This article series is about the tools of popular guitarists. What are their favorite guitars and how is it related to them? This time with MAN WITH A MISSION (Jean-Ken Johnny/ guitar and Kamikaze Boy/ bass)
Who am I interviewing?
This is Jean-Ken Johnny, the guitar vocal, and composer/writer of MAN WITH A MISSION
When did you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
Long time ago I’d say in my late teens if I was a human kid. The first guitar I actually touched and tried to play was an acoustic guitar, but the first one I actually had for my own was a Fender Stratocaster I found in a dump yard.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
All that was going on in the 90’s but if I would choose maybe Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, radiohead, Rage Against The Machine. J-Mascis (Dinosaur Jr) Billy Corgan(Smashing Pumpkins)
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
Including endorsed items, 13? I guess. 5 stay at my home. My favorite would be the Fender guitars. Jazz Master, Jaguar.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
If it amplifies not only the sound but your emotion and spirit, It’s a good one.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
To tell you the truth I’m not really a gear kind of guy so the bottom line is I don’t really care but that’s of course considering the development of modeler sounds now a these days. I do really love the rich and alive sound of tubed amps but it really depends on what kind of music or maybe what you want to put out and express. It’s definitely good to know the difference. But not only about amps but guitars and all the other stuff you use, the truth is sometimes the best equipment might not be “the best” for you.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
Fender jazzmaster INORAN model, Dragonfly 27inch SSH, Dragonfly 666 26inch SSH, SS Stratocaster PINK, Gibson LP Custom 1969, Gibson ES335 1961. Martin D35 1969, Gibson J45 1961, STEAVENS pound cake100w, BOGNER modified Marshall1974, TWO ROCK JADE, Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, Mesa/Boogie Electro Dyne, Friedman BE100, LANEY TT50H, PEAVEY Invective120, Marshall 1971 Old 100w, MATCHLESS DC30.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
Fender Jazzmaster INORAN model. When I played it and heard the sound it just felt so right and perfect.
Please introduce yourself.
I’m Kamikaze Boy. I love rock, rock loves me, and together we live life as one.
At what age did you start playing bass? Do you remember your first bass?
I was already playing bass as far back as I can remember. The first song I played was „NO. NEW YORK“ by BOØWY.
Which bassists have influenced or inspired you?
I was blown away by Billy Sheehan of Mr. Big. I practiced hard and tried to learn a few of his songs, but eventually realized it was a bit beyond me and decided not to pursue that path.
How many basses do you own? Do you have a favorite among them?
I currently use about 10 basses: six 4-strings, two fretless, and two 5-strings. There might be a few more tucked away in storage. My favorite is definitely the blue 4-string Warwick that I use as my main bass.
In your opinion, what’s the ultimate bass and amp combination?
I’ve always loved the thick, gritty sound of Ampeg amps. They just feel amazing to play.
Could you tell us which basses and amps you used on the latest EP?
I mainly used my Warwick, but if I remember correctly, I used a Fender Custom Shop Precision Bass on “Circles.” For amps, I believe I used Darkglass for everything.
If you could only choose one bass, which would it be?
My 4-string Warwick!!
All Pics by: ©FYD, Inc – Photo by Daisuke Sakai
