“ Prodigal ” has a very unique arpeggiated guitar part that I ’ ve relied on the H9 for .
[ WM ] Then just recently you did what a lot of touring guitarists and worship guitar players have done … you switched to an IR based system . What did you choose and why ?
[ Daniel ] This summer I switched over to the Fractal FM3 / FC6 rig . We had a decent amount of fly dates coming up and I wanted something that was more consistent with the sound I had with the big rig . Being an amp guy , I was hesitant on completely switching to the Fractal . When I got it , I was blown away by the sound and feel . It was inspiring and fun to play … which was a surprise to me . I decided to make it my main rig for touring and flying .
I chose the Fractal cause a lot of my favorite guitar players are using it for their effects . Which makes a lot sense now , the effects are incredible in it ! I still have an amp on stage to run a 2x12 cab to get some feedback and to just have some fun . FOH gets a direct stereo line from the Fractal .
I still love amps and use them in my studio at home , although for playing live I don ’ t see myself stepping away from the Fractal anytime soon .
[ WM ] As for guitars , you were a staunch Music Man electric guitar player since youth . Tell us about that ?
[ Daniel ] It all started with a live VHS tape of Van Halen my Dad played for me when I was young . Eddie was playing Music Man guitars on stage . One day at our favorite music store ( Bananas At Large ) they had a Music Man Axis on consignment . I instantly recognized it from the Van Halen tape and I had to play it . My Dad , Vernon , and store owner Alan Rosen saw the connection I had with the guitar . I can still hear Vernon saying to Alan and my Dad , “ That guitar belongs to him !”. Alan kept it in his office until I saved up enough money to buy . Later on , I would have Les Pauls , Strats and Teles … but
I always came back to the Music Man guitar as my main instrument . Blessed to have a great relationship with Ernie Ball and to now have a few more to take on tour .
[ WM ] Now your head has been turned around by another guitar … James Tyler . How did you come across this iconic high-end brand and what model are you playing on tour ?
[ Daniel ] Yes ! Sidewalk Prophets Manager Ben McDonald has been a long-time friend with
Rich Renken , the General Manger for James Tyler Guitars . Ben had made the connection for me . Rich came to me and said they would love to build me a custom guitar . We based it off of the Studio Elite model . It ’ s very a versatile and extremely comfortable guitar to play . Still can ’ t stop playing it , even at home ! I ’ m very excited to have a custom guitar built for me . It ’ s something I ’ ve dreamed of since I was kid . It has now taken over as my main guitar on tour and at church .