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 Nino Laurenne (guitar), Christopher Grünberg (guitar) & Santiago Sale (bass) from the band „Black Sun“.
Who am I interviewing?
Nino Laurenne, the guitarist and the producer/mixing engineer of the band
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I was 13 when I got my first guitar, a KUMIKA Stratocaster model.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
If you ask me who the best is for me, I’d say Steve Vai. I absolutely love his unique approach to music, especially when he goes all out with his playing—it always gives me goosebumps. Of course, there are several other guitarists who have had a huge influence on me, such as Dimebag, Yngwie, Hetfield, and Timo Tolkki, who actually gave me my one and only guitar lesson when I was 17.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I have 5 guitars: 3 ESP’s, one travel guitar and one acoustic Martin. I don’t have a favorite since I’m use all of them all the time.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
What ever fits your playing and style is all that matters.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I don’t think it makes sense to argue or compare these two things. As I mentioned before, it’s about what works best for you in that particular moment or session, whether live or in the studio. Often, I use Neural DSP plug-ins in the studio, but I prefer using real amps, especially for rhythm guitars.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
For instance, I recorded with ESP MK-II equipped with EMG pickups through a Soldano amp and Engl cabinet. Chris used his Gibson Les Paul through the same setup. I believe we also recorded some solos using an Engl amp, though I can’t recall the model.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
My ESP Horizon E-II
Who am I interviewing?
Christopher Grünberg, the guitarist and founder of Black Sun
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I was 13 when I got my first guitar, my Grandmother bought me a used modified BC Rich Warlock
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
My biggest influence is Judas Priest and Kreator. I always loved the duality between Glen and K.K and I loved the aggressive riffs from Kreator
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I have 5 guitars: Gibson LP Custom, Gibson Flying V Custom Ebony with FR, Jackson Kelly, ESP EII Dinky, BC Rich modified Warlock.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
I’ve always felt comfortable with slimmer, faster necks, but depending on what you need there’s different guitars. In the end, it’s finding an instrument that inspires you to play. Regarding amps, I find my Engl Fireball 100 has a unique distortion tone that matches well with my playing; and for me, that’s what’s all about, finding the right match to your style and expressiveness
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I’m a bit reluctant to use them, but the newer stuff is getting pretty darn good, on top of how convenient they are for gigs. I do prefer tube amps, but I could use modelers if needed.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
We used my Kelly Jackson for solos, the ESP Dinky and the Gibson LP Custom for the riffs. We used my Engl Fireball 100 and Soldano SLO for riffs and the Fireball 100 for solos, we tested and used a combination between the ENGL Vintage 30s pro cab and the Mesa Oversized slanted cab
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
It’s impossible to choose just one, but I would choose one that has FR on it.
Who am I interviewing?
Santiago Sale, Black Sun’s bass player since 2011
When you start bass playing and do you remember your first bass?
I started playing guitar when I was 15 years old but I was asked by Black Sun to join the band as a bassist and transitioned to bass when I was 21, I thinks this was the best decision ever as I always focused more on rhythm playing – I borrowed a Mexican Fender Jazz Bass
What are your influences and which bass players are your favs?
Geezer Butler, Lee Sklar, Ian Hill, Steve Harris, David Ellefson, Pino Palladino
How many basses do you own and what are your favorite models?
6 basses:
Sandberg Forty Eight
Sandberg Oli Riedel D tuner
Gibson Thunderbird
G&L Custom P Bass
Warwick Double Buck
Mexican Fender Jazz Bass modified
What do you think makes the perfect bass and amp?
Depending on the approach, for my specific tone or music style I always look for a bass that has a tight low end but can still growl with attitude. Even though nowadays it’s easier to get great tone with a very clean and tight amp mixed with some great overdrive pedal, in my case the darkglass line gets the job done. A perfect bass is impossible to find, this is why we always look for more haha! But I usually look for versatile basses with craftsmanship that you can feel when playing. A bass that inspires you to play.
Which basses and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
Mesa Boogie Eight:88
Tecamp Bad Bull 900
Mesa Boogie 8×10 cab
Sandberg Forty Eight
Sandberg Oli Riedel
G&L Custom P Bass
When you only can choose one bass, which one will you take?
P bass is always a go as the most Versatile I think
