INTRODUCTION
Started playing when I was 13 ...many years have passed since then! Previous bands: Eza and Manic Mushroom, Don Victor’s band, Heritage, Junk Bunnies, Throb, Meddle, Chod and Tenggara Trio. Currently with The Observatory and also solo guitar.
PLAYING STYLE
Started out playing lead and rhythm in rock / metal bands, did some bass too. Primarily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, but there are a whole lot of other musicians (not just guitarists) that have influenced and inspired me over the years, some I have been lucky enough to even play with. Derek Bailey has been a major influence in the last couple of years and style-wise I would say I’m into the experimental approach of playing the instrument, which includes prepared guitar and extended techniques.
MAIN INSTRUMENTS
Started off on a Fender Stratocaster (‘54 US reissue), then Gibson ES335 (‘80s dot reissue) and later Fender Jazzmaster (1964) bought in Osaka, Japan in the 2000s. For the more abusive playing (prepared guitar does take its toll) I have a 1962 US reissue Fender Jazzmaster, which serves as my main workhorse.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
I use a lot of pedals, especially those that enable weird sounds like the Moogerfooger Ring Modulator, Line 6 Frequency Modeller, Boss Pitch Shifter PS3, EH 16s Delay and Z’vex Fuzz Factory. I have also been collecting objects (or junk) over the years that I use for prepared and extended purposes. Some of the objects include broken cymbals, rods, bows and spoons. Hand-wired tube amps work well in delivering the sound I go for, I mainly use a Ceriatone 18 W (Marshall clone) and Fender Twin Reverb.
OTHER LOCAL GUITARISTS/BASSISTS YOU FIND INTERESTING
I have enjoyed much playing with the following local guitarists and bassists – Eza, Choon, Victor Low, Ashley Jansen, Yuen Chee Wai and Leslie Low. And I enjoy Shah Tahir’s and Andrew Lim’s playing too. All of them are inspiring and have been an influence on me.
PHOTO ABOVE
1964 Fender Jazzmaster