The collection, Sept. 2022: L-R: Gibson Flying V, Manny Charlton's self-made guitar (aka "Manny Blue"), Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop, Duesenberg Starplayer, Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop, Gibson Les Paul Standard, Gibson Les Paul Junior, Fender Telecaster Custom Shop, Fender Telecaster, Fender Precision Bass & at the front: Hofner Lap Steel.

Guitars, Amplifiers and Pedals

It is the movement of air that produce sound. The origins of that air movement are a complex matter, involving tone-woods, strings, fret-board material, guitar pick-ups, cables, tubes, valves, speakers, electronic wattage, pedals, overload, fingers (and finger-nails), guitar picks, not to mention the room that you listen to the sound in. In a separate article about The Fluffy Jackets Sound Studio I have covered the recording process and how the sound is being recorded. Therefore - in this article I will write about something entirely different, namely how the sound is created to begin with. By this I mean: guitars, amplifiers and guitar pedals.

Gibson Les Paul Standard 2005 mod. Made in USA.
This guitar was purchased brand new at the Gibson Factory Outlet in Nashville TN on the 19th August 2005, during a memorable road trip. I paid 2840 USD for the guitar at the time (got the receipt). For many years it was my only electric guitar (after I sold my two first Les Pauls) and the Burstbucker Pro pick-ups (with Alnico V magnets) sounds fantastic. The slim taper 60's neck is a breeze to play. Specifications: Maple Top • Chambered Mahogany Body • ’60s Slim Taper Mahogany Neck • Bound Rosewood Fingerboard • 24.75" Scale • 1 11/16" Nut Width • 12" Radius • Trapezoid Inlays • Gibson Humbucker Pickups (BurstBucker Pro pickups with Alnico V magnets) • Individual Volume and Tone Controls • Three-Way Switch • Tune-o-Matic Bridge and Stop-bar Tailpiece • .810" Neck Profile at 1st Fret • .880" Neck Profile at 12th Fret • Weight: 4.1 kg • Comes with original Gibson Hard Case • Serial 01 94 50 64 5 • Modified with strap locks (Dunlop) • Point of interest: This guitar features on the cover of our first EP: "The Fluffy Jackets feat. special guest Neil Murray", recorded at the Cowshed Studio in North London, 2007.

Gibson Custom Shop Historic Wildwood Spec 1960 reissue Les Paul, 2011 mod. Made in USA.
Known history of this guitar: This guitar was built by Gibson Custom Shop by special order from Wildwood guitar store in Colorado, USA in 2011. Wildwood is a well known guitar outlet offering - among other things - special reissues of the 58,59 & 60’s Les Paul Bursts, even hand-selecting the best woods from the Gibson factory. Check out the cool product infomercials from Wildwood's promo-guy Greg Koch on YouTube (he is an amazing player). The guitar was imported and eventually sold (used) via Vintage Guitar – a high end Gibson-dealer in Oslo Norway. A person from Ski commune in Norway bought this guitar in 2015, used it at two gigs before selling it half a year later. Third owner was from Saltrød (near Arendal city) who bought the guitar in late 2015 and had it until late January 2017 before selling it to the current owner. The guitar features a Carved Figured Maple top – handselected by Wildwood guitars USA, custom-wound Pick-Ups and long studs and anchors. Body Wood: Solid Non-Weight Relieved Mahogany • Neck Wood: One-Piece Mahogany • Neck with Long Neck Tenon • 1960 Profile Neck shape • Rosewood Fingerboard • Radius: 12" Inlays • Acrylic Trapezoid Frets • 22 Scale Length • 24.75" Width at Nut • 1 11/16" • Frets: 22 • Headstock: Holly Veneer Binding • Single-Ply Cream on Top and Neck Pickups • Gibson Custom Buckers wound to Wildwood Spec • CTS Pots and Bumble Bee Capacitors • Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone; 3-way Toggle-switch with Thin Washer & Jack-plate • Hardware : Nickel Bridge: Gibson ABR-1 Bridge and Gibson Lightweight Aluminum Stoptail with Tone Pros Long Studs and Anchors • Vintage Tulip Tuners • Gibson Custom Hard-shell case • Certificate Of Authenticity • Weight: 3.9 kg.• Serial 01179 (Gibson Serial number explanation: 0 (1960’s reissue from the Custom Shop), 1 (stands for 2011), 179 (the 179th guitar from Gibson Custom Shop that year) • Modified with strap locks (Dunlop).

