Each month, I'll feature two new pieces of my studio recording equipment - a guitar or keyboard, and a guitar effects pedal , microphone, or rack unit. There's a more comprehensive guide to my studio gear on the 'About Page'.

The Epiphone Les Paul Classic is made for the player who loves vintage aesthetics but wants a little more tonal firepower under the hood. Made to look just like a '50 Les Paul Standard that's been modified with open-coil pickups and some cool wiring changes, it gives you an authentic Les Paul character but with a few more sonic tricks and twists to play with! Its Alnico Classic PRO zebra-coil humbuckers provide a classic '50s style punch, and are wired with CTS pots for maximum responsiveness. Crucially, the Classic features coil splitting and phase switching push/pull controls to let you thin out the sound or get that retro '70s style. On top of that, a traditional SlimTaper neck allows for speedy shredding, while Grover Rotomatic tuners and the Epiphone LockTone bridge and tailpiece ensure a performance that's rock-solid and reliable, night after night. It's called classic for a reason. From the 1950s to present day, this is a tone that's stood the test of time. Thanks to its pair of Alnico pickups, you are provided with a vintage aesthetic that can handle a variety of genres. So, whether you love hard rock, traditional blues, or anything in between, the Les Paul Classic can handle it. I've used mine on compositions more times than I can remember!

Epiphone Les Paul Classic (Ebony)

The Orange Kongpressor Class A is a guitar compressor pedal based on vintage-inspired optical studio units, and delivers excellent compression with an ultra-smooth bloom. As well as offering a standard compression, the Kongpressor provides up to 12 dB of clean boost, also including an internal charge pump which doubles up the operating system to 18 V. Additional features include a transparent buffered bypass, which retains the natural tone of your set-up, even while the pedal is disengaged (for a well-rounded tonal experience), as well as a highly road-worthy chassis and stylish graphics. The Kongpressor is a must have for any guitarist, and the perfect addition to any pedalboard. The unit is inspired by some of the most legendary studio optical studio units and delivers an organic three-dimensional quality to any rig, adding extra depth to your tone. When utilized at lower compression levels, players can achieve a fattening, transparent effect that will become a permanent addition to their tone. Even when used in more extreme settings, the Kongpressor provides a glorious and clear sound with a great feel, no matter your style of playing. I use it all the time!

Orange Kongpressor

Previous 'My Gear' articles...

The Hartwood Novella provides a retro-inspired design with all the functionality a modern guitarist could ever desire. Comprised of a stylish natural finish, the basswood body ensures a warm, balanced tone with exceptional dynamic projection thanks to full sized F-holes, allowing you to play either amplified or unplugged. Suitable for Blues, Jazz, Rockabilly and more, you can unlock a seemingly infinite number of tones with the bridge and neck vintage-voiced humbuckers. These offer a tight bass response for a defined low-end with a smooth top-end and articulate midrange. Both can be used in isolation, or even as a blended combination thanks to the independent volume/tone pots and three-way toggle switch. Comprised of a laurel fretboard with aesthetically pleasing pearl block inlays and 20 jumbo frets, the fretboard is fitted to a maple neck with a "C" shaped profile that is equally suited to fast paced licks as it is complex Jazz chord voicings. Its eye-catching design is enhanced by an elegant 5-ply cream binding and chrome hardware, all of which compliments the black scratchplate adorned with the Hartwood emblem. I have used the Novella on many of my compositions, often through a distortion pedal, and have always been pleased with its diverse and mellow tone.

Hartwood Novella hollowbody guitar

Electro-Harmonix Mel 9

I've loved the sound of the Mellotron since I first heard the opening bars of 'Strawberry Fields Forever' by The Beatles. Since then, I discovered that many of my favourite groups, such as Genesis, King Crimson, The Moody Blues, and Traffic, had used the Mellotron extensively in their music. Of course, even more contemporary groups like Oasis, Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Muse, have since incorporated the instrument's ethereal, otherworldly sound into their compositions. Emulating the Mellotron on modern equipment, however, hasn't always been satisfactory...until now!

The Electro-Harmonix MEL9 Tape Replay Machine offers guitarists and keyboard players access to a world of tape keyboard sounds. With nine different voicings built into this superb machine, you can experiment to your heart's content. Being polyphonic, the MEL9 is insanely dynamic, allowing you to make individual notes and chords glisten with vintage Mellotron goodness. Intuitive controls give you the perfect tools for quick, accurate tonal shaping. I've yet to use it on any of my own compositions, having only just purchased the Mel 9. However, that situation will change in the very near future!