Name: Robert Anthony Navarro
Years played: 23 years
Home turf: Los Angeles, CA
Current/former bands: Trip, Velvet Moon, Billy Mummys, Eccentromanics
Website: raaudio.com
First guitar: '80s Gibson Kalamazoo hand-me-down
Favorite guitar: '80s Japanese Fender Squier Strat (with vintage tuners, vintage single coil pickups in the neck and middle, and a Seymour Duncan Invader in the bridge)
Favorite amp: Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier, Rectifier 4x12 cab
Favorite effect: What are effects?
Favorite strings: Rotosound Roto Reds 11 gauge
Favorite cable: My Star Sound
Favorite Pick: Dunlop Delrin 500 (Purple) 2.0 gauge
Other gear in my stash: Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 100W Head, Marshall Vintage (bottom) 4x12 cab, VOX AD30VT 30W 1x10, SWR Working Man's 15 Bass Combo, Danelectro Nifty Fifty, Dunlop Crybaby Wah.
Give us the back story on an item in your gear stash that you’ve sent a photo of: Back when I was in a punk band, my lead guitarist and I bought Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 100W amps. For some reason, we had the worst luck because both of the heads we bought did not work properly and had to be taken back to Guitar Center. This happened three more times! Apparently the shipment of Marshalls to GC were all bad, and we got stuck running back and forth returning the faulty gear. Eventually I hooked up with Hugh Gilmartin (now of Korg USA), and he promised if I sent my head to Marshall it would come back amazing. Hugh is a man of his word, because they put their best guy on it and bench tested, biased and tweaked my amp until no Marshall 2000 series would ever be its equal. Angus himself would drool if he played his SG through it!
Share a gear or gig story with Premier Guitar readers: I once played live on national television with my band Trip. We were invited to perform on Ed McMahon's Next Big Star, live from the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Next Big Star was the last incarnation of Star Search, and we had a blast. We got the royal treatment, and lived like rock stars for the weekend. We even landed clothing endorsements from Johnny Suede and Sha-Sha Shoes!
What’s your philosophy on tone? No effects! Aside from reverb, I don't really use effects. Let the guitar, amp and your hands make it happen. I have never been a big fan of pedals or effects processors. I rarely even use the tremolo bar. If you need a specific tone for a track, then do what you gotta do to make it happen, but at the end of the day... it's all in the hands.
CLASS ACT PHOTOGRAPHY
Premier Collector #12: Vintage Grails & Boutique Beauties
Premier Collector #11: Unique & Custom Basses
Premier Collector #10: One of Everything
Premier Collector #9: Pre-Gibson, Pre-Samick Valley Arts
Premier Collector #8: Vintage Strats and Custom Colors
Premier Collector #7: Martins and More
Premier Collector #6: Custom-Built Strats and Fender Tube Amps
Premier Collector #5: The Vintage Room
Premier Collector #4: Oddballs
Premier Collector #3: Vintage Fender Amps and Guitars
Premier Collector #2: Gibson Customs and Modded Marshalls
Premier Collector #1: Kramers, Coronados and More
Years played: 23 years
Home turf: Los Angeles, CA
Current/former bands: Trip, Velvet Moon, Billy Mummys, Eccentromanics
Website: raaudio.com
First guitar: '80s Gibson Kalamazoo hand-me-down
Favorite guitar: '80s Japanese Fender Squier Strat (with vintage tuners, vintage single coil pickups in the neck and middle, and a Seymour Duncan Invader in the bridge)
Favorite amp: Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier, Rectifier 4x12 cab
Favorite effect: What are effects?
Favorite strings: Rotosound Roto Reds 11 gauge
Favorite cable: My Star Sound
Favorite Pick: Dunlop Delrin 500 (Purple) 2.0 gauge
Other gear in my stash: Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 100W Head, Marshall Vintage (bottom) 4x12 cab, VOX AD30VT 30W 1x10, SWR Working Man's 15 Bass Combo, Danelectro Nifty Fifty, Dunlop Crybaby Wah.
