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 Ben Hur Auwarter (Electric Mob).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
It was around 12-year-old. I wanted to learn how to play the guitar for about 1 year but never looked for a teacher, neither a guitar. Was when I saw a younger kid playing guitar in a band during the break at school. That day I was „OK, I’m loosing time“ (laughs). I remember my first guitar was a Les Paul copy, made by a brand called „Memphis“. This guitar still exists!
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
I can easily name three guitar players that I listened a lot when learning – Richie Sambora, Slash and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Anything into that „super heavy blues/hard rock“ style makes my soul melt of joy.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
Today I own only two Les Pauls. Something about the Les Pauls just feels right to me (not the D and G tuning, though). I really like the look of the Firebird model too! Someday I’ll get one.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
I really think the perfect sound is the one you can express yourself the best. The one you can bring to life the sound you have in your head. And that’s the beauty of music. Music is art. So, at first, it’s all in your head. If you are able to use any tool to make this art real, that’s enough.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
They are all tools! If it sounds good to your ears and soul, go for it! Just use your ears and soul, not your thinking brain, because it can trick you. Always use the tools that feels right to you.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
My main Gibson Les Paul with Seymour Duncan 59′ and JB plus coil split for some songs and a kill switch. The amp was an Orange Rockerverb MK1. For the guitar solos I used a Marshall JCM 800 + an Ibanez Ts808. But the real trick was uses 3 different mics to record – an shure SM57, an AKG 414 and a Shure beta 52A.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
It would definitely be my main Gibson Les Paul! I so used to how it feels and how it sounds that I can do anything that I want with it!
