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 Stu McGill (Silent Knight).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started when I was 15, my first guitar was the typical terrible Stratocaster copy but quickly upgraded to a really cool Charvel Model 6 that my friend was selling.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
My first major influence was James Hetfield and then that branched out to Dave Mustaine, Jon Schaffer and all the guys from Maiden.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I think currently I own 7 guitars, I have sold a few in the last couple of years and am looking for some ones to replace them with. King V’s and Explorers are my favorites by far!
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
I really don’t know, it’s gotta be a really cool shaped guitar though, something pointy. It has play great and stay in tune… Amps, I am not as attached to, as long as it has great tone and won’t break my back.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I have owned a beautiful Marshall TSL100 tube head which sounded amazing but soon as those tubes blow (it could be at a show or rehearsal) you are stuck in limbo if you don’t have a backup. So, I have been using a solid-state micro head for power and a Line 6 HX Stomp for effects and that’s been a reliable option for years & is perfect for touring too. I can get the same sound no matter where I play.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I used a Les Paul custom with EMGs for most of my rhythm tracking on the new album. We had a few others laying around including an ESP Horizon and Edwards Explorer. Our lead guitarist Cam also used his new Hawkins Custom build for the solos, I believe.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
I would have to go with a classic, gloss black ESP MX-250 please!