Give us the back story on an item in your gear stash that you’ve sent a photo of: Back when I was in a punk band, my lead guitarist and I bought Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 100W amps. For some reason, we had the worst luck because both of the heads we bought did not work properly and had to be taken back to Guitar Center. This happened three more times! Apparently the shipment of Marshalls to GC were all bad, and we got stuck running back and forth returning the faulty gear. Eventually I hooked up with Hugh Gilmartin (now of Korg USA), and he promised if I sent my head to Marshall it would come back amazing. Hugh is a man of his word, because they put their best guy on it and bench tested, biased and tweaked my amp until no Marshall 2000 series would ever be its equal. Angus himself would drool if he played his SG through it!
Share a gear or gig story with Premier Guitar readers: I once played live on national television with my band Trip. We were invited to perform on Ed McMahon's Next Big Star, live from the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Next Big Star was the last incarnation of Star Search, and we had a blast. We got the royal treatment, and lived like rock stars for the weekend. We even landed clothing endorsements from Johnny Suede and Sha-Sha Shoes!
What’s your philosophy on tone? No effects! Aside from reverb, I don't really use effects. Let the guitar, amp and your hands make it happen. I have never been a big fan of pedals or effects processors. I rarely even use the tremolo bar. If you need a specific tone for a track, then do what you gotta do to make it happen, but at the end of the day... it's all in the hands.
 ACOUSTICS (from left to right): Washburn EA20 Acoustic Electric (1990s), Ovation CC245 Celebrity 12-String (2000s), Martin D-42 Acoustic (2000s), Chinese Pipa (1990s), Ramirez Classical (1990s), Mexican Miniature Acoustic (2000s). |
 BASSES: Ibanez Soundgear 4-String Bass (Green, 2000s), Fender American Standard 4-String Jazz Bass (Tobacco Sunburst, 2000s), Hofner 500/1 Vintage '63 Reissue Beatle Bass (2000s). |
 AMPS (from left to right): Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 100W Head & Marshall Vintage 4x12 cab; Danelectro Nifty Fifty & VOX AD30VT 30W 1x10; Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier & Rectifier 4x12 cab. |
 ELECTRICS (from left to right): ESP Viper LTD 7-String (2000s), Carruther's Guitar Shop Custom Telecaster Semi-Hollow Body (2000s), Danelectro '59 Dano Semi-Hollow Body (1990s), Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite with Seymour Duncan Burst Bucker Pro pickups (1990s), Fender Japanese Squier Strat with vintage pickups in the neck and middle position and a Seymour Duncan Invader pickup in the bridge (1980s). |
 ELECTRICS (from left to right): Gibson Les Paul Custom (1990s), Ibanez RG-560 (1980s), Danelectro Convertible Reissue Acoustic Electric (1990s), Fender American '62 Reissue Strat (2000s), Joe's Guitars Custom "Diner Series" (2009). |
CLASS ACT PHOTOGRAPHY
| To join Robert as a Premier Collector, send an e-mail with photos and a description of your gear to rebecca@premierguitar.com |
Premier Collector #12: Vintage Grails & Boutique Beauties
Premier Collector #11: Unique & Custom Basses
Premier Collector #10: One of Everything
Premier Collector #9: Pre-Gibson, Pre-Samick Valley Arts
Premier Collector #8: Vintage Strats and Custom Colors
Premier Collector #7: Martins and More
Premier Collector #6: Custom-Built Strats and Fender Tube Amps
Premier Collector #5: The Vintage Room
Premier Collector #4: Oddballs
Premier Collector #3: Vintage Fender Amps and Guitars
Premier Collector #2: Gibson Customs and Modded Marshalls
Premier Collector #1: Kramers, Coronados and More
Name: Scott Bradoka
Years played: 30+
Home turf: Lehigh Valley, PA
Current/former bands: I’ve been treading water in a sea of obscurity for the past 15 years under my own name.
Website:ScottBradoka.com
First guitar: My first ‘real’ guitar was a borrowed Martin acoustic from my cousin. When that went back, I got a Phoenix Electra Strat style electric.
Favorite guitar: I currently own 120+ guitars, many of which are featured in my new hardcover book, My Collection. My main guitar is my 1956 Les Paul. It has been with me on every gig since 2001. It’s well worn, but feels like home.
Favorite amp: My 1963 Vox AC30 is my go-to amp, though I used a Suhr Badger and Zinky pretty much on the new tracks of my latest 2CD/DVD release, Everything.
