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 Mike Flyntz (Riot, Cleanbreak)
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
My first acoustic guitar was an early 70s Harmony. The strings were high off the neck so it was difficult to play. My first electric was a Les Paul cheap copy. I loved it. My father helped me change the pick ups to Super distortion Dimarzio. I still have it.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
I have a lot of them. It started with the Beatles. John Lennon and George Harrison. Ace Frehley, Brian May, and Jimmy Page were next. I then started listening to Steve Morse, Al Di Meola, Paco de Lucia. And then the great Gary Moore and Michael Schenker. And of course, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Mark Reale became my next teacher and hero. There are plenty of others. Those are my main influences.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I love Gibson Les Paul’s the most. I have about five of them at home. I also have a few Fender Stratocasters. Since I need a few guitars with Floyd Rose systems I have a few Kramers and a few EVH guitars. For acoustic guitars I have a few Gibson, Martin and Ovation.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
I am old-school. I love Marshall and Gibson Les Paul with a tube screamer the most. I do have a few hand wired, Marshall clones. I also like old fender, Amps, and own a wonderful Two Rock and a Fuchs.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I own a Kemper profiler rack and a Kemper player. I have never used them live. I still prefer a real tube amp. Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings? I used a custom shop 2011 Gibson Les Paul and an Orville Gibson Les Paul. Also, my EVH Wolfgang.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
I am in South America right now with one guitar and it is my Orville Gibson Les Paul.
