The guitar world is full of talented musicians, each with their own unique style and approach to playing the instrument. One guitarist who has made a significant impact on the music scene is Harvey Mandel, also known as “The Sustain King.” In a recent interview with Guitar Player magazine, Mandel shared his thoughts on music, guitar technique, and his admiration for fellow guitarist Eddie Van Halen.
Mandel’s career began in 1968 with the release of his solo debut album, “Cristo Redentor.” However, the album was overshadowed by the success of Jeff Beck’s “Truth,” which came out around the same time. Despite this, “Cristo Redentor” was hailed as a masterpiece, showcasing Mandel’s ability to blend various genres like rock, jazz, blues, and soul. The album featured innovative guitar work, including the use of backward guitar effects, a technique popularized by The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix.
Collaborations
Over the years, Mandel collaborated with notable musicians and bands such as Canned Heat, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and The Rolling Stones. He continued to release albums and explore his guitar prowess. His latest album, “Who’s Calling,” was released in 2022 and showcases Mandel’s dazzling chops and sustain lines.
When discussing his latest album, Mandel revealed that it was a departure from his previous works. Instead of recording with a full band, he used pre-recorded rhythm tracks and laid down his guitar parts using Pro Tools. Mandel experimented with different guitar sounds and effects, resulting in a technically impressive and musically engaging album.
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Guitars Used by Harvey Mandel
Mandel also talked about his preferred guitars, mentioning his collection of special guitars, including a John Petrucci Music Man guitar for achieving a Strat sound and three custom Ken Parker guitars. He also discussed his use of a Parker Fly Mojo with DiMarzio pickups, which he affectionately refers to as his “Snake Guitar.” Mandel emphasized the importance of finding the right guitar for each musical situation.
Reflecting on his earlier albums, such as “Cristo Redentor” and “Righteous,” Mandel expressed his fondness for the Les Paul guitar. However, he revealed that he no longer has the Les Paul he used on “Cristo Redentor” due to an unfortunate incident involving a guitar tech’s unsuccessful attempt to install a Floyd Rose on it. Despite losing that particular guitar, Mandel remains satisfied with his current selection of instruments.
Musical Approach
Throughout the interview, Mandel showcased his intuitive approach to music and the guitar. He explained that he relies on his ears and instinct when creating music, rather than reading notes or transcribing solos. Mandel’s creative process involves experimenting and recording multiple takes until he finds the magic in each song.
In closing, Mandel shared his admiration for Eddie Van Halen, mentioning how he inspired a young Van Halen with his two-handed tapping technique. Mandel’s influence on guitarists like Van Halen showcases the far-reaching impact of his innovative guitar playing.
Harvey Mandel’s interview with Guitar Player magazine provides a glimpse into the mind of a masterful guitarist. His career spanning over five decades is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. As he continues to overcome health challenges, Mandel’s passion for music and the guitar remains undiminished, evident in his latest album, “Who’s Calling.”