Favorite effect: A touch of delay. Live I use a Line 6 Echo Pro.
Favorite strings: 10-46
Favorite cable: Monster cable
Other gear in my stash:
I have a huge collection of guitars and amps. As stated above, over 120 guitars and currently over 25 amps. I have a number of old Gibson amps from the 1950s, a few Vox AC30s from the 1960s, a killer 1968 50 watt Marshall, along with some great new amps like a Zinky, Suhr and 65 Amps SoHo. My guitar collection focuses on 1950s and 1960s Fender, Gibson, and Gretsch guitars, though I do have some recent models plus oddball pieces.
Give us the back story on an item in your gear stash that you’ve sent a photo of: The black 1958 Fender Stratocaster was purchased from Eric Johnson. Eric originally purchased it in 1976 and it was stolen from him in 1982. In a Guitar Player interview he stated it was the best Strat he had ever owned. He eventually got the guitar back in 2006. I purchased it from him in Nov ’08. Out of the 15-20 Strats I own, it is definitely THE one.
Share a gear or gig story with Premier Guitar readers:
One of the coolest moments I have had was when we were opening dates for Jeff Beck in Germany back in ’06. The first date was Berlin. We were playing this old castle… full-on wall around it with a moat. The dressing room setup was a large area just partitioned off by velvet curtains. While I was sitting in my area changing strings, Jeff Beck was right on the other side of the curtain practicing for much of the afternoon. It was a pretty surreal afternoon for me.
What’s your philosophy on tone?
It really is in the hands. For better or worse, after a few minutes with a guitar and amp, it’s going to sound like me. Of course certain gear will enhance the sound or inspire better performance, but it will still be a variation of ‘your’ tone.
Scott's Collection - A Portion
1955 Les Paul Jr.
1955 Les Paul Special
1956 GoldTop
1956 Les Paul GoldTop
1957 ES-225
1959 Les Paul Jr.
1962 ES-335
1962 SG Les Paul
1966 ES-355
Premier Collector #11: Unique & Custom Basses
Premier Collector #10: One of Everything
Premier Collector #9: Pre-Gibson, Pre-Samick Valley Arts
Premier Collector #8: Vintage Strats and Custom Colors
Premier Collector #7: Martins and More
Premier Collector #6: Custom-Built Strats and Fender Tube Amps
Premier Collector #5: The Vintage Room
Premier Collector #4: Oddballs
Premier Collector #3: Vintage Fender Amps and Guitars
Premier Collector #2: Gibson Customs and Modded Marshalls
Premier Collector #1: Kramers, Coronados and More
Scott's Collection - A Portion
1952 Telecaster
1955 Esquire
1957 Stratocaster
1958 Stratocaster (purchased from Eric Johnson)
1965 Stratocaster
1966 Stratocaster
Premier Collector #11: Unique & Custom Basses
Premier Collector #10: One of Everything
Premier Collector #9: Pre-Gibson, Pre-Samick Valley Arts
Premier Collector #8: Vintage Strats and Custom Colors
Premier Collector #7: Martins and More
Premier Collector #6: Custom-Built Strats and Fender Tube Amps
Premier Collector #5: The Vintage Room
Premier Collector #4: Oddballs
Premier Collector #3: Vintage Fender Amps and Guitars
Premier Collector #2: Gibson Customs and Modded Marshalls
Premier Collector #1: Kramers, Coronados and More
1958 Gretsch Silver Jet
1969 Dan Armstrong, set up for slide
1973 Gretsch White Falcon
Deusenberg Ron Wood Prototype
James Trussart Steelcaster, nicknamed "Skully"
Premier Collector #11: Unique & Custom Basses
Premier Collector #10: One of Everything
Premier Collector #9: Pre-Gibson, Pre-Samick Valley Arts
Premier Collector #8: Vintage Strats and Custom Colors
Premier Collector #7: Martins and More
Premier Collector #6: Custom-Built Strats and Fender Tube Amps
Premier Collector #5: The Vintage Room
Premier Collector #4: Oddballs
Premier Collector #3: Vintage Fender Amps and Guitars
Premier Collector #2: Gibson Customs and Modded Marshalls
Premier Collector #1: Kramers, Coronados and More
Years played: 30+
Home turf: Lehigh Valley, PA
Current/former bands: I’ve been treading water in a sea of obscurity for the past 15 years under my own name.
