FAQs

Q: Where can I get a copy of The Magician?

A: As far as we're aware, The Magician is now obsolete on CD format, but readily available as an MP3 download from several online retailers. Occassionally, Japanese import CDs appear on Ebay.

Q: Are any of your early demos available from the 80's onwards?

A: No, demos are just that: demonstrative recordings and not for general release. I am aware that several demos and live bootlegs of me are in circulation...

Q: Do you teach guitar?

A: No, but if you catch up with me at a gig I'm usually able to run through some techniques and licks :-)

Q: Can you give me any tips on how to develop my style?

A: Individual style eventually manifests itself, it's not something that you can pre-plan. My advice would be to learn all the guitar's essential basics before concentrating on 'shred' techniques (a common mistake amongst younger players); there's a lot more to guitar playing than just speed alone such as string control, tone, finesse, vibrato, timing, rhythm, etc. Listen to as much music as you can (not just guitar music) for inspiration, and avoid copying other guitarist's ideas note for note.

Q: Are there any transcriptions available of your music?

A: Yes, please see the 'Tablature' page at the Merchandise Store.

Q: Who were your biggest guitar influences?

A: Like most musicians, I have numerous influences. If I were to list them all I'd probably fill a whole page! My biggest guitar influence is Al Di Meola, other early guitar influences were George Harrison, Paco de Lucia, Edward Van Halen, Rudolph Schenker & Mathias Jabs.

Q: Which equipment do you use?

A: My electric guitars are 100% handmade Siggery Guitars. I use two custom models specially built for me to my specifications.

I use Rio Grande Custom Wound Pickups: 'Barbeque Bucker' in the bridge position and 'Genuine Texas Humbucker' in the neck.

I use Dean Markley strings exclusively on all my guitars:
Electric guitars - NickelSteel Electric Signature Series: .009 - .042
Acoustic (steel string) - VintageBronze Acoustic Signature Series: .011 - .052
Acoustic (nylon string) - Classical Master Series: hard tension

My nylon string guitar is made of Hawaiian Koa wood and my steel string guitar is made of Mahogany.

I use Fishman Aura Imaging technology and pickup systems with my acoustic guitars both live and in the studio.

I use AKG microphones in my studio.

I use Peavey 6505 heads with straight cabs for live work, and mostly use a Peavey Classic 30 combo in the studio. 99.9% of Entranced (2007) was recorded with the Classic 30.

I use my own 'Signature' picks made of high quality Delrin acetal plastic resin, matte finish, 1.50mm and with a pointed tip. The picks are available from the Merchandise Store.

I use Violet Moon Guitar Straps and have my own handmade all-leather 'Signature' straps.

The only effects pedals I use are a Boss DS-1 Distortion and Boss CS-3 Compressor. My live rack is quite simple and consists of a Lexicon PCM91 reverb, T.C. Electronic M-One for additional reverb, delay and chorus and a Rocktron Hush to keep my rig clean and noise free.