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 Costas Varras.
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing and studying electric guitar in 1996. My first guitar was a classical guitar though and it was a Yamaha brand. My first electric guitar was a Samick Flying V, I still have it..it looks like one of my Gibson’s flying V 70’s style.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
I’m influenced by many musicians. The style of my music is Neo-Classical Power Metal/Hard Rock. My main influence is Yngwie Malmsteen though. I also like Paul Gilbert,Marty Friedman,Scott Henderson,Randy Rhoads,Steve Vai,Joe Stump,Uli Jon Roth and many others!!
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I own 11 guitars. My favorite electric guitar is a Fender Stratocaster (Yngwie Malmsteen signature model of 1988) made in U.S.A.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
A great musician can define a great sound! Nowdays it almost doesn’t matter what equipment we are using to get great tone. My personal favorite choise is Fender guitars plugged into Marshall amps. But I also like Gibson, ESP, Jackson & Dean Guitars! As about amplifiers I am using mainly Marshall.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I used 2 different Fender Stratocasters and 1 ESP. I didn’t record with a microphone though.. I used Axe FX and various plugins.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
I would take a Fender Stratocaster! On this point I want to mention that I only play with scalloped necks. Thank you for the interview!!