Website:ScottBradoka.com
First guitar: My first ‘real’ guitar was a borrowed Martin acoustic from my cousin. When that went back, I got a Phoenix Electra Strat style electric.
Favorite guitar: I currently own 120+ guitars, many of which are featured in my new hardcover book, My Collection. My main guitar is my 1956 Les Paul. It has been with me on every gig since 2001. It’s well worn, but feels like home.
Favorite amp: My 1963 Vox AC30 is my go-to amp, though I used a Suhr Badger and Zinky pretty much on the new tracks of my latest 2CD/DVD release, Everything.
Favorite effect: A touch of delay. Live I use a Line 6 Echo Pro.
Favorite strings: 10-46
Favorite cable: Monster cable
Other gear in my stash:
I have a huge collection of guitars and amps. As stated above, over 120 guitars and currently over 25 amps. I have a number of old Gibson amps from the 1950s, a few Vox AC30s from the 1960s, a killer 1968 50 watt Marshall, along with some great new amps like a Zinky, Suhr and 65 Amps SoHo. My guitar collection focuses on 1950s and 1960s Fender, Gibson, and Gretsch guitars, though I do have some recent models plus oddball pieces.
Give us the back story on an item in your gear stash that you’ve sent a photo of: The black 1958 Fender Stratocaster was purchased from Eric Johnson. Eric originally purchased it in 1976 and it was stolen from him in 1982. In a Guitar Player interview he stated it was the best Strat he had ever owned. He eventually got the guitar back in 2006. I purchased it from him in Nov ’08. Out of the 15-20 Strats I own, it is definitely THE one.
Share a gear or gig story with Premier Guitar readers:
One of the coolest moments I have had was when we were opening dates for Jeff Beck in Germany back in ’06. The first date was Berlin. We were playing this old castle… full-on wall around it with a moat. The dressing room setup was a large area just partitioned off by velvet curtains. While I was sitting in my area changing strings, Jeff Beck was right on the other side of the curtain practicing for much of the afternoon. It was a pretty surreal afternoon for me.
What’s your philosophy on tone?
It really is in the hands. For better or worse, after a few minutes with a guitar and amp, it’s going to sound like me. Of course certain gear will enhance the sound or inspire better performance, but it will still be a variation of ‘your’ tone.
Scott's Collection - A Portion
| Page 1 - Gibsons '55 Les Paul Jr. '55 Les Paul Special '56 Les Paul Goldtop '56 Les Paul Goldtop 2 '57 ES-225 '59 Les Paul Jr. '62 ES-335 '62 SG Les Paul '63 ES-355 | Page 2 - Fenders '52 Telecaster '57 Esquire '57 Stratocaster '58 Stratocaster '65 Stratocaster '66 Stratocaster | Page 3 - The Rest '58 Grestch Silver Jet '69 Armstrong '73 Gretsch White Falcon Deusenberg Ron Wood Prototype Trussart Steelcaster |
