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 Murray Gould.
Murray’s career began with a 5 year residency in a blues bar tucked away in London’s West End. Since then he has played with the likes of Shirley Bassey, Eric Clapton, The Sugababes, The Wanted, Gary Barlow, Anastasia, Lulu and The Saturdays. 2019 saw a European tour with Take That. After meeting UK singer Alfie Boe at Ian Paice’s’ ‘The Sunflower Jam’, performing with Brian May and Alice Cooper, the last few years have been busy, touring as Musical Director with Alfie, and Alfie Boe with Michael Ball. Murray has also been writing music for Warner Chappell publishing, producing music for radio and TV.
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing the guitar when I was 12. I had a few months of classical guitar lessons, but as I was coming in having learned rock songs and not the classical music the lessons didn’t last long. My first guitar was a no brand classical guitar with very high action. My first electric guitar was a Marlin Slammer, a white Stratocaster copy.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
I remember hearing Marc Bolan and T Rex, ZZ Top and Cream when I was very young…and of course Marty McFly in Back To The Future! Influences have been many. Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Jimi Hendrix, Peter Frampton, Hank Marvin, Dick Dale, Brian May, Richie Blackmore, Paul Kossoff, Eddie Van Halen, James Burton. There are so many great players out there, each with something to inspire…
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I probably own about 15. My favourite models are the Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster and Gibson 335/355. A Martin D28 for acoustic, also a Gibson SJ200.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
For me it’s getting the right pairing. I generally use a Vox AC30 and a 1964 Fender Tremolux as a stereo pair. The Stratocaster and Telecaster work really well with that, used with a few different overdrives.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I always like a tube amp, but I use modelers too. For that last tour I used an AC30 and and amp simulator together. I’ll use both in the studio too.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I tend to use the Stratocaster, Telecaster and Gibson 335. I have a few others for different sounds like the Burns Marvin and Barracuda, also a 1970’s Fender Tele Deluxe with drop tuning which sounds huge. I use my AC30 and Fender Tremolux for recording, but will also use a modeler, Kemper and the UA pedals. They sound great.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
If I can only use 1 guitar, most of the time it’ll be my old 1972 Stratocaster. I’ve had it since I was 14 and it’s still going strong!
