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 Anne François.
When did you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing as a teenager. Each time I saw a guitar, I put my fingers on it. But one night, I saw a Prince video. The feeling he expressed with the instrument in concert was fantastic. It hit me like a bomb. I immediately decided to really play. My father had just bought a black and white Fender Stratocaster US for himself. He said: „Take my guitar if you want. You know, it’s not bad for a first one…“ And it sure was better than the fake I made with cardboard and wood when I was 7.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
My earliest influences were Prince, as I said, and Jimi Hendrix. The first songs I played and sang live were „Purple Haze“ and „Fire“. I have always admired Steve Lukather. I could name so many talented musicians: Steve Stevens, Eddie Van Halen and his tapping, the bluesman BB King for the right note at the right time, Nile Rodgers for the incisive rhythm, Keith Richards for the riff. For me – when they are great – the more influential guitarists we have, the better it is.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I have three guitars. My favorite and official is my Dupont (from Maurice Dupont, one of the best French guitar makers). I like to be seen with this red instrument that allows me to play everything I need. And for the acoustic, I love my Martin.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
Sliding my fingers on the fretboard must be a pleasure. Everyone can guess it. I must feel a good attack from the pickups but surrounded by warmth like a jewel in a box. It’s the same for amps. And so many factors come into play, like sound settings. Finally, the electric guitar is still a recent instrument. I love to test gadgets like ebow, to experiment with pedals or to try different bottlenecks. And, simply, fingers have an impact on the result. First of all, musicians play with their mind.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I like both for different reasons. Modelers are very useful and convenient, especially for traveling and to play everywhere by connecting it directly to a mixer. But I prefer a microphone in front of the amp. I love tube amps but that’s not what I’m looking for first. I’d rather have a transistor amp from a brand I like than a tube amp with characteristic sounds that wouldn’t correspond to my music style.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new albums or for recordings?
I used my Dupont for „Slave 4 Me“, my Martin for a few measures, a simple Marshall 100W amp and my Boss pedals.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
I will take my red Dupont, even on a desert island.
