered starting to play with a pick. Hence, these finger bassists. To sum up, Tim Commerford has absolutely been my most inspiring bassist of all time.
How many basses do you own and what are your favorite models?
I have four bass guitars:
Gio Ibanez
Cort SJB6FX
Epiphone Thunderbird
Gibson Thunderbird TB
The Gibson Thunderbird is my absolute favorite bass!
What do you think makes the perfect bass and amp?
I’ve never been particularly gear-focused, to be honest. However, when we’ve played concerts, I’ve used an Ampeg SVT Classic with an Ampeg 8×10 cabinet and been quite satisfied with it. Everything trough a super overdrive pedal from Boss.
Which basses and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
„Send Dudes“ was actually recorded using a Sandberg bass owned by the guitarist in the band. However, I plugged directly into the DI box with a Ampeg SVT plugin with rat distortion.
When you only can choose one bass, which one will you take?
I recently purchased the Gibson Thunderbird, which I had been wanting for a long time. So, I’m still pretty smitten with it and wouldn’t choose anything else!
Who am I interviewing?
Jørgen Lundstad Sparre-Enger
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I probably got my first guitar when I was about 9, and it was a little classical guitar. I knew maybe three chords for three years, then i got a bit more serious at the age of 11 when i achieved my Ephiphone Les Paul.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
I have a pretty broad musical taste, all the way from jazz to black metal. So i get inpsired by many genres and artist. Classic rock its a big influence on me, like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. I was trying hard to emulate Ritchie Blackmore for many years. He is one of mye favourite guitar players! British Prog-rock from the late 60’s is, and was also a huge influence. But probably the best prog-rock band is a group from Norway, called Aunt Mary! Their guitarist Bjørn Kristiansen is one of the best, and deserves more recognition! I also dig the blues rock you get from Cream and Jimi Hendrix Experince and of course, The Beatles! Enough said! In terms of guitar players, mye favourite has to be the one that i admired the longest, since i started until now, and that is Eric Clapton. He’s got the sweetest tone.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I have four electric guitars and two acoustic. My favourite of those would be my Fender Stratocaster, which is mye main axe(At the moment)
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
Well, it just needs to feel right. A pretty obvious answer, but it really is not much more to it, for me at least. The guitar needs a pretty low action and a good tone, and the amp needs to sound good on the clean channel( Im using pedals, so no need for distortion channel)
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
Im not the right guy to answer this question, haha.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I used my mexican fender telecaster when we recorded live in the studio, and did most of the overdubs with my fender strat. Did some overdubs with my Ibanez RG as well. The amp i was using in the studio was mostly a fender deluxe. But i played through the DI-box as well.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take
Hm, if i just want some down time by myself, i would probably go for my Taylor acoustic. But on stage, the fender strat!
