Simon McBride

[slinger]

You may have heard of him, but the chances are you probably won't have. I've got a couple of his solo albums and he's a fine guitarist so I thought I'd put this interview with him here (OK, so it's mostly a plug for the gear he uses) because, apart from anything else, it may introduce you to a damn good new guitarist. The guitarists here may also find him explaining how he gets the some of the sounds you hear on his recordings and live gigs, interesting.

Here's the blurb...

Following in the hallowed footsteps of Irish blues-rock legends like Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore, Simon has been making waves in the scene since winning the Young Guitarist of the Year award when he was only fifteen.

He’s since gone on to tour and record with a number of his musical heroes including Ian Gillan and Don Airey of Deep Purple fame, as well as performing as a solo artist. Check out our Artist Profile video with Simon and scroll down for more info on the gear that he relies on to create those killer sounds.

And here's the link: https://www.gear4music.com/news/article/Simon-McBride-Artist-Profile/7TX/2020-06-05

[TheMadMick]

Did you ever play one of those PRS guitars?

I fell for a PRS SE A40E. Great neck on it and it plays like a dream although I needed to take the action down by a couple of mm at the bridge.

[BillyBones]

I've seen him live a couple of times and have all his albums. As you say Slinger, he's not known by many people I would guess, but he is a stunningly good guitarist, one of my favourites actually. A must see act if you get the chance.

[slinger]

Did you ever play one of those PRS guitars?

I fell for a PRS SE A40E. Great neck on it and it plays like a dream although I needed to take the action down by a couple of mm at the bridge.

I've got a PRS Angelus SE acoustic, but not one of their electrics. I must admit I'd rather like a Bernie Marsden sig or (I actually mean AND) a McCarty 594 Soapbar.

Here's my current collection, which badly needs culling. As soon as the pandemic is "over" I need to hit eBay.

[Stemcor1990]

Slinger, I didn’t see a telecaster in your collection. It’s obvious you do not have enough guitars - it’s impossible to have too many !

[slinger]

Slinger, I didn’t see a telecaster in your collection. It’s obvious you do not have enough guitars - it’s impossible to have too many !

You must have missed page 4, or you didn't scroll down far enough.

[Stemcor1990]

Drat I missed it !

There’s still room for an esquire in your collection

[slinger]

Drat I missed it !

There’s still room for an esquire in your collection

A bit too "niche" for me, and I like having both my pickups.

[TheMadMick]

The LAG looks interesting. 12 frets to the cutaway body and slotted headstock. Is it electro acoustic?

[slinger]

Yes, it's electro-acoustic. The Nanoflex Piezo Pickup under the bridge saddle feeds a Lâg badged preamp, which is built for them by Shadow. It's not a "proper" classical guitar, more of a crossover instrument.



Headstock: Mahogany French Satin finish
Machine Heads: Classical Satin Black, with Satin Black buttons
Top Nut: Black Graphite 48mm
Truss Rod: 2-way System
Neck: Smooth round shape, Dove Tail assembly system, Mahogany French Satin finish
Fingerboard: Indonesian Rosewood
Radius: None
Frets: 18, Silver-Nickel, Medium type
Top: Spruce, with Classical Fan bracing
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Bindings: Black + Ivory bindings
Body Thickness: Bottom 110mm - Neck 90mm
Rosette: Black + Ivory, with Occitania cross
Bridge: Indonesian Rosewood with Black Graphite saddle
Pickup: Nanoflex Piezo Pickup under the bridge saddle
Electronics: DirectLâg system