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 Captain Destiny Grieflord (Pirate Queen).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started when I was 8 years old. My first guitar was a Raimundo classical guitar that I still have to this day.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
I think that everything that I listen to influences me in a way. My biggest influences that got me into metal and electric guitar would be Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Children of Bodom, Yngwie Malmsteen or Rhapsody, but lately I’ve had many different favorite players that somehow made an impact, like Jordan.wav, Bernth, Brandon d’Eon or classical guitar players such as Andrés Segovia.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I have 8 at the moment. Two classical guitars, one of them the Raimundo I previously mentioned and the other one is from a luthier, I got it for the Conservatory as I’m studying the career of classical guitar. Then I have a Takamine acoustic guitar, a Fender acoustic bass, an axe-guitar that I got as a gift from the brand, and then my favorite babies, all my axes: Keragoth which is the electric bass, Salgaroth (the red-ish one) and my baby Degaloth. The three of them were custom made by a luthier from a place close to my hometown. But if I had to chose a series guitar I would say the ESP FRX E-II is indeed one of my favorites.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
A good player. It doesn’t matter how much you spend on equipment, if you are a good player you can make a broom sing, and if you spend a lot but don’t know how to use it, that makes you a collector instead. But if we’re talking about my personal preferences, I really wouldn’t change my Degaloth. I also use a Headrush Gigboard as my amp modeler and so far, except for the lack of pitch shifter, I don’t have any complaints!
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I’ve always used modelers. To be completely fair, I’m not a super equipment pedal nerd, although I think I should get to it more sooner than later. But I think a lot of modelers are really good and they’re way more practical for gigs and travelling. I guess there’s a big fuss around this topic but to be honest I don’t think there’s a massive difference, or at least I am not one of those with the best ears to be able to notice.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I recorded my tracks with Degaloth (the silver axe), and a Headrush Gigboard.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
That has to be my Degaloth. It sounds great, I love its feel, and she’s been my companion for so many years. I kinda feel bad for chosing, but I truly love that axe.
