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 Enrico Tripodi (Benthos).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing guitar at the age of 9. My first was a very small 3/4 classical guitar that belonged to my father (which I should still have somewhere). Shortly after, my uncle lent me a full-size one. My first love was classical guitar. In fact, I am still a classical guitarist and I pursue this career alongside Benthos. But then, at 12 or 13, my parents gave me a Cort Stratocaster for my birthday, marking my first step into the world of electric guitar.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
I think the first guitarist I truly learned so much from was Matthew Bellamy of Muse. His extravagance and experimentation – both in playing and sound design – have always been a great source of inspiration. I also think that what really resonated with me were his classical music influences. Then, two guitarists from very different scenes had a major impact on what I do now with Benthos. The first one is Andrew Groves (Arcane Roots): through him, I discovered a deep love for single coils, especially when combined with aggressive tones, fuzz, and octave effects. The second is John Browne (Monuments), thanks to whom I learnt a certain right-hand technique which is fundamental for metal, and who also introduced me to extended-range guitars. These are the most personal ones, I think. Some honorable mentions: James Hetfield, Rabea Massad, Erik Bikerstaffe, Robby Baca, Fredrik Thordendal, and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
Maybe too many… actually, it’s never too many! My only 7-string is a PRS SVN SE, which I’ve modified a bit – mainly aesthetic changes and a pickup swap to Seymour Duncans. Then I own some 6-strings. My go-to is a heavily modified Fender Mexican Stratocaster from around 2014/15, where I replaced the bridge, pickups, and wireing (even added a killswitch). Other notable ones include a couple of Cort TC Classics (recend additions), a Balaguer Espada, an old Chapman ML3 Modern, and some budget guitars as backups. I would say that I am generally drawn to guitars with a vintage look and feel. My Strat and Benthos other guitarist Gabri’s Tele are definitely my favourites.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
I don’t want to sound naive, but to me, the perfect guitar or amp is the one that feels inspiring and natural to play. I don’t make it a matter of specs – styles, pickups, heads or cabinets – but a matter of feeling. For example, I started playing electric guitar on a very old Marshall solid-state amp, and honestly, to this day, I still love that sound. So anything that reminds me of that Marshall sound, I consider home. Whether it’s through a massive PA, cheap headphones, or a Mesa 4×12, the right gear is the one that allows you to perform naturally and with sincerity.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I grew up in an era where modelers were already a standard in the industry. Since I lived in an apartment, I never had the luxury of practicing every day with a real valve amplifier. As a result, I am more accustomed to playing without a cabinet and with in-ear monitors or studio monitors instead. That said, philosophically, I recognize that modelers are emulating something real rather than being the real thing. Still, when you’re touring and constantly moving gear, modelers are by far the most practical choice – especially if you’re not backed by a massive production budget.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
For guitars, we used my Strat, Gabri’s Tele and Strat, my Balaguer, and my PRS. For amps, we primarily used the Line6 Helix, with a mix of amp blocks: JCM800 mostly, Vox AC30, Friedman HBE, Fender Twin, Orange, and others. One of the most crucial elements for me, however, was the choice of IRs. I crafted my own by blending some IRs from MLSoundLab, mainly of a Marshall 4×12 with V30s. Pedals also played a huge role in shaping the sound; maybe the most important aspect of our production phase. I have quite the collection! Our favourites were the Whammy, and various fuzzes and overdrives, which we used to color the main sound of the amp we decided to use. We also used a lot of pedals by Earthquaker Devices, Boss, and Mxr… The classics.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
The hardest question of all. Right now, I’d probably choose my Stratocaster, but for the kind of music we play, it’s not an easy decision.
