What piece of equipment do you have to show us today?
Something I’m in love with and can’t stop playing is my Orville Les Paul custom. A 20 something year old Japanese guitar I bought a few years back. It has the original Maxon neck pickup, commonly found in many Fujigen lawsuit era guitars, and I wired in a Lollar bridge pickup which sounds incredible.
How did you come across this particular item?
I found this thing online, sold unseen and thought I’d give it a go. I was never really a Les Paul guy, but I feel my comfort and playing level begins and ends with this guitar.
What is that you like so much about it?
My biggest appeal is the weight distribution when it’s on. It’s a heavy guitar and a serious play. The neck and playability is like a sit down meal.
How do you use it, and how has it shaped the way you write music?
I think the fact it handles a range of low tunings and responds so well it keeps me going back to it every time I try another guitar. Songs keep pouring out of it.
Any other interesting points/stories about it?
Probably not apart from the above, it’s a strange Japanese Les Paul with a mix of vintage and new vintage pickups. I want another, if you have one get in touch!
Tell us a little bit about what you have coming up?
I’m sitting at a bar in Auckland right now about to play a show (w/ High Tension). The band has a few ripping shows to wrap up the year with the likes of Batpiss, Bodyjar and the Meanies then we’re out on the St Jeromes Laneway Festival tour to start off the new year. You can see my stoked face every time I plug in that Japanese gem.
For a full list of High Tension tour dates, visit www.hightension.com.au.
