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 BabySaster.
What can you tell us about the new Album? What inspires you and how go the production?
The new album 「Requiem, K626」 is a tribute to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The idea was born during a trip to Venice some time ago, when I stayed in the apartment where Mozart lived on his trip to Italy in 1771. Being there deeply inspired me to create a kind of homage to the great Austrian composer.
My concept was very ambitious, the great Mozart requiem mass with solo singers, choir and orchestra, with the addition of electric guitar, bass and drums to make it in metal version. Almost two years have passed from the start of the pre-production work to completion of the final product.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I have used my Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR for the lead tracks and my Hellraiser C-7 tuned in drop-A for rhythm parts, all with Dunlop 010-046 and 010-060 Strings. A Fender Stratocaster was used for other secondary tracks, to better differentiate the sound between the two lead parts. All guitars were processed through Positive Grid BIAS Amp 2 and BIAS FX 2 software.
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing the guitar about 20 years ago, when I was a little child.
My first instrument was some cheap Strat style guitar, with it I started learning the basics, it was a very enjoyable period of time and also very important for the formation of my musical style.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
My favorite guitarists are so many, starting with Yngwie Malmsteen, for the innovation he brought to the world of the guitar and therefore for his historical relevance. My absolute favorite guitarist is Marty Friedman, the work his hands are doing on the guitar is absolutely inimitable! Other favorites of mine are 麗 [uruha] from the GazettE and 大和 [Yamato] from DOPEDOWN, and others like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Allan Holdsworth, Greg Howe, George Lynch, Eric Johnson…Other musicians who have influenced me a lot are not guitarists, and sometimes not even rock musicians, such as classical performers and conductors. For example, I think of Masaaki Suzuki, Claudio Abbado, Trevor Pinnock. Their work has reached such high points of artistic interpretation of the classical repertoire that it is difficult to imagine the musical sensitivity they have developed.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I absolutely love Schecter guitars for their playability and look, the fingerboard and body shape feel so good. I have a Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR, and an Hellraiser C-7, both in white color. For recordings, I also use some old Fender Stratocasters and a Telecaster, which is one of my favorite guitar for its minimalism and simple construction. When I’m looking for inspiration, I always take the Telecaster for a quick jam, and its simplicity puts me in touch with the music I play most intimately.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
There isn’t a perfect all-rounder amp, but today there are great choices based on the job they need to do. For training and recording in the home studio, physical modeling software is very convenient. To play live I prefer the sound of tubes, with some analog pedals. To practice silently at home I even use a BOSS WAZA-AIR headphones. In short, I think that today there are so many choices that there is no excuse for not always doing the best!
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
As I said before, I think that both find their space, neither excludes the other in any way. The two technologies have different strengths, so one does not exclude the other. I think it is much more important to choose an instrument that gives a good feeling to allow you to express yourself at your best.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
It is a very difficult question, but if I think about it I say it would certainly be my classical guitar, played with my fingers without anything else.
