Pete Southern
Balance of Power's fret-wizard has been with BOP since 1998. His crunching, highly technical fretting and shredding has forged the rich
guitar-based BOP style over the years. This quiet, unassuming character comes alive in the musical environment, particularly in the song-writing and recording processes and and his playing style en richens a great number
of young players with a strong yet disciplined playing style. Here's how Pete responds to his Q+A's.
What are your main Influences?
“ Many bands and their guitarists. Primarily, Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhodes, Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker, Akira Takasaki, Gary Moore, John Sykes and John Petrucci.”
What is your all-time favourite album?
“Images and Words by Dream Theatre”
What guitars do you use?
“
I use a variety of guitars for live and recording, which includes the following; Charvel Soloist, Gibson Les Paul Custom, Fernandes Custom super Stratocaster, Washburn EC36, Fender custom Stratocaster and Fender Roland Ready Strat, Peavey VType Ltd
”
What about strings?
“ Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky 010-046 and my picks Jim Dunlop small stubby 3mm. ”
What about your amps?
“ It varies. Studio recording involves a Sansamp PSA-1 pre amp through a vintage Hi Watt 100 valve head and a Marshall 4-12 cabinet. My live rig is currently a Peavey MkI 5150 head and an Engl Savage 60 head both through Marshall cabinets. ”
What effects to do run?
“ That, too, varies. Live, I use a variety of Boss Pedals including a TU2 Tuner, the OC2 Octave, the NS2 Noise Suppressor and a Dimension C Zoom programmable delay, a Jim Dunlop 535Q Wah pedal,a MXR Microamp and Monster cables with patch cords. In the Studio I also use a Roland GR30 guitar synthesiser and a Roland VG8EX for some guitar sounds and effects.”
What else are you interested in?
“ Other interests include history books, computers and movies. ”
Previous/Other involvements
Kid Wicked {1991-1994}
Recorded works: “Non-stop Primitive” (Wickedtunes)
Vandamne (1987-1994)
“If you are unfamiliar with Balance of Power than you have no excuse or have a better reason for discovering them. Brilliant!”.