Gibson Les Paul Junior, 1960 mod. Made in USA.
Purchased May 2019 at Jimi's Music Store in Dublin, Ireland. Known History: Manufactured in 1960 at the Gibson Kalamazoo factory in Michigan, USA • At some point the guitar ended up in Canada • The guitar was bought in Canada in 1992 and imported to Europe (Ireland) • The guitar had two owners since 1992 (both in Ireland, incl. Jimi’s Music Store outside Dublin) • Guitar has been refinished (by the time it was bought in Canada 1992) • Refin. incl. new paint coat on body and back of neck, incl. Headstock • The serial number has been painted over • The Gibson Logo on headstock replaced • Pots, scratch plate, tuners have been replaced with period correct parts • The P90 pick-up, bridge and knobs are original • the guitar features original mahogany body • Brazilian rosewood fretboard. At the time of purchase (2019) the guitar was tested in store against a 1957 original LP Jr, and a 1959 jr – and sounded + played noticeably better than the two others • Body: Mahogany (original) • Neck: Mahogany (original) • Color: Cherry Red (refinished) • Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood (original) • Construction: Set neck (original) • Scale: 24.75” • Frets: 22 (original) • Tuners: Kluson Deluxe (USA) (replacement pre-1992) • Nut: bone (replacement pre-1992) • Bridge: Gibson Wraparound (original) • Pickups: Gibson P90 single coil (original) • Electronics: Vol, Tone (replacement pre-1992) Weight: 3.3 kg (7.2 lb) • Comes with a Solid Gibson USA LP guitar case (modern high quality case / not vintage) • Modified with strap locks (Dunlop) • Serial # unknown (refinished guitar).

Gibson Flying V, 1975 mod. Made in USA.
Previously owned by Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton, who originally purchased the guitar in Tuscon, Arizona in 1976 and subsequently had it customised by UK luthier John Birch. John Birch also customised guitars for Toni Iommi (Black Sabbath) and Brian May (Queen) around the same time. The guitar was used on Nazareth studio albums "Play'n' the Game" (1976) and Expect No Mercy (1977) and it was also featured in several TV shows, including BBC's Sight and Sound TV show (1977) which was later released on DVD under the name "From The Beginning" (2005). That same concert performance has since appeared in several album compilations, including the 2 CD "Live at the Beeb" (1998). The guitar was also used during the "Alice Cooper and Friends" live music television special recorded at Anaheim in California (1977), and later released on VHS (1978). The guitar also features on the cover of Manny Charlton's solo album "Sharp Reloaded" (2005). The guitar was acquired from Manny Charlton who shipped the guitar from Texas USA in 2015. Specifications: • Body: solid mahogany wood • Body, headstock and neck re-finished in a Dark Sunburst colour by the luthier John Birch in the 1976 • Machine Heads: fully enclosed machine heads from Schaller (German high-end manufacturer) refitted by guitar luthier John Birch • Interestingly, the inscription of these heads read “Manufactured in W Germany”, ("W" for "West") as they were produced before the re-unification of Germany • Locking tuners • Electronics: two volume controls, one tone switch and a custom "out-of-phase" switch /fitted by luthier John Birch. The custom phase switch makes it possible to quickly change the tonality of the guitar to get the tone which "Peter Green" got famous for. This can be achieved when the pick-up selector is in the middle position (when using both pick-ups). This phase switch reverses the neck pickup phase (ground becomes hot, and hot becomes ground), so frequencies in common with the bridge pickup tend to cancel. This tonal change has no active electronics, yet gives a distinctive, scooped sound that works well with both clean and distorted amp settings • Pick ups: DiMarzio Super Distortion Humbuckers • Pickguard: Blank chrome metal pickguard made by John Birch • Original Gibson Flying V hard-shell guitar case • This guitar is of the 500000's series Gibson Flying V guitars, which was manufactured between 1974-1975, according to official Gibson records: Serial # 525540 • Original guitar case shows the hallmarks of a lot of touring with Nazareth • New owner modified with strap locks (Dunlop) as old strap-screws were missing. You can see a video presentation about this Flying V guitar and read more here.

Hofner 5140 Hawaiian Standard lap steel, 1950s model
The Hofner 5140 Hawaiian Standard lap steel guitar is from the 1950's, and was used by Manny Charlton on several Nazareth records. He also used this guitar on his later solo albums and the recordings he did with The Fluffy Jackets in USA and Spain. In the video interview he conducted with The Fluffy Jackets' for the "Something from Nothing" (2019) documentary, Manny explained that it was the late Nazareth-drummer Darrel Sweet and bassist Pete Agnew who found this Hofner in an Edinburgh shop during the 1970s. The guitar cost "about 20 pounds" at the time of purchase, and they gave it to Manny Charlton as a gift. Manny used this guitar both live and in the studio up until his untimely passing. Manny Charlton had the Hofner modified by cutting out the guitar-body / wood right underneath the top of fretboard, making it easier to access the higher frets. Manny also had the guitar refinished in a Green/Yellow sparkle. The guitar is otherwise modified with Grover machine heads, and there is unfortunately a crack in the headstock, though it is not broken and it does not impact on the playability of the guitar. The guitar electrics are all original. After Manny Charlton's sad passing 5 July 2022 (RIP), I was contacted by his daughter Vicky who asked if I was interested in acquiring some of his instruments. I bought this (together with his homemade guitar), as I knew this Lap Steel was one of his most cherished guitars. He used it both live and in the studio and he also played it on The Fluffy Jackets records with this (you can hear it on "Your Way" from the Fighting Demons album from 2014). It also features on several memorable tracks from his solo career, including "Freedoms Child". Notably, the guitar briefly went missing during transit from Scotland to Norway, but was discreetly returned following an appeal in social media and it thankfully arrived safely in Norway on the 13 Sept. 2022.

