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 Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I got my first guitar probably at about age 6. But I really didn’t start playing until I was 10.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
My influences are very wide spread. If I was to name the top ten I would say these
1 Randy Rhoads
2 Criss Oliva
3 Michael Schenker
4 Rik Emmett
5 Tony Iommi
6 Downing / Tipton
7 Smith / Murray
8 Jimi Hendrix
9 Stevie Ray Vaughn
10 Ace Frehley
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I’m not really sure of the exact number! More than 50 but less than 100 😎
My favorites are many of my Gibsons and my Jackson Rhoads guitars. But I have many Dean Zelinsky made that are awesome! I have so many favorite models. I love the Strats I own too. I have a Luke guitar that is a lot of fun to play as well.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
Good question! Perfect? Any good guitar with a Duncan JB pickup and a Marshall 900 !
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
Well since I love a Modeler with tubes in it I believe that answers that question! I like having the classic natural elements in the unit’s I play! I even like to add 9v pedals to digital u it’s just to give it more of the older tones from the source not a sample or a program.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I’ve been using my Digitech 1101 unit for live and the studio for over a decade! I love the pre amp settings and the speaker simulators! My hearing is challenged and I know exactly what these sound like without having to wonder. Meaning on data when my ears are weak I trust that it will sound good to others!
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
My black Gibson v…it doesn’t need a stand! 😎🖤
