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 Jasun Tipton (Zero Hour)
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
The first guitar I had (and purchased) was a Washburn Nuno Bettencourt N2 model. I remember going into K&K music in the Bay Area and that axe just felt right in my hands for whatever reason. Being a fan of Nuno didn’t hurt either.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
I always loved listening to the guitar at an early age and was drawn to the instrument. Before I even picked up a guitar I loved David Gilmour, Randy Rhoads, Ritchie Blackmore, Pat Metheny, Neal Schon, Hendrix, Page and Van Halen. The generation of Jason Becker, Marty Friedman, Paul Gilbert, John Sykes, Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore, Macalpine made me go out and buy a guitar. From there many great players like Buckethead, Shawn Lane, Michael Hedges, Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa and this list can go forever. So many players I’m inspired by.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I’m so in love with my Gibson Les Paul 1957R Goldtop. My buddy had one and I couldn’t put it down. It resonated and spoke to me as it had the sound I was looking for. I was very fortunate to have my friends Bill and Mark to gift me a 57R Les Paul in trade for one of my guitars. The guitar continues to inspire me. I now have a 59R Gibson Les Paul I love immensely and a Gibson Les Paul Standard with the custom Gary Moore Seymour Duncan pickups with bumble bee compositors. My way of modifying a standard for that Moore/Green sound.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
The Gibson 57 Goldtop sounds amazing with a Mesa Boogie old 2 channel rectifier. Turned up loud it just blow-dries your hair. It sounds amazing with a Boogie Mark V, an old Marshall plexi……. It speaks with so many amazing tube amps.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
It’s amazing what the companies are doing with the modelers today. Many guitarists like myself were waiting for something like this for years. Tube is still KING as there’s a certain sizzle you only get with tubes.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I used my Gibson Les Paul 1957R and a Fractal AX8 for the whole session of the Zero Hour – Agenda 21 release.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
My Gibson Les Paul 1957R Goldtop would be the one I take from my collection.
