Geared Up: Spider Rockets guitarist Johnny Nap on his 1995 and 2011 Gibson Les Pauls

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Johnny Nap, guitarist for the melodic hard rock band Spider Rockets, about the gear he used when recording the band’s latest release, Bitten. This female-fronted rