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 Akio Shimizu (Anthem).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
When I became a junior high school student, I started having an interest in a lot of music. Soon after that I started admiring guitarist. I wanted to start playing guitar, but back then I belonged to the water polo club and I didn’t have time for other things. The first guitar I got was a shaped one that looked like Aria Pro II Explorer, which my parents gave me as a present to enter high school. That wasn’t the exact guitar I wanted, but still I was really glad. Then I completely got obsessed with guitar, and water polo wasn’t a choice any more, haha. Whenever I was awake, I was playing guitar. I did some part-time jobs to get Gibson and Fender guitars.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
When I started going to junior high school, I heard ‘Don’t Cry’ by Asia on radio, and I ran to the record shop to get their 2nd album “Alpha” straightaway. That was the first album I bought. Then I started listening go varied music mainly on radio. Then I came across the Beatles, who have been influencing on my songwriting. Their chord progressions, recording technique etc. are huge inspirations on me. The first guitar solo I copied was ‘Let It Be’. Well, most of my influences is from the 80s guitarists though. There are too many to mention, but to name a few, Michael Schenker and Gary Moore. I listened to “One Night at Budokan” by Michael Schenker a lot and copied his playing. The nuance of his unique tone and picking is outstanding, and his catchy solos, which plays a big part in the songs, are something very close to my ideal. I used to play guitar to “Still Got the Blues”. Right before I joined Anthem in 1991, he attracted me to the bluesy guitar playing. His bend-ups, choking, and use of whammy-bar. Everything touched my soul.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
Around 20. The favorite at the moment is Schecter’s signature model of mine, which I mainly use. The color is fireglow. I meticulously control the overtones by changing picking, and the response from this model is really good. Also this has glossy sound in the higher register.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
As for guitar, the first impression is very important. And then the more you play, the better it fits you. Once my sense is started to naturally transmit to the guitar, it is the perfect one for me. As for amp, I’m still struggling with the gain control and sound with the effect pedals and the setting of guitar even today. But I believe these struggles can be a key to an originality, so no matter how it is done, a good amp for me is the one that gives sounds I want. I like very loud amps which distort a bit less than full.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I myself often use modelers / plug-ins when I record at home. Modelers are great from the cost / performance perspective. But I’m not sure about live concerts. I don’t think the loud guitar sound that attacks you from behind cannot be recreated by modelers through the PA system. And if you use cabinets, the advantage to use modelers will be lost. To me, both modelers and tube amps are good for recording. I prefer tube amps live. But I know I have to be flexible when I go on tours.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
All the guitar parts for the new album were recorded at my house. I have a lot of experiences of home recordings, so I am satisfied with how it came out. The best thing about home recording is that you don’t have to care about the budget. The guitar I used was Schecter’s signature model. The pick-up is EMG85. Jens Bogren re-amped it. I was using an amp simulater named Bogren Digital AmpKnob RevC for monitoring. This plug-in gives you the best sound only by adjusting gain. Definitely the best plug-in for metal.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
My main guitar, Schecter’s signature one as I am used to playing it most. The point is its pick-up, EMG85. People say EMG cannot make any other sound than EMG, but I disagree. This can generate classical hard rock sound without sounding too old. This pick-up is the perfect match for heavy metal. This can be used for a lot of different sounds.