Manny Charlton / self-built guitar with custom appointments, Approx. 1991
After leaving Nazareth in 1991, Manny Charlton's friend (and luthier) Robert "Bob" Laidlaw invited him to make some guitars together in Dunfermline, Scotland. When Manny presented this guitar in the The Fluffy Jackets' "Rig Rundown" interview from the "Something from Nothing" documentary (2019), he said that "while Bob"s guitars are close to works of art, I was more interested in what they sounded like, so I basically flung them together". Manny was particularly pleased with how this guitar came out and he used it often. The guitar looks, sounds and plays very well. It is made up from high quality parts including a distinctive Maple top. The flame pattern on the body is due to the special manufacturing process, where blue dye has been forced in using high pressure. The guitar features a stunning birdseye Maple neck (thick C-shape) with a Rosewood fretboard, Sparzels locking tuners and a Wilkinson tremolo system. Soundwise, the guitar benefits from one Seymour Duncan "Pearly Gates" humbucking pickup (designed by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top) with only one volume knob (no tone control), The guitar originally had a selector for switching between single-coil and humbucking output, but this has not worked for as long as I have known it (since 2011). After I got it, I had to replace the output jack (the original was worn, so the guitar cable kept dropping out). At the same time, I took the opportunity to swap the black plastic composite nut in favor of a white bone nut, which makes the strings flow better through helping the tuning stability, considering the tremolo system. The upgrades were professionally done by Frank Hovland, a renowned guitar luthier based in Bergen Norway. Manny put the Deep Purple Guest sticker on the guitar. The sticker is dated 3 July 2017, after Manny attended a Deep Purple concert and re-connected with their bassist Roger Glover (Glover was old friend who produced three early Nazareth records before Manny took over the reigns as producer for Nazareth's "Hair of the Dog" album from 1975). The guitar has been used on pretty much all of Manny's solo albums. After Manny Charlton's sad passing 5 July 2022 (RIP), I was contacted by his daughter Vicky who wanted to sell some of his instruments. I had to pick this one since Manny used this guitar on both the albums he produced for The Fluffy Jackets. You can hear this guitar on our Fighting Demons (2014) album, where Manny plays an incredible solo on the single "Why Don't You Smile". The guitar briefly went missing during transit from Scotland but was discreetly returned following an appeal in social media, and it arrived safely in Norway on the 13 Sept. 2022.

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Streamline Catalina Blue 2016 model (no f-hole).
This guitar was previously owned by Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton who purchased the instrument new in 2016. Manny appreciated the build-quality of this guitar, which is a dream to play including the excellent tremola system. He used it on several recordings and he also plays this guitar on the solo in The Fluffy Jackets track/video 'Everything Must Change' (from the "Something from Nothing" album). I am the second owner, having acquired the guitar from Manny Charlton in Cordoba (Spain) on the 1st March 2022. Specifications: Neck (Type: traditionally glued in, Wood: 1-piece maple, Width: 42,5mm/1.67" (nut), 52mm/2.05" (12th fret), Thickness: 21 mm/0.8"(1st fret), 24mm/0.95"(12th fret), Shape: D, Fingerboard: indian rosewood, Radius: 30,5mm/12", Inlays: pearloid dots, Frets: 22 jumbo 2,8x1mm, Scale length: 650mm/25.6", Trussrod: steel dual-action, Headstock: black), Body (Type: semi-acoustic with sustain block, bent sides, without f-hole, Top: laminated spruce, Back, sides: laminated flamed maple (which slightly shimmers through the translucent black burst finish), Size: 51,5x41x5,8cm/20.27"x16" x 2.28", Binding: cream, Pickguard: nickel, Finish: PUR lacquer), Hardware (Tuners: Duesenberg Z-Tuners, “Art Diego” buttons, Bridge: Duesenberg steel saddle bridge, Tremolo: Duesenberg Radiator Tremolo, Strap pins: Duesenberg standard, Hardware color: nickel, Original Strings delivered = Duesenberg DSA10 (010-013-017-028-042-050)), Electrics (Pickup (neck): Duesenberg noise-cancelling PH-90 Single Twin Domino, Pickup (bridge): Duesenberg Grand Vintage Humbucker, Wiring: 1 volume, 1 tone, 3-way pickup selector), Serial #172434, Accessories (Original Hardcase Included).

