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 Tom Collier (Held Hostage).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I originally was a drummer but decided I wanted to play guitar around 18-19 years of age. My first guitar was a telestar a knock off of the telecaster because I really couldn‘t afford to buy a good guitar. Then I bought a 1974 Ibanez Les Paul which helped my playing. I am totally self taught . I do not read music. Its funny because I write most of the songs for the band.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
That is a really hard question to answer. I have many influences, but I would have to say the ones that come to mind are. Randy Rhodes, Ted Nugent, Tony Iommi, Angus Young, Ross (The Boss) Friedman to name a few.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I currently have 7 guitars, 2 Fenders. 1 Vulcan (custom made), 1 Jackson, 3 Ibanezs. My 3 favorites are, Fender Stratocaster, Vulcan Death Machine, and Jackson Flying V.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
Tom Collier; Everyone has different opinion and I think, we are all correct if it is what we think makes our sound perfect. I think the perfect sound is Fender Strat and old school 100 watt tube Marshall amp with two 4×12 Marshall cabinets.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
This a very good question. Again there are arguments for both. My preference is tube. I use a modeler amp at home when I am rehearsing by myself or writing new songs because I can have it on lower volume. Nothing (in my opinon) compares to the sound of a good old tube Marshall amp. I have two Marshall heads 1 is 100 watt and the other is custom built by the late Doc Stillwater, He took a 50 watt Marshall tube head and made it into a 450 watt monster head. I can only use that head at large outdoor festivals.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
For recording my new album Great American Rock. I used the following guitars and amps. My 1985 Fender Start that has custom bartolini pickup. My good friend/brother Ross the Boss (Manowar) setup the guitar for me. He put the bartolini pickup in my guitar and said no one will ever sound like this. He had endorsements from them. I also use my Marshall 100 watt head a long with 4×12 Marshall cabinets. I love the sound of the speakers. I did two feeds at the time. One direct from the head to make sure of the clarity and the other with the cabinet mic. I ended up using the feed form the cabinet because it had the raw power sound I was looking for.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
That is an easy question for me to answer. I would take my 1985 Strat. I bought it new in 85 and have played it as my main guitar ever since then. I love the action, the feel of it. Most of all it has a unique sound that only that start can produce.
credits pics: Scott Braun and Dave Koegel
