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 Helena Kotina (Nervosa).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing guitar when i was 13-14 years old and my first guitar was a black coloured Dean Vendetta that i still have.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
My main influences are bands like the Scorpions, Rainbow, Bon Jovi, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple. About my fave guitarists i should say Michael Schenker, Gary Moore, Randy Rhoads, Matthias Jabs, Zakk Wylde, Ritchie Blackmore.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I own 5 electric guitars and one 12string electro acoustic guitar. My favorite model is the Gibson explorer “76 reissue and the Schecter explorer E1 frs.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
I can’t say that is one specific thing like the wood, or the pick ups , or the fretboard probably is the combination of all these things. The perfect guitar for me it’s not only about the material is about to just feel right. If i pick up a guitar and it feels natural like extention of my body then there i go. About amps again it is a combo about speakers, tubes etc but it feels perfect when the amp has a few buttons, you turn it on , put everything almost in the midle and it works.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
Through the years i was using both modelers and tube amps. Modelers are great and they are getting more and more perfect but if i had the luxury to have every night two or four 4×12 cabs and 100w heads then i would go for it.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
About guitars i recorded the whole album with my Schecter explorer and about amps we used Pedrone and Blackstar amps.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
Really tough question but i would say my Gibson explorer also for sentimental reasons as it was my dream guitar when i was a child and after many years i was able to own one of those.