1955 Les Paul Jr.
1955 Les Paul Special
1956 GoldTop
1956 Les Paul GoldTop
1957 ES-225
1959 Les Paul Jr.
1962 ES-335
1962 SG Les Paul
1966 ES-355
| To join Scott as a Premier Collector, send an e-mail with photos and a description of your gear to rebecca@premierguitar.com |
Premier Collector #11: Unique & Custom Basses
Premier Collector #10: One of Everything
Premier Collector #9: Pre-Gibson, Pre-Samick Valley Arts
Premier Collector #8: Vintage Strats and Custom Colors
Premier Collector #7: Martins and More
Premier Collector #6: Custom-Built Strats and Fender Tube Amps
Premier Collector #5: The Vintage Room
Premier Collector #4: Oddballs
Premier Collector #3: Vintage Fender Amps and Guitars
Premier Collector #2: Gibson Customs and Modded Marshalls
Premier Collector #1: Kramers, Coronados and More
Scott's Collection - A Portion
| Page 1 - Gibsons '55 Les Paul Jr. '55 Les Paul Special '56 Les Paul Goldtop '56 Les Paul Goldtop 2 '57 ES-225 '59 Les Paul Jr. '62 ES-335 '62 SG Les Paul '63 ES-355 | Page 2 - Fenders '52 Telecaster '57 Esquire '57 Stratocaster '58 Stratocaster '65 Stratocaster '66 Stratocaster | Page 3 - The Rest '58 Grestch Silver Jet '69 Armstrong '73 Gretsch White Deusenberg Ron Wood Prototype Trussart Steelcaster |
1952 Telecaster
1955 Esquire
1957 Stratocaster
1958 Stratocaster (purchased from Eric Johnson)
1965 Stratocaster
1966 Stratocaster
| To join Scott as a Premier Collector, send an e-mail with photos and a description of your gear to rebecca@premierguitar.com |
Premier Collector #11: Unique & Custom Basses
Premier Collector #10: One of Everything
Premier Collector #9: Pre-Gibson, Pre-Samick Valley Arts
Premier Collector #8: Vintage Strats and Custom Colors
Premier Collector #7: Martins and More
Premier Collector #6: Custom-Built Strats and Fender Tube Amps
Premier Collector #5: The Vintage Room
Premier Collector #4: Oddballs
Premier Collector #3: Vintage Fender Amps and Guitars
Premier Collector #2: Gibson Customs and Modded Marshalls
Premier Collector #1: Kramers, Coronados and More
| Page 1 - Gibsons '55 Les Paul Jr. '55 Les Paul Special '56 Les Paul Goldtop '56 Les Paul Goldtop 2 '57 ES-225 '59 Les Paul Jr. '62 ES-335 '62 SG Les Paul '63 ES-355 | Page 2 - Fenders '52 Telecaster '57 Esquire '57 Stratocaster '58 Stratocaster '65 Stratocaster '66 Stratocaster | Page 3 - The Rest '58 Grestch Silver Jet '69 Armstrong '73 Gretsch White Falcon Deusenberg Ron Wood Prototype Trussart Steelcaster |
1958 Gretsch Silver Jet
1969 Dan Armstrong, set up for slide
1973 Gretsch White Falcon
Deusenberg Ron Wood Prototype
James Trussart Steelcaster, nicknamed "Skully"
| To join Scott as a Premier Collector, send an e-mail with photos and a description of your gear to rebecca@premierguitar.com |
Premier Collector #11: Unique & Custom Basses
Premier Collector #10: One of Everything
Premier Collector #9: Pre-Gibson, Pre-Samick Valley Arts
Premier Collector #8: Vintage Strats and Custom Colors
Premier Collector #7: Martins and More
Premier Collector #6: Custom-Built Strats and Fender Tube Amps
Premier Collector #5: The Vintage Room
Premier Collector #4: Oddballs
Premier Collector #3: Vintage Fender Amps and Guitars
Premier Collector #2: Gibson Customs and Modded Marshalls
Premier Collector #1: Kramers, Coronados and More
Name: Kevin Kiner
Years playing: 40
Home turf: Los Angeles
Current/former bands: Various, I currently compose the music for "CSI: Miami" and "Star Wars: Clone Wars" TV shows. I play on all my own tracks.
Website:kevinkiner.com
First guitar: '72 Strat
Favorite guitar: I can’t give just one. Right now I’m having fun with the R. Taylor, the Teuffel Birdfish, and the GuitarViol -- the latter two just because they are so different and experimental. But if you put me on a deserted island, it would have to be: 1) Les Paul Standard; 2) The Don Grosh Strat (yes, I like it better than the real thing); and 3) The Gibson L7.
Favorite amp: Marshall JCM100
Favorite effect: Chandler Tube Driver
Favorite strings: D’Addario XL Nickel Wound 11s
Favorite cable: Monster
Other gear in my stash: Pod XT Pro straight into a Universal Audio 2-610 tube pre amp into Pro Tools (all of the Line 6 guitar model packs using "Line 6 edit" on the Mac).
Give us the back story on an item in your gear stash that you’ve sent a photo of...
The GuitarViol is made by a guy named Jonathan Wilson near L.A. I saw it at the NAMM show a few years ago, and had him make one for me. It has a tremendous amount of potential for experimental sounds and melodies, but boy is it a bear to learn how to bow! I’ve been working on the bowing technique off and on for several years now, and am just getting comfortable with it. As a TV and film composer, I’m always looking for something that will make my tracks unique. This helps quite a bit in that respect, but I’d hate to try to play it live. Jonathan is currently developing an acoustic model. I played the prototype, and it's really cool—almost like a cello but different. I’ll probably order one pretty soon.
