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 Bruna Tsuruda Prado (MALVADA).
When you start guitar playing and do you remember your first guitar?
I started playing guitar when I was around 13 or 14. I actually began on an acoustic guitar, learning my first chords with my dad. After a while, we managed to trade it for a Washburn Lyon Series, which was my first electric guitar. It was a simple, entry-level instrument — the kind of guitar we usually recommend for beginners — but it played a fundamental role in my journey. Years later, I ended up selling it to my first female student, which made it even more meaningful.
What are your influences and which guitar players are your faves?
I have a lot of influences… some of them are kind of universal, like Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen. But I also really love players like Ritchie Blackmore, Randy Rhoads, Slash and Eric Clapton. From the more modern scene, I really enjoy Nita Strauss and the Brazilian legend Andreas Kisser.
How many guitars do you own and what are your favorite models?
I own around 11 guitars and I really love all of them — each one has its own story and personality. I’m a big fan of the Fender Stratocaster. I also have an SG-style guitar made by a luthier from Excelsior Guitars, which is amazing, and a very unique Telecaster that I absolutely love.
What do you think makes the perfect guitar and amp?
That’s a tough question… I think what makes an instrument perfect is playability. Someone who is just listening might not notice the difference between a custom shop guitar and a regular production model, but when you’re actually playing it, you definitely feel it. So for me, the most important thing is the response — how the instrument reacts to your touch.
How do you feel about the question of modeler or tube amp?
I used to be very skeptical about that, but I embraced the technology a few months ago and I don’t regret it at all. The logistics of using tube amps can be quite complex. Nowadays I use a IK Multimedia TONEX, and it allows me to have consistent tone in every show and even simulate a different amp for each song. It really opened a world of possibilities and convenience — and honestly, it’s the best tone I’ve ever had.
Which guitars and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
For the latest album, I used guitars from Gibson, Fender and PRS. And as a fun fact, the entire album was recorded without real amps — we used plugins for everything.
When you only can choose one guitar, which one will you take?
Definitely my signature model from the Brazilian brand Seizi. It’s visually inspired by a Telecaster, but with some important differences: a Strat-style body contour, the pickup selector on top, three Seymour Duncan humbuckers, and an ash body. It’s without a doubt the best guitar I’ve ever played.
