Interview mit Ole Walaunet von Gaahls Wyrd

When did you start playing guitar?
Well I started when I was about 14 years old. Before that it was all about soccer. My father used to jam in the basement so got alot of inspiration from him really.

What made you want to learn guitar back then?
I was a huge Black Sabbath fan, I discovered Sabbath Bloody Sabbath in my fathers vinyls collection and I was imediately hooked! I just to sit for hours with headphones with that record. The rawness, and powerful sound of Iommi hit me really hard. Also Ronni from TNT was a huge influence on me.

Have you already learned (had to learn) another instrument before?
No I started with the guitar actually. That distorted sound gave me a lovely tickly feel in my back teeths, still do to this day when I hear a sound that I relly enjoy.

Do you remember which model was your first guitar?
I started with a Japanese Stratocaster that I had modded. I even tried to copy Ronnis checkerboard guitar hehe.

How many guitars do you own?
That constantly changes as I enjoy Ebay quite alot. Currently I own a 1979 Strat, a 68 Japan Strat, a 1979 Gibson Flying V, a 1981 Gibson Flying V, a 1977 Gibson Les Paul Custom, a Taylor GS Mini, and a Godin ACS Slim model. These are all stayers (I believe).

Do the instruments have different uses for you, so do you have different ones for different bands or occasions, like studio, live gigs and holidays?
For live I’ve for the most part used the V’s, they tend to fit visually and soundwise. Lately I’ve grown fond of the Strat shape again. I feel I need to work harder somehow to make them really shine if you know what I mean. Who knows, I might try those ones with Gaahls WYRD. The Taylor I use at my cabin, just noodling while watching the birds.The other ones are basically for studio/recording.  All these instruments sounds really good but different. I like to have lots of possibilities soundwise especially when recording.

What do you attach particular importance to from a technical point of view, what criteria must an instrument meet for you to be satisfied with it?
First off it’s got to sound really good acoustically, with a solid tone on it’s own. Then it’s down to feel, pickups etc. There is no point in trying to duplicate the sound af a Les Paul to a Strat, as they`re totally different instruments. But i do prefer humbuckers in the bridge on all of my electric guitars. I like to practice on different guitar models, as I feel it tightens my playing up somehow. For me it’s alot harder to switch from V’s to Strats. But when I go back to the V’s it’s so much easier to get the flow going. I just try to challenge and also entertain myself with all the possibilities.

You often hear about musicians who seem to have a special connection to their instrument. Do you feel the same way? Do you have a favourite instrument?
For me it’s been the Vintage V’s, I just love the looks, sound and feel of those beauties. I really wanna buy some more models but they’re getting ridiculously pricey on Ebay these days! Also I love the good old Stratocaster! I guess I’m one of those V/Strat guys!

Did you make special modifications to it, or is it a custom model anyway? Can you tell us the technical details here?
For the V’s and the LPC it’s down to the pickups. I’m currently using Lollars in one, and Black Winters in the other. The LPC has the Duncan 78 and a Pearly Gate in the neck. The Strats I feel are a bit more complicated soundwise. In the Japanese one I’m using the Perpetual Burn in the bridge,and some Texas Specials in the middle & neck. My 1979 Strat, which is currently is getting a facelift in Poland at the moment, is gonna have a Duncan SH-5 in the bridge, and some Duncans in the middle & neck position. Also a Vega Tremolo which is outstanding in my opinion. The possibilities are endless when it comes to pickups. I`m switching back and forth all the time, also pure fun trying out new stuff as well.

Is there a model, such as the instrument of a great role model, that you would like to play one day?
No not really, I just prefer to figure out combinations and things on my own.

Which type of guitar picks do you use – and why this type?
Currently I use Dunlop Ultex XL Jazz III. I can’t remember the thickness. I just enjoy the feel and the attack I get from them.

Amps are often leased for tours – is that okay with you or do you have your own amp with you? Which model do you play?
I remember I used to be sponsored by Framus and was tied up to using the Cobra live. A killer amp btw. It became a bit of a problem, since we also do alot of festivals flying in and out. I just couldn’t bring it with me everywhere. So I basically decided to scale down, and nowadays I’m only using a small pedal board plugged directly into a clean channel of an amp. As easy as it gets, and it sounds killer.

Besides the instrument and the amplifier, sound effects play an important role in the sound. Do you rely on single pedal mines, a multi-effect board or a combination?
I’m not a big effects kinda guy I like to keep things simple for a rawer more “in your face“ sound.

Let’s go into detail: Please explain the elements of your effect loop. Which devices do you use, in which order and why?
I’m not currently using the effectsloop.. hah! At least not nowadays. It might change I don’t know. But the signal these days goes from a clean channel, into a Revv G3, a gate, and then into pedal with a combo of delay and reverb. How basic is that!! Oh and also a wireless with a built in tuner.

Mind game: You are only allowed to take one single (!) effect on stage – which one do you choose? Which effect pedal makes up your sound?
A top sounding distortion pedal, that’s it. If you know how to hit the strings it will sound ace.

Do you have an effect that you use in a completely different way than originally intended, or that you have perhaps even (re)built yourself?
Nope! Nothing fancy going on.

Do you use a noise gate – why (not)?
The G3 is a bit noisy so I do need a gate. I’m currently looking into buying a Zuul mini, as I’ve heard good things about them.

Is your effect board „ready“ or in constant change?
I do like to try out different pedals, especially distorted. It’s a jungle out there with so many quality pedals to choose from. You just have to figure out what you wanna achieve & what works for you.

Finally, do you have a tip for beginning musicians?
Stay on your path and be true to what you believe in. Have strong visions in life. Work hard, and don’t be mediocre.

Publiziert am 28. Oktober 2020 von Moritz Grütz

Fotos von: Afra Gethöffer-Grütz