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 Jonas Jonsson (Wolverine).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing guitar when I was 15 and my first guitar was a very cheap one, I think it was called Samurai. I had it for a year or two before I bought an Ibanez.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
It started with bands like Maiden & Queensryche with Adrian Smith & Chris DeGarmo and then on to guitarists like Gary Moore. I’ve had different favorites over the years but I think you tend to go back to the ones that initially inspired you when you first started playing and those become your “real” favorites.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I only own 5 guitars which is probably pretty unique for a guitarist 🙂
ESP Eclipse, which is also my favorite, MusicMan JP6, Ibanez RGD7 and an Epiphone acoustic. I also have a Steinberger, I think the model is GM4S from the late 80s, but it is currently in need of some repairs.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
High quality, playability and preferably flexibility in different sounds.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I like both options but the flexibility and simplicity, both live and recording, makes me choose to use my Fractal FM3 at the moment. I think Fractal and Neural DSP sound very good.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
I used the Fractal Fm3 and all three guitars but the Eclipse is the guitar that was used for 75% of all the tracks. For the acoustic tracks I used a Gibson Hummingbird that I borrowed from a friend.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
If I had to choose between my own guitars, it would be a difficult choice between the Eclipse and the Music Man, but I think I would choose my Eclipse.