Fender Stratocaster Relic '62 Stratocaster re-issue from Fender Custom Shop (USA), 1999 model.
This guitar was previously owned by Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton who purchased the instrument brand new in the early 2000's. It was hand-picked for Manny by the guitarist Jimmy Williams who worked in a local guitar store in Dallas /Forth Worth area (Jimmy ended up playing in the US-based "Manny Charlton Band - MCB" and they released the MCB debut "Stonkin" together in 2006). The guitar appears in Episode 6 of the The Fluffy Jackets documentary "Something from Nothing" (2019), where Manny commented; "this is as good a Stratocaster as I have played". The guitar has appeared on several Manny Charlton solo albums and he also plays it on The Fluffy Jackets track/video 'Everything Must Change' (from the "Something from Nothing" album). The guitar also appears on several solo albums made by Manny Charlton between 2000 and 2022. The guitar was sold to the current owner on the 1st March 2022. I have had a couple of Stratocasters before I got this, but this guitar is in a league of its own in terms of the really authentic strat-tones it produces and the pick-ups are loud. When I got the guitar, the certificate of authencity was unfortunately lost but the serial reads #R3019 (on the neck plate), while a sticker at the back of the headstock read: 452706 (which I initially assumed was added as an inventory stock by the dealer). Since I was very interested to find out the spesification on this gutiar, I wrote to the Fender Customer Relations <consumerrelations@fender.com> to find out more. They confirmed the following specifications and information: Model Name: Relic ‘60s Stratocaster® Gold Hardware, Model Number: 010-6410-(800), Series: Custom Shop "Relics" Series, Body: Alder, Neck: Birdseye Maple (Early ‘60s “C” Shape), Fingerboard: Rosewood (9.5” Radius, 241 mm), No. of Frets: 21, Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm), Width @ Nut: 1.650” (42 mm), Hardware: Gold Hardware, Machine Heads: Vintage Style, Bridge: Vintage Style, Pickguard: 3-Ply Aged White, Pickups:, Custom ‘60’s, Pickup Switching: 5 Position. Controls: Volume, Tone, Tone, Colors: (800) 3-Color Sunburst (this guitar). This particular re-issue series was also available in Olympic White or custom colors: Lake Placid Blue, Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red, or Burgundy Mist (if you added 150 USD to the purchasing price at the time), Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish, Original strings: Fender Super 250R’s (.010 to .046) Nickel Plated Steel pn# 073-0250-006, Other Features: Source: U.S. Fender Custom Shop, Originally the guitar came with accessories: Brown Tolex Case, Strap, Cable (all since lost except the guitar case). The retail price of this guitar in 1999 was 2,799.99 USD. This specific series was introduced in 1996 and discontinued 1/1999. Fender Customer department also comments on the sticker (at the back of the headstock): "As far as number 452706, this is just a builders part number that has no real significance", so it is the serial # that confirms the specs listed (as above).

Fender California Beach series Telecaster, 52 re-issue (Custom Shop), 2004 mod. Made in USA.
Known history of this guitar: First owner was Alejandro Fuentes (notable for coming third in Norwegian Idol in 2005) who bought the guitar at Vintage Guitar in Oslo Norway. I am the third owner, purchasing the guitar from the second owner in Kongsvinger Norway in Feb. 2018. At this point, the scratch plate was broken, but a new followed along with the guitar as part of the sale. This Fender Custom Shop Telecaster series was custom built for Musik Messe (Germany) in 2004: a '52 Tele in Pacific green. Of the 150 made, the greatest concentration (100) went to Germany, the remaining 50 over the rest of Europe. This guitar carries the production number #83. Technical Spec.: nice substantial neck shape • Custom Shop Broadcaster bridge PU • Custom Shop Twisted Tele neck PU • Neckplate engraving • slightly tinted neck finish • NOS lacquer finish • Original Fender (G&G) hard-shell case. Body: Alder • Neck: Maple, "U" Shape (Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish) • Fingerboard: Maple • 9 ½" Radius • Number of Frets: 21 • Scale Length: 25 inches • Bolt On Neck • Medium Jumbo Frets (Dunlop 6105 frets) • Original Vintage Style Tele Bridge with 3 Brass Saddles and "Ash Tray" Bridge Cover • Fender/Gotoh Vintage Style Tuning Machines • Chrome Hardware • 1-Ply White Pickguard • Black Dot Position Inlays • Bone Nut • Vintage Styling Chrome Knobs • Master Volume Control • Master Tone Control • Three Way Pickup Selector Switch • Custom Shop Limited Edition Decal • NOS Finish • Limited Edition Certificate • Serial # BP083 • Modified with strap locks (Dunlop) • Point of interest: At the same time as this was built (2004) Fender Custom shop also issued two Custom Shop California Beach Stats, in pink and light blue. Specs as follows: 015-0103-000 50's Tele- Pacific Green 015-0403-000 50's Strat - Coral Sunset 015-0730-000 60's Strat - Cataline Blue Telecaster Custom Shop), This particular model is also played by indie rocker Tom Clarke of Enemy.

Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster, 2017 mod. Made in Mexico.
The guitar was purchased second hand from the original owner in Raufoss, Norway, October 2020. Modified with Bigsby, bone nut and custom switching. The previous owner also made some custom appointments (also professionally done at a guitar shop): Push/ Pull tone control, the original Nashville Tele is lacking the opportunity for classic bridge-neck combo: but this has it: by activating the pull-function, you get bridge-neck in 5th position on the switch. Also modded with treble bleed circuit, so no tone is lost when volume is turned down. Made by Fender The guitar is inspired by country telecaster players in Nashville. Single cutaway electric guitar • Maple Neck • Pau ferro fingerboard • Body: Alder • Body color: Daphne Blue • Locking Tuners • Modern Contoured Heel Joint (facilitates playing at upper neck) • Two Vintage Noiseless™ Tele pickups (neck and bridge) and one single Vintage Noiseless Strat pickup (middle) • Five-way Strat-o-Tone switching • 12”-radius fingerboard; contoured neck heel; locking tuning machines • Includes deluxe gig bag • Serial # MX17901724 • Modifications: The original Nashville Tele came with six-saddle string-through-body Tele bridge with block saddles, however, this was modified with a B5 Bigsby Tremolo and a bone nut, professionally fitted by Frank Hovland (Hovland Guitar workshop) in Bergen Norway. • Modified with strap locks (Dunlop).

