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 Bernard Allison.
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started when I was ten years old. My older brother got a guitar and when he left home he said to me you can have it. It was an electric one that looks like an Gibson 335. It was a cheap model. I also play along with my dad`s collection und try to figure out the notes. I am pretty much self taught, I play what I hear. I can`t read music.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
Well, I think the player I am today came a lot from my high school times. I look a lot of what my father`s doing. Then also the Vaughan Brothers, Albert King and others.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I got 50 guitars or so, maybe more. My endorser is Gibson , so I got many models of them. I got some Custom Blade Guitars from Switzerland. Some Fenders, some 12 strings acoustics. I had 4 of my dad`s guitars. But I am not a guitar nerd. I love Les Paul`s.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
For me it is all about the feel of it. I like the warm sound of Les Paul`s. Les Paul Studio, Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and DV Marks Eric Gales Amp and cabinet with 2 x 12 Speaker, Analog Man Overdrives. Wah Wah and some other pedals. I use what I like. I am not only a tube amp guy, I also uses solid state amps. I hear the difference but I am not so picky.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
In the Studio i use the same things that i use on stage.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
My Custom Blade, it is called the Milky Way. I was made for me. I love this guitar. It is my absolute number one.
https://www.bernardallison.com/guitars
Bernard with Chris at the Musiktheater Piano Dortmund on 06.02.24
