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 Cliff Stevens.
When did you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing guitar when I was 10 and my first guitar was a Kent with three pickups, I paid $15 for that guitar! I don’t think they exist anymore but I thought it was the coolest guitar at the time.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
My early influences were Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Winter. I then got into jazz with some Django and Wes Montgomery. I discovered BB, Freddie and Albert King a bit later and realised that it was them that influenced my heroes. There are so many great guitarists that when I think about it, I’ve taken a little bit from each one that I admire. I particularly like Robben Ford, Matt Schofield and Josh Smith as well for that modern blues feel.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I have about fourteen or fifteen guitars ranging from electric to acoustic, nylon and resonator. My favorite guitars change as soon I get a new one! Right now my main stage and studio guitar is a Fraser Vintage Series 54 S-type (made by Dean Fraser (UK)) that I used on my last album. I am really digging it! Quick story – I borrowed the Fraser from a good friend to record on one song and ended up using it on every track cause it just sounded so great. I think my Fender Blackie might be a bit jealous as I used that one on my last three albums! And i got an Recording King RO127 LR Baggs M1 passive pickup. (Title Pic). For slide i use a guitar by Guitar Crazy out of Hamburg, a T-type made by Alex Fink.
Pic: Carina Bergmann
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
I am a traditionalist and I do my best damage with a Strat or Tele through a fender combo amp, a Deluxe Reverb or Super Reverb, preferably point to point.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
As I mentioned, I am a traditionalist so I prefer tube amps. However there is some great new technology and for touring especially the modelling amps are very practical and sound good too. I’m thinking seriously of going the modeller route for my next Europe Tour in 2024.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
On the new album Better Days, I used the Fraser S-Type for all the rhythm and lead guitar parts, an Orville by Gibson Firebird V for slide, an Ibanez resonator, and a Martin D-28 acoustic.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
Wow, that’s not an easy question, I try to never be in that situation! I’d have to say the Fender Strat or the Fraser Vintage Series S-Type wins out just because they are such awesome guitars and you can do so much with them.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0QZu1GTSzh68Md4iVoyTog