Fender Player Series Precision Bass, 2021 mod. Made in Mexico.
After I completed The Fluffy Jackets Sound Studio, I needed a bass to record with, and have always thought there is only one bass which you need - namely a Fender Precision bass, which is based on Leo Fender's original Fender design from the 1950's. It is crazy to think that Leo Fender invented the Precision bass, the Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars within a few years in the early 1950's. These are enduring designs that have barely changed in the years since! I purchased this Mexican-made model via Thomann (online) in 2021, and also bought new Bass Strings along with it. I find the history behind the Precision Bass to be particularly facinating: in the old days, people found it difficult to carry large double basses around on tours (those large wooden crates you see sometimes see in Jazz bands still) as it was a problem transporting basses on cars, etc. So, when Leo Fender came up with this design - which not only electrified the bass - but also added frets (vs. double basses, which are fret-less), he called it the "Precision" because the tones would be very precise since it was the fret that determined the tone (not the finger-placement). Bass guitarists loved it as the sound could be heard with drums and guitars and easily transported around on tours. The rest is history and it has been in production ever since. The Player series from Fender are pretty true to the originals, and built like a tank, so I had no worries to purchase this online (I did not even try one out beforehand). Specifications: Fender Player Series P-Bass • Mexico • 4-string Bass Guitar • alder body • maple neck satin finish • maple fretboard • 20 frets • nut width 41,3mm • scale 864mm • 1x New Player Series Alnico 5 split singlecoil Precision Bass pickup • 1x volume, 1x tone controls • standard open-gear tuners • finish buttercream yellow • Serial # MX21022420 • does not come with gig-bag.

Dobro 33H Hawaiian Motif Model Round Neck 1992 mod. Made in USA.
Guitar purchased in July 2019, second hand from Hanks Guitar Shop in Denmark Street, London. This is a pre-Gibson era Dobro made in California by OMI (Original Musical Instruments) in 1992. The 33-H were in a way replications of a 1941 National style 3 or style 4 built for a new generation / by original company from 1970s until Gibson ownership. The Gibson Guitar Corporation acquired OMI in 1993, along with the Dobro name. Specifications are as follows: Bell Brass Body • Chrome Plated • Hawaiian Etching • Rosewood Fingerboard • Gotoh tuners • Original hard shell case • Made in USA • Serial # D8-254-92-B (Pre-Gibson OMI era).

Martin 12 string. D12X1AE, 2014 model, Made in Mexico.
Bought at The Music Dept. store in St Albans, UK on the 22nd January 2014. Features Fishman electronics, a good player guitar - no frills (no inlays or special features) but sounds and plays great. Specifications: Model: D12X1AE • Construction: Mortise & Tenon Neck Joint • Body Size: D-14 Fret • Top Material: Solid Sitka Spruce Top • Rosette: Multi-Stripe • Bracing Pattern: X Brace • Brace Shape: Non-Scalloped • Brace Material: Sitka Spruce • Brace Size: 5/16" with 1/4" Tone Bars • Back Material: HPL • Back Detail: Mahogany Pattern • Side Material: HPL • Side Detail: Mahogany Pattern • No binding • Neck Material: Rust Birch Laminate • Neck Shape: Low Profile • Neck Taper: Standard Taper • Nut Material: White Corian • Headstock Shape: Solid with 12 String Taper • Headplate Material: HPL / laminate • Headplate Detail: Rosewood Pattern • Headplate Logo Style: Script Ink • Heelcap: Black • Fingerboard Material: FSC Certified Richlite • Scale Length: 25.4" • Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret • Number of Frets Total: 20 • Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 7/8'' • Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 5/16'' • Fingerboard Inlay Material: White Plastic • Fingerboard Inlay Style: Dots • Fingerboard Binding Material: N/A • Side Dots: White • Finish Top: Hand Rubbed • Top Color: Clear • Finish Neck: Hand Rubbed • Bridge Material: FSC Certified Richlite • Bridge Style: Belly - 12 String • Bridge String Spacing: 2 5/16'' • Saddle: Compensated White Tusq • Saddle Radius: 16" • Tuning Machines: Chrome Enclosed Gear • Knob: Small • Bridge Pin Material: White Plastic • Bridge Pin Dots: Black Plastic • Pickguard: Faux Tortoise • Comes with non-original hardcase • Electronics: Fishman Sonitone and a battery which is velcroed inside • Serial # Not Available

Fender acoustic 6 String, DG5CENAT, (Unknown production year; probably early 2000s), Made in China.
Bought at a guitar shop in St. Albans, UK in 2004. This guitar has a laminate spruce top and the fretboard is painted black to cover up the brown wood below (rubbed a bit off over the years). I tried a lot of accoustic guitars around the time this was purchased, and incredibly, though this is one of the cheapest guitars you can buy, I found it to sound good and plays well. It has a low action, so that it is easy to bend the strings and the guitar also stays in tune. Includes a battery-powered Fishman Q mini pick up which has never failed to work. I have written many songs on this guitar. Probably one of my better purchase decisions, which tells you that a cheap guitar is not necessarily bad! Serial # Not Available.

These acoustic guitars compliment each other nicely on recordings.

AMPLIFIERS

Marshall 1958x Hand-wired Amplifier, 2016 mod. Made in the UK.
I bought this amp second hand in Norway in 2017. This handwired 1958X is a hand-soldered reissue of the revered 1958, 18 Watt all-valve 2 x 10" combo. Made in UK at the Marshall factory, and modeled after the famous early combo amps which Eric Clapton used to great effect on the John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers "Beano" album (through a 1960 Les Paul). This 18-watt amp is plenty loud enough for my use. Specifications: Two channels: • 18 Watt • Inputs: 2x2 • Controls: Tone, Vol x2, Speed, Intensity • Speaker Size: 2 x 10" • Output Power: 15W Each Speaker • Speaker Name: Celestion G10F-15 (The original Greenback speakers used in the 1958 combo would mature over time, their sound softening with age. The special 10" Celestion G10F-15 Greenbacks in the 1958X have been 'aged' to get as close as possible to that vintage, worn in, '60s vibe) • Impedance: 16 Ohm • Valves: Preamp Valves: 2x ECC83 • Power Amp Vales: 1x ECC83, 2x EL84 • Footswitch • Weight: 19.5kg • Dimensions (mm): (W x H x D) 640 x 535 x 230.  

Fender Princeton '68 Custom Princeton Reverb Amplifier, 2018 mod. Made in USA.
For recording in the studio, it is nice to have a "clean" sounding Fender amp with that classic Fender reverb. This little all-valve 12 watt Fender amp is perhaps the best sounding amp you can get for the studio. Spec: Silverface 68' Custom Princeton Reverb • Single 10'in Celestion TEN 30 speaker • Modified circuit with all-tube circuitry • two 6V6 output tubes • three 12AX7 preamp tubes and one 12AT7 tube • Single 5AR4 rectifier tube • Hand-wired tube sockets • Custom-made Schumacher transformers (like the originals) • 12 watts output power • 10' Celestion TEN 30 speaker • Fender tube-driven reverb • 1968-style Silverface aluminum trim • vintage-style two-button reverb/vibrato foot switch • fitted cover. Weight: 15.4 kg.

Marshall MG Series 10CD.
This is the first amp I ever bought, and arguably the best amp I have - if you base it on how much I have used this. I bought it together with the black Les Paul copy in a shop on the Wimbledon high street back in 1998, and I am glad I kept it all these years. I have used it almost daily, and it has never missed a beat. It is a tiny 10-watt amp (transformer - not valve) but it sounds more than loud enough for living-room practice. I have even used it on recordings, and you can get some really cool rock and heavy blues tones out of it. It has a master volume (which is handy for getting that lovely Marshall overdrive at low volume), and has two switchable channels (clean + overdrive). It has emulated headphones out, and closed back. Can't say enough good things about this. Awesome sounding. Specs: 10W • Custom-voiced 6-1/2" speaker • 2 channels: clean and overdrive • Contour control radically modifies the midrange, from traditional to scooped modern • CD input "for jam-along purposes" • Emulated line out for recording • Emulated headphone jack for silent practice • 295 x 310 x 190mm • 5kg (11 lbs.).

PEDALS

Pedal Board #1:
I have bought various pedals bought over the years. In total I have 13 pedals plus power-supply. The above picture shows the pedals I currently have in the studio, mounted on the excellent Nano+ Pedaltrain: (L-R): Boss Metal Zone MT2, Boss Distortion DS-1, Super Overdrive SD-1, Electro Harmonix Big Muff (fuzz pedal), Boss Super Chorus CH-1.

Pedal Board #2:
This picture was taken during a test of the patch-bay, but you can see the 2nd pedal board here, again mounted on a Nano+ pedal train (Top-to-Bottom): Boss Chromatic Tuner TU-2, Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808, TC Electronic Ditto Looper, TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb, Fulltone PlimSoul distortion. I could not live without the Ditto looper (excellent for practicing guitar), and I had to get a Fulltone PlimSoul after hearing the amazing sound that Manny Charlton (Nazareth) got when playing through this guitar.

More pedals: As usual, I swap pedals in & out on the pedal boards when required. These two pedals are currently "on display" in the studio: a Boss Tremolo TR-2 and a Boss Digital Delay - DD-6.

Part of the pedal collection, photo taken for the Something from Nothing DVD. Check out: Episode 10: "The Fluffy Jackets' pedal show" (video)

After Manny Charlton's passing in July 2022, his family approached me and asked if I wanted to acquire some of his equipment. This is one of the two pedals I got - a Keeley Compressor - which Manny liked very much to use along with his Telecaster guitar (producing the "Nashville sound" as he said). This pedal also appears in the Something from Nothing DVD, where Manny goes through his guitar effect pedals.

In The Fluffy Jackets' Something from Nothing documentary (2019) Manny Charlton presented his guitar pedals and said that this pedal "is one I can't live without". As can be seen it has had some heavy use through the years (touring with Nazareth and solo). I love the fact that it is totally beat up. I can't find a 9-volt charger that fits, but it works fine with a 9v battery, though the back-plate is long gone & it is held together with gaffa-tape (we are talking classic rock, after all!). It has mojo to spare, this pedal.. It has been used live with Nazareth in the 1980's and on countless of recordings.


As I purchased Manny's Lap Steel guitar, I also got Manny's slide which is now residing in my studio, and I use this to record all my slide-guitar parts. It is a very nice personal memento to have, as I use it often.

PEOPLE WITH THE GUITARS
Some more pictures for your viewing pleasure:

Manny Charlton performing with Nazareth in 1977 using the Gibson Flying V guitar, modified by UK luthier John Birch. Manny Charlton used the Gibson Flying V guitar on Nazareth's albums Playin' the Game (1976) and Expect No Mercy (1977) and can be heard on the recordings of "Somebody to Roll", "Kentucky Fried Blues", "Down Home Girl" and "Flying". It also features on his solo album "Sharp Re-loaded". The story about the guitar is also documented on (guitar luthier) John Birch's Wikipedia page

In the above YouTube video, you can view a detailed run-through of the Gibson Flying V guitar, showcasing some of the custom appointments made on this instrument from UK luthier Jim Birch. This guitar episode is taken from The Fluffy Jackets' "Something from Nothing" DVD documentary

Helge aquired the guitar in 2015 (Manny sold it prior to moving from Fort Worth/ Dallas USA to Cordoba, Spain). Here posing with the Gibson Flying V guitar for The Fluffy Jackets' album-release "Something from Nothing" (2019).

Previous owner & original Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton with the Duesenberg Starplayer guitar. The guitar appears in the 'Everything Must Change' music video (from the Fluffy Jackets' "Something from Nothing" album which was produced by Manny Charlton). The above picture is taken 28 February 2022 at point of sale at Manny's Madmento Studio in Cordoba, Spain.

Original Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton presented the Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster (1962 relic) in Episode 6 of the The Fluffy Jackets documentary "Something From Nothing". The guitar also appears in the 'Everything Must Change' music video. Manny sold the guitar to the current owner on the 1st of March 2022.

I got this guitar from Manny Charlton's estate in 2022. You can learn more about this guitar on YouTube, as Manny Charlton presented the guitar he built in The Fluffy Jackets' "Rig Rundown" interview from the "Something from Nothing" (2019) album documentary. This guitar was also used on The Fluffy Jackets' first single "Why Don't You Smile" on the Fighting Demons (2014) album; You can read more about this guitar here.

Manny Charlton had his Hofner Lap Steel modified by cutting out the guitar-body / wood right underneath the top of fretboard, making it easier to access the higher frets (Manny liked to play the guitar like a conventional guitar, as the picture above shows). Manny Charlton used the 1950's Hofner Lap Steel throughout his career with Nazareth, and later on his solo-work.

Photo session for the first Fluffy Jackets EP (2007), feat. special guest Neil Murray (original Whitesnake bassist), featuring the Gibson Les Paul Standard, 2005 model.

This is the receipt for the purchase of the Gibson Les Paul Standard during a memorable road trip to Nashville in 2005.

MORE GUITAR "GROUP PHOTOS":

2022 - the "collection".

Headstock gallore.

The collection in March 2022, before selling the Mexico-strat. My daughter wanted to name these guitars (L-R): Metal, Ocean 9, Forest, Cloud 9, Miami Beach, Beach, Bear, Fluff, Ryan & Jessica

The collection as it was in 2020 (before I sold the two Startocasters (including the black Eric Clapton Signature Stratocater).

Two good looking friends! Absolutely love these American-made Les Pauls.