Share a gear or gig story with Premier Guitar readers...
I’ve been using the Egyptian Oud quite a lot recently. Sitting down to practice that thing can be quite a chore. The shape isn’t really conducive to fitting the human body, so it’s constantly slipping down (because the back is this giant bowl). Also, the style most Middle Eastern guys use is extremely ponticello (picked hard right next to the bridge), so after a while it can get a little harsh on the ears—it’s no wonder there’s so much strife in the Middle East.
What's your philosophy on tone?
If you want to rock, nothing beats a Les Paul played through a Marshall stack turned up loud with maybe a Tube Screamer. There, now the secret is out...
The Teuffel Birdfish Guitar. The pickups are removable, so you can create combinations of single coil and double coil. I also have an extra set of “tone bars” made of Alder, which changes the sound as well.
Using the Birdfish on a cue for “Clone Wars.”
Left to right: Rickenbacker 360/12, ‘02 Fender Tele with active electronics by Jim Williams of Audio Upgrades, R.Taylor acoustic, Gretsch White Falcon, Enrique Tapicas nylon, Paul Reed Smith, Don Grosh “Strat”, Danelectro baritone guitar, Gibson ES-335, Fender '50s top bound Esquire relic limited edition.
Back row left to right: ‘02 Fender Tele with active electronics by Jim Williams of Audio Upgrades, Danelectro U2 Baritone, R.Taylor, Don Grosh Custom Carve Top, TogaMan GuitarViol, Gretsch Silver Jet, Gretsch White Falcon, Paul Reed Smith, ‘01 Les Paul Standard, ‘79 Ibanez Artist ES-335, ‘08 Robot Les Paul Studio Limited Edition.
Front row left to right: My first “real” guitar ‘72 Fender Strat (since fitted with Roland guitar to midi pickup), ‘51 Gibson L7 with D’Armand pickup, Don Grosh “Strat”.
Left to Right: Kanata Charango de Oro (body is a real Armadillo), ‘66 Martin Mandolin (passed down from my grandfather), Tahitian Ukulele bought off an old guy in Bora Bora, Daddy Mojo Cigar Box Guitar, Turkish Cumbus (pronounced “chumbush), Greek Bouzouki from Marina Music, Egyptian Oud.
Left to right: Yamaha 5 string Bass, Rickenbacker 360/12 string, Paul Reed Smith, Don Grosh custom carve top, ‘01 Les Paul Standard, Gretsch Silver Jet, ‘79 Ibanez Artist 335, ‘89 Dobro.
Left to Right: ‘72 Fender Strat, ‘51 Gibson L7, Don Grosh “Strat”, my first guitar (drugstore model – completely unplayable), Neil Diamond autographed Epiphone.
Premier Collector #9: Pre-Gibson, Pre-Samick Valley Arts
Premier Collector #8: Vintage Strats and Custom Colors
Premier Collector #7: Martins and More
Premier Collector #6: Custom-Built Strats and Fender Tube Amps
Premier Collector #5: The Vintage Room
Premier Collector #4: Oddballs
Premier Collector #3: Vintage Fender Amps and Guitars
Premier Collector #2: Gibson Customs and Modded Marshalls
Premier Collector #1: Kramers, Coronados and More
Years playing: 40
Home turf: Los Angeles
Current/former bands: Various, I currently compose the music for "CSI: Miami" and "Star Wars: Clone Wars" TV shows. I play on all my own tracks.
Website:kevinkiner.com
First guitar: '72 Strat
Favorite guitar: I can’t give just one. Right now I’m having fun with the R. Taylor, the Teuffel Birdfish, and the GuitarViol -- the latter two just because they are so different and experimental. But if you put me on a deserted island, it would have to be: 1) Les Paul Standard; 2) The Don Grosh Strat (yes, I like it better than the real thing); and 3) The Gibson L7.
