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 Michael Abdow (Fates Warning).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing guitar in 1997 and my first guitar was a ’97 Fender Stratocaster. It’s worth noting that it’s a „Made In Mexico“ model which makes it endearing as a no-frills, entry level genuine Fender Strat. It’s a guitar I grew up with, continue to record and gig with, and one that I’ll pass down. I have since upgraded the pickups and tuning machines.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
All of the greats. To answer this question, I’ll cite my bucket list of players that I’ve either seen, am aiming to see, of wish I could have seen: Andy Timmons, Buckethead, John Petrucci, Al DiMeola, Julian Lage, George Benson, Howard Roberts, Pat Metheny, Steve Vai, Derek Trucks, Guthrie Govan, Tony MacAlpine, Jeff Beck. There are so many more that I love and that are influences, but these are on my mind now. As a guitarist, I don’t pursue influences; these players make me feel something. I take that feeling and try to emote that in my own playing. It’s much more of an emotional influence than an academic one.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I own about 10 guitars now. It’s the most I’ve ever owned. I tend to acquire guitars based on my needs and they fall into two categories: „7-string guitars“ and „everything else“. My Rick Hanes signature MA7 guitar (2012) is truly special because the whole design and experience with the company was nostalgic and highlighting. Some of the best tones I recorded and performed were from that guitar. Before and subsequently after that guitar, I have been playing my 2009 Koa Carvin DC727 for virtually everything; mainly because of its full tone and versatility. Both guitars have been around the world with me. I’ve slept in everything from sub-zero temps to a cozy bus bunk with the Carvin. Everything else is Fender. I use Stratocasters, a Telecaster, and a Jazz Bass. My other favorite is an Eastman El Rey 1 which is a jazz guitar but actually is the acoustic sound I’ve always used on record. That guitar is unreal acoustically.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
It’s very simple. Whatever the player is drawn to enough to mold him/herself to is the perfect guitar and amp. I’m of the mindset that perfection is not created but by our human nature is an adaptation through our touch, interaction and psyche.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I have no idea. I’ve never played a modeler that inspired me but I’ve heard plenty of players sound incredible using them. I’ve personally always loved my tube and analog solid state amps.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
My ’09 Carvin DC727 is the main sound of all my recordings. I’ll sprinkle in my Telecaster, Stratocaster and Eastman El Rey. On my latest solo record Heart Signal I used an Engl Steve Morse amp. Everything on record since then has been an Orange Crush Pro 120 along with Jetter and Fulltone overdrive/distortion pedals. My upcoming fifth solo album has a lot more low gain Tele and Strat voices in the music. When playing live, I am using Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifiers (Fates Warning/Ray Alder), Jetter Pedals with Orange Crush Pro (solo band) and a Peavey 5150 II (Aquanett). The amp choice is always based on what fits best in the given band.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
This might seem weird considering my mention of the Carvin DC727, but I have two mid 90s MIM Stratocasters that sound just perfect plugged in and acoustically; probably in part because they are old. They aren’t the most effortless guitars to play but if I’m camping with my family, one of those is always with me. They are just inspiring to play. I’m not strumming by the campfire either; just existing in nature and connecting with the instrument.
the first two pictures were were taken by Brian Evans and Mark Cubbedge respectively
