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 Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Ayreon, Star One, Supersonic Revolution, Guilt Machine, Stream of Passion, Ambeon, Vengeance, Bodine)
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
== It was in 1975, I was 15 years old. It was a terrible no-name acoustic guitar with just two strings!
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
== My favorite guitar players and influences are David Gilmour, Steve Vai, Ritchie Blackmore, Eddie van Halen and Brian May.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
== I own about 15 guitars. For solos I like the Fender Stratocaster and for rhythm parts the Ibanez RG 7 string. Acoustic I prefer the Martin.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
== My favorite amp is the Bogner Übershall. So far it beats every other amp. It’s warm with still plenty of attack.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
== I still prefer a real tube amp, speaker and microphones. But I have to say, like all technology the modelers are getting better all the time. Once they are better then the real thing, I’ll switch to them. Less noisy for recording!
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
== Aristides guitar and Bogner amp. But the biggest link in the chain are the speaker (Celestion G12 H) and the mics.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
== For now the Ibanez RG. I need that 7th string to expand my composing possibilities!