Favorite amp: Marshall JCM100
Favorite effect: Chandler Tube Driver
Favorite strings: D’Addario XL Nickel Wound 11s
Favorite cable: Monster
Other gear in my stash: Pod XT Pro straight into a Universal Audio 2-610 tube pre amp into Pro Tools (all of the Line 6 guitar model packs using "Line 6 edit" on the Mac).
Give us the back story on an item in your gear stash that you’ve sent a photo of...
The GuitarViol is made by a guy named Jonathan Wilson near L.A. I saw it at the NAMM show a few years ago, and had him make one for me. It has a tremendous amount of potential for experimental sounds and melodies, but boy is it a bear to learn how to bow! I’ve been working on the bowing technique off and on for several years now, and am just getting comfortable with it. As a TV and film composer, I’m always looking for something that will make my tracks unique. This helps quite a bit in that respect, but I’d hate to try to play it live. Jonathan is currently developing an acoustic model. I played the prototype, and it's really cool—almost like a cello but different. I’ll probably order one pretty soon.
Share a gear or gig story with Premier Guitar readers...
I’ve been using the Egyptian Oud quite a lot recently. Sitting down to practice that thing can be quite a chore. The shape isn’t really conducive to fitting the human body, so it’s constantly slipping down (because the back is this giant bowl). Also, the style most Middle Eastern guys use is extremely ponticello (picked hard right next to the bridge), so after a while it can get a little harsh on the ears—it’s no wonder there’s so much strife in the Middle East.
What's your philosophy on tone?
If you want to rock, nothing beats a Les Paul played through a Marshall stack turned up loud with maybe a Tube Screamer. There, now the secret is out...
The Teuffel Birdfish Guitar. The pickups are removable, so you can create combinations of single coil and double coil. I also have an extra set of “tone bars” made of Alder, which changes the sound as well.
Using the Birdfish on a cue for “Clone Wars.”
Left to right: Rickenbacker 360/12, ‘02 Fender Tele with active electronics by Jim Williams of Audio Upgrades, R.Taylor acoustic, Gretsch White Falcon, Enrique Tapicas nylon, Paul Reed Smith, Don Grosh “Strat”, Danelectro baritone guitar, Gibson ES-335, Fender '50s top bound Esquire relic limited edition. 
Back row left to right: ‘02 Fender Tele with active electronics by Jim Williams of Audio Upgrades, Danelectro U2 Baritone, R.Taylor, Don Grosh Custom Carve Top, TogaMan GuitarViol, Gretsch Silver Jet, Gretsch White Falcon, Paul Reed Smith, ‘01 Les Paul Standard, ‘79 Ibanez Artist ES-335, ‘08 Robot Les Paul Studio Limited Edition.Front row left to right: My first “real” guitar ‘72 Fender Strat (since fitted with Roland guitar to midi pickup), ‘51 Gibson L7 with D’Armand pickup, Don Grosh “Strat”.
Left to Right: Kanata Charango de Oro (body is a real Armadillo), ‘66 Martin Mandolin (passed down from my grandfather), Tahitian Ukulele bought off an old guy in Bora Bora, Daddy Mojo Cigar Box Guitar, Turkish Cumbus (pronounced “chumbush), Greek Bouzouki from Marina Music, Egyptian Oud.
Left to right: Yamaha 5 string Bass, Rickenbacker 360/12 string, Paul Reed Smith, Don Grosh custom carve top, ‘01 Les Paul Standard, Gretsch Silver Jet, ‘79 Ibanez Artist 335, ‘89 Dobro. 
Left to Right: ‘72 Fender Strat, ‘51 Gibson L7, Don Grosh “Strat”, my first guitar (drugstore model – completely unplayable), Neil Diamond autographed Epiphone. | To join Bob as a Premier Collector, send an e-mail with photos and a description of your gear to rebecca@premierguitar.com |
Premier Collector #9: Pre-Gibson, Pre-Samick Valley Arts
Premier Collector #8: Vintage Strats and Custom Colors
Premier Collector #7: Martins and More
Premier Collector #6: Custom-Built Strats and Fender Tube Amps
Premier Collector #5: The Vintage Room
Premier Collector #4: Oddballs
Premier Collector #3: Vintage Fender Amps and Guitars
Premier Collector #2: Gibson Customs and Modded Marshalls
Premier Collector #1: Kramers, Coronados and More