Bernard's Guitars

Curious question, back in 1993 Bernard went most of the show with a Gibson ES-335 and now has gone to the more compact Gibson SG400, I think. Anyone know the reason why? I love the tone he gets from the ES-335 in the older. Now, granted I have a cherry SG similiar to Bernard's and love it, but do I love the look and sound of the ES-335. Also, why doesn't Gillian break out the Rickenbacker as she did in 93?

I can answer this because Bernard and I actually talked about this very subject. He said he prefers playing the Gibson SG400 these days because he prefers its more robust and "punk" sound. His exact words: "It just sounds more punk, you know?"

Good topic - was just re-visiting 316 yesterday and noticed Bernard was having feedback issues with the 335 back even then, perhaps that was part of it? The solid body of the SG might make it a bit easier to manage in that regard. I'm a 335 fan, and notice Bernard's used at least 3 over the years, the dark (merlot?) one from the TPK and (possibly) Regret filmclips, a tobacco burst one with dog-ear P90s and another burst one with PAF humbuckers; I liked that one so much that I finally got one myself... around the time he switched back to the SG. Typical, as I never cared much for SGs myself, but mixed with an AC30, it is quite punky and punchy I guess.

Gillian and the Rick - would be terrific to behold, but wasn't that only on Dream Attack? Given that track unfortunately doesn't get an airing these days, that might be why? (assuming I'm right about that being the only song she uses it on, which I am probably not). In any case, a good reason to bring the song back into the set...

ZASmusic wrote: I can answer this because Bernard and I actually talked about this very subject. He said he prefers playing the Gibson SG400 these days because he prefers its more robust and "punk" sound. His exact words: "It just sounds more punk, you know?"

Zak, how did I know you would have asked this? I actually picked up the guitar at 35 after meeting the band in 2013 and started lessons. I had always wanted to learn. Talking with the band and seeing how much fun they were having pushed me over the edge. I like the SG400 quite a bit too, but I do love the look and feel of the ES-335 and some of the cheaper clones (Epihone, Washburn, etc.). Thanks, and I still listen to your album quite a bit. Cheers!

WE can only hope Dream Attack finds away back to the setlist.

I thought Bernard played a Gibson 330 not a 335?

markgerard wrote: I thought Bernard played a Gibson 330 not a 335?

He's got both - it's the 330 with the dogear p90's in the Reading DVD, like this;

but the PAF humbucker pickups are on the 335, and he's been playing that on and off since 1980, apparently;