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 Luis Maldonalle.
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing guitar at age 14. It was a completely normal process. You know, kid stuff. obviously, I didn’t play properly at that time. but a few months later I was fully involved and playing most of the time. In fact, I played between 8/10 hours a day. So, I started to develop a path and it changed my life forever.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your favs?
Definitely the shred movement from the 80’s had a huge impact in my life. In other hand I started listen to the heavy metal and hard rockers legends like Randy Rhoads, Page and Iommi. But Yngwie Malmsteen and the classical stuff was a real blast for me and help change, understand and shape my style. I have a great passion for music, so I listen all kind of music I can and different styles. But Yngwie, Van Halen, Allan Holdsworth, Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan are my favs. I think these guys have change the game.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I’m a huge fan of Strato. And I really feel comfortable playing this kind of guitar. Currently I own two guitars. Both Stratocaster models. A Fender customized with DiMarzio caps and vintage bridge with fender tune machines. And the Bosco Custom handmade, completely awesome. Actually, is a 70 model with large headstock but pretty modern neck. The caps are Seymour Duncan Fury Yngwie signature, and a fat 50 in the middle. I recorded the last two albums (Viking Heart and Maestro) with this axes. The most recently, maestro which was released in the last march 25 I used the bosco Custom in the entire album. And it really sounds great.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
I’ve always had a great passion for stratos and marshals. With that in mind, for me a perfect set is a vintage Strato with a wall of Marshall’s. Of course, it’s a personal view. There are a lot of options on the market today. including simulations and sound clones used in the studio. which can help the whole process and a demand for all situations and musical styles. In fact, it has never been so possible to have the exact sound used in the studio for live performances.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
Today I think is more practical be on tour with small set ups and a real good sign on the stage. Of course, it changes depending on the gig and the logistic. Nothing compares to a real wall of amps on stage. But we have to understand the situations and look forward. A lot of major bands have bet on modelers and less gear on stage. Probably, it changes all the time and depends what kind of festival and situation.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I recorded the Viking Heart album with my two Strato axes Fender and Bosco custom, and it includes the heavy parts on rhythm. And it really sounds great. I also used a STL pluggin which emulates a vintage Marshall but I used a real boost, a fender overdrive to get more bright and punch on the solos. On Maestro, the new album, I have decided to record everything on the album with my Strato handmade Bosco custom. All parts. This time I wanted a modern sound, so I decide to use a preset by Andy James on STL pluggin which emulates a EVH 5150. I think this was the right decision for the album. The guitar parts sound really great.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
I have no doubt about it. The Bosco custom made is my weapon of choice. I had brought her with me on the road and live streaming performances and it really sounds great. I really glad and excited to show the new songs with my axe on the stage from now on.
