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 Marcus Trummer.
When did you start playing guitar and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing guitar at the age of 13 when I began messing around with my Dad’s hollow body electric guitar. Early on I really enjoyed experimenting with different sounds and that’s where my passion for improvisation started. The hollow body was cool, but I was always drawn to the look of Les Paul’s and eventually I saved up and bought my own Epiphone Les Paul special.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
I’ve been inspired most by the American electric blues guitarists, especially of the late 60s and early 70s. The “three kings” are definitely my favourites, Albert, B.B. and Freddie King. I find they’re playing in particular to be incredibly soulful and expressive. Most of all, I love their incredible guitar tones.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I’ve kept most of the guitars I’ve bought over the years as I’ve upgraded, so I have maybe 10 or so at my house. I really only use two or three regularly. My Les Paul is my favorite, it’s a 1960 reissue from the Gibson custom shop. I also have a custom shop Gibson Advanced Jumbo reissue that is a great acoustic guitar.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
I look for simplicity and versatility. I like a guitar and amp that sounds great as is, with no real need for effects pedals, or even much messing around with EQ. I’m drawn most to what makes me feel comfortable when playing my music, so the perfect guitar and amp might differ if I played different genres. For what I do, a Gibson guitar straight into a cranked Fender amp works great.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I’ve always used tube amps. I think as a blues based guitarist there is nothing like a real old school tube amp. It’s not even necessarily the sound, but it’s the way they feel when you’re standing in front of them. That organic response between the guitar, the tubes and the speaker can be magic and I don’t think it can be replaced, especially in a live setting.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I recorded with a few different guitars, I used a ES-335 for a lot of the rhythm guitar, as well as a Les Paul and Telecaster for most of the leads. I also used a Stratocaster on one of the songs. For amps, I was mostly using a Fender Super Reverb for rhythm parts, and a Fender Tremolux for leads. I also used a Hiwatt on the last song of the album to get a heavier rock tone.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
The Les Paul was has always been my #1. I think it pretty much works for everything I do, and I like that you can play everything from jazz to rock with it. Not to mention they look so good.
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