Endorser Update
PHOTO : ROSS HALFIN
MATT GARSTKA
SLASH
Guns n ’ Roses guitar legend Slash says he ’ s been using IK Multimedia ’ s AmpliTube 5 software in his writing and recording process . The guitarist also teamed up with the company for AmpliTube Slash , a suite of his signature guitar effects , amps , and cabs that he uses on tour and in the studio .
“ AmpliTube has really improved . It was always great to begin with , no lie , but it ’ s gotten even better . And it ’ s effortless . Whatever it is , you can do it quickly and efficiently , and have the sound quality be excellent ,” Slash says . “ I ’ ll take an idea , record it in AmpliTube , and then download and send it over to the guys . And I do that all the time . I recommend it because of how quickly you can expedite an idea .”
Drum Workshop ( DW ) has announced the addition of celebrated “ drummer ’ s drummer ,” Matt Garstka , to its roster . Garstka has recorded and toured with Animals as Leaders for over 10 years , and he is also a passionate educator and has traveled the world putting on clinics ; his website is dedicated to providing an affordable education for advanced students .
“ I get to play the best drums in the world now , of course I ’ m stoked ! DW is the final piece of my sonic puzzle , so naturally , I can ’ t wait for everyone to hear it . I have always played organic , exotic finishes and DW is king when it comes to exotics ,” Garstka says . He is taking advantage of DW ’ s custom shop drums by ordering a drum kit featuring a mix of Collectors Series wood species and shell configurations .
BILLY LUNN
Billy Lunn , the lead singer , guitarist , songwriter , and producer of the rock band The Subways , has made Neve outboard units the centrepiece of his new studio after recognising the impact Neve equipment had on the sound of the band ’ s second album , All or Nothing . Released in 2008 , All or Nothing was produced by Butch Vig and recorded on a Neve 88R desk at Conway Studios in Los Angeles .
“ In my view it is without doubt our best-sounding album ,” he says . “ I ’ ve never got over just how huge and rich everything sounded running through that console . I also distinctly remember Butch telling me that the microphone and preamp combination used for my vocals was exactly the same as Kurt Cobain ’ s during Nirvana ’ s Nevermind sessions .”
Gibson has announced an official brand partnership with Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett . The new partnership will span across Gibson Brands including Gibson and Epiphone guitars .
“ It ’ s a really great and exciting time for me to be joining forces with Gibson ,” says Hammett . “ I look forward to achieving great things together in the future .”
“ It ’ s an honour to welcome the icon , the ripper , Kirk Hammett back to the Gibson family ,” says Cesar Gueikian , brand president at Gibson Brands . “ Kirk has been carrying the flag for hard rock and heavy metal for decades , and his Gibson guitars have been there with him from the very beginning . From his first Gibson – his 1979 Flying V – to ‘ Greeny ,’ and everything in between , Gibson guitars have been an integral part of Kirk ’ s sound . All of us at Gibson are looking forward to this collaboration and are grateful that Kirk has trusted us to begin a new partnership .”
KIRK HAMMETT
46 CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE