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 Carl Baldassarre.
When did you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
Yes, I started when I was 12 years old. My first guitar was an inexpensive acoustic guitar called a “Kay”. It cost $15.00 and I thought it was the coolest thing!
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
My earliest influences on rock guitar were Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, and Pete Townshend. For Jazz it was Pat Martino, Joe Pass & Wes Montgomery. For Classical it was Andre Segovia. For progressive rock it was Al Di Meola & Allan Holdsworth.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I own about 25 guitars (15 electric and 10 acoustics). My favorite electrics are my Les Paul #1, Strat (Ultra), Brian Moore, Silvertone, Telecaster, and SG. My favorite acoustics are my Martin D28 and my Yamaha Classical.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
It’s hard to beat a Les Paul and Strat paired with my Marshall JCM 800. I also like to use my Fender Deluxe Reverb (black panel).
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I own a few (Kemper, AxeFX and Line 6) and they have their use, but I’m partial to a tube amp sound.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
All the above!
When you can only choose one guitar, which one will you take?
If I could only use one, that would be a hard choice. Maybe the Brian Moore.
https://www.youtube.com/@CarlBaldassarreMusic