LIST OVER PREVIOUSLY OWNED INSTRUMENTS

Fender Classic Player '60s Series Stratocaster, 2014 mod. Made in Mexico (SOLD 6 Mar. 2022)
Purchased from the original owner in Drammen Norway, July 2020. I sold it 6 March 2022 because I recently had acquired a Custom Shop Stratocaster, so this guitar was surplus to my requirements. The guitar is designed by Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Greg Fessler, and built to his specifications by the Fender production plant in Mexico. Fender Custom Shop says «you get the head of the custom shop department, but hands of the build team in Mexico». It is based on 60’s specs, but with updated 12in fretboard – makes it modern and easy to bend strings – and also medium jumbo frets. Features Custom Shop pick-ups. Great value guitar, plays great • Specifications • Model Name: Classic Player '60s Stratocaster • Series: Classic Player • Sonic Blue #0141100372 • Body: Alder • Body Shape: Stratocaster • Body Finish: Polyester • "C" Shape Neck • Number of Frets: 21 • Fret Size: Medium Jumbo • Fretboard Radius: 12" Radius (305 mm) • Fretboard: Rosewood (later 2017 models came with Pau Ferro board, but this 2014 guitar is rosewood) • Neck Material: Maple • Neck Finish: Gloss Urethane • Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm) • · Scale Length: 25.5" (64.8 cm) • Neck Plate: Custom 4 Bolt Neckplate • Electronics • Pickup Configuration: S/S/S • Bridge Pickup: Custom '69 Single-Coil Strat Bridge Pickup • Middle Pickup: Custom '69 Single-Coil Strat Middle Pickup • Neck Pickup: Custom '69 Single-Coil Strat Neck Pickup • Pick Ups made with alnico 5 magnets and enamel-coated magnet wire • Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup • Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Middle Pickup) • Hardware: Chrome • Bridge: Vintage Style 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Stamped Steel Saddles • Tuning Machines: Vintage Style Tuning Machines • String Nut: Synthetic Bone • Switch Tip: Aged White Switch Tip • Tremolo Arm/Handle: Vintage Style Tremolo Arm • Tools • Saddle Height Adjustment Wrench: .050" Hex (Allen) Wrench •· Unique Features: Aged Knobs and Switch Tip • Vintage Style Tuning Machines • Custom '69 Single-Coil Strat Pickups • 21 Medium Jumbo Frets • "Custom Shop Designed" Neck Plate • Vintage Style 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo • 12" Fingerboard Radius • Synthetic Bone Nut • Accessories • Case/Gig Bag: Deluxe Gig Bag • Pickguard: 3-Ply Mint Green • Serial MX14527322 • Modified with strap locks (Dunlop). Point of interest: Fender has also made this guitar available in 3-Color Sunburst or Candy Apple Red.

Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton "Blackie" Stratocaster, 2004 mod. Made in USA (SOLD, Mar. 2021).
This guitar was purchased in Denmark Street, London UK in 2009, second hand from the owner of a guitar shop there. I had this guitar for over 10 years and recorded parts of the "Fighting Demons" album with it. The Eric Clapton signature Stratocaster was launched in 2004, so this is from the first year of production, built by Fender's Custom Shop. Specifications: Model Name: Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster • Maple Fingerboard • Black • Series: Custom Artist • Body Shape: Stratocaster • Body Material: Select Alder • Body Finish: Urethane • Neck Material: Maple • Neck Shape: Soft "V" • Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm) • Fingerboard Radius: 9.5" (241 mm) • Number of Frets: 22 • Fret Size: Vintage Style • String Nut: Bone • Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm) • Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Serialized • Neck Finish: Satin Urethane • Fingerboard: Maple • Position Inlays: Black Dot • Electronics • Bridge Pickup: Vintage Noiseless™ Single-Coil Strat • Middle Pickup: Vintage Noiseless™ Single-Coil Strat • Neck Pickup: Vintage Noiseless™ Single-Coil Strat • Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. Master TBX™ Tone Control, Tone 2. Master Active Mid Boost (0-25dB) • Mid boost kit • Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup • Pickup Configuration: SSS • Special Electronics: TBX™ Tone Circuit • Hardware • Bridge: Blocked American Vintage Synchronized Tremolo • Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style • Orientation: Right-Hand • Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome • Pickguard: 1-Ply White • Control Knobs: White Plastic • Switch Tips: White • Miscellaneous • Unique Features: Special Soft "V" Shape Neck, Blocked Tremolo, Active Mid-Boost Circuit, Eric Clapton's Signature on Headstock • Deluxe Hardshell Case • Serial CN95869 • Certificate of Authenticity was gone by the time the guitar was purchased in 2009 • Modified with strap locks (Dunlop) • Point of interest: This guitar was used during the Sun Studio Session in 2011, feat. Manny Charlton (Nazareth), Neil Murray (Whitesnake) and Rob Hall (Jerry Lee Lewis' Killer Band). You can hear it on the intro to "Your Way" off the Fighting Demons Album (2014).

Helge pictured at Sun Studio, Memphis TN, 2011 during the recording for the Fighting Demons album (2014) - with the Eric Clapton signature Stratocaster.

The white Epiphone Les Paul custom (SOLD 2005)
This white Epiphone Les Paul Custom was purchased new from a guitar shop in Hanwell (Acton, West London) around 2003. I decided to upgrade the pick-ups and I had it fitted it with two Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates humbuckers, which are modelled after Billy Gibbons' famed 1959 sunburst Les Paul. This modification cost 200 UK pounds at the time (2004) and the job was professionally done by The Music Dept (store) in St. Albans, UK. I used this white Epiphone whilst I was in my first band called Random in west London. I since sold the guitar to my brother, so I still get to play it from time to time. A wonderful guitar. Serial # = unknown.

The black Les Paul copy (SOLD 2003)
The first guitar I owned was a Japanese Les Paul copy, which I bought in Wimbledon in the late 1990's for the princely sum of 100 UK Pounds along with a small 10w Marshall amp (which I still have). It had no brand name on it but it looked cool and stayed in tune, so I used to play that for years. I used that on the very first gig I played in Acton in early 2000's. It was lightweight and I regret that I sold it - I think I got 50 pounds for it. Serial # = unknown.

Relevant links for more information:

Something from Nothing documentary, Episode 8: "The Fluffy Jackets Rig Rundown" (video)

Something from Nothing, Episode 10: "The Fluffy Jackets' pedal show" (video)

Manny Charlton's Gibson Flying V guitar (article and videos, including Nazareth performing "Hair of the Dog" in 1977).