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 Christoffer Borg (Art Nation).
When did you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing when I was 15. I became obsessed and practiced many hours every day. One year later I played „The Trooper“ on a school concert and from there on I only had one goal in life – Touring the world and playing guitar!
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
My biggest influences are Andre Olbrich, Alexi Laiho, Dimebag, Randy Rhoads, Kee Marcello, Vito Bratta, Adrian Smith, Jason Becker, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen and Paul Gilbert. I learned a lot of songs with those guitarists and then I picked what I liked and formed my own style from that. I just wish there was more time to practice because there is so much to learn from all those great guitarists.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I have 10-12 something. I’ve lost count! Haha!
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
I don’t know. I’m more into the playing than the gear. If it doesn’t sound right I usually practice harder. Haha! But I do love Evertune and to put a tube screamer before the amp and I’m good to go.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I have worked several years in a professional studio (Top Floor Studios) and during that time I did a lot of testing and found out that I liked digital amps more than the real thing. Of course there is a difference, but that is more felt when you stand in front of a screaming cab. To me it’s more valuable with the ease of use with the digital amps.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
As I stated before, I am a big fan of digital amps and for our latest record I used Neural DSP Petrucci for all guitars. The guitars used were a Solar A6.1 and a LTD Eclipse. Both with Evertune. The Solar plays all rhythm and a few leads. The LTD plays most of the leads and solos. And I used my old American Strat for the crunch sounds in the song „Light the fire“.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
It will be my precious ESP Eclipse. Nothing compares to that.
