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 Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear, Free Fall, The Ferryman, Last Tribe, Starbreaker and many more (see here).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started when I was 8 on my own with an acoustic guitar. A year later I got teacher and started to learn classical guitar. Another year and it was all about the electric guitar and metal. I got a Western and started my first band.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
I have influences many different genres like folkmusic, classical and jazz but my heart is closest to metal. I always been a huge fan of Steve Morse and Steve Vai. But recently I discovered Ben Travers. What a awesome guitarist with tons of atitude in his playing.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I’m not a collector but got around 10 guitars. A period I mostly played on Music man but now it’s mostly ESP Eclipse. or Ltd Deluxe. I just got a couple with Everttune and it’s a dream come true..And I hardly ever tune my guitars anymore.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
When you can get a lot of oomph and chug and get that modern version of the Balls to the wall sound.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I’m spending a lot of time with plugins and modelers and I love it. Actually easier to reach my goal than with a tube amp. I don’t care how the tone is made if its great.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
ESP Eclipse guitars and plugs from Mixwav.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
I’m really happy with the ESPs and thats what fits me best. Specially for the Primal Fear sound.
