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 Paolo Campitelli (ScreaMachine).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing guitar at 14, my first guitar was a left-handed Epiphone Les Paul standard. I still have it today!
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
My main influences are classic heavy metal from the 80s for sure, but I also appreciate a lot Power Metal and Death Metal. I’m in love with all 80/90s guitar-heroes like Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Chris Oliva, Malmsteen and many others. I also love some more modern guitar players like Alexi Lahio (rip), Micheal Romeo and so more.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
Don’t remember exactly ahaha! Around 6/7. My favourite guitars are my ESP/Ltd Eclipse, my Jackson Randy Rhoads model and, last but not least, my custom-made guitar by Markline, based on my personal preferences and needs.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
Good question, as far as I’m concerned it’s strictly connected to the personal feeling with the instrument and the amp. There’s no universal answer for this, it is too related to the person himself/herself.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
Pretty easy to reply: I like and own both ahaha! I have several tube amps in my studio (Peavey 5150, a Mesa Dual Rectifier revG, a couple of Marshalls and Engl) and also digital modelers like my trusty Kemper Profiler, an amazing piece of gear. It really depends on the situation.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I have recorded all the rhythmic guitars of the album with my ESP/LTD Eclipse with EMG 81/85 pickups. Regarding the amps, the album has been recorded with quad-tracking DIs. The main amp is the Peavey 5150, the second one is the Marshall JVM410h. I have also used the ENGL Blackmore signature for all the harmonies (which are many!). Finally, I have used the Jackson RR for all my solos since it has the Floyd Rose. Edoardo is a huge fan and endorser of Ibanez guitars, he recorded his solos with this guitar brand.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
Difficult choice, probably the ESP/Ltd Eclipse!
