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'.

Hartwood Novella hollowbody guitar

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.

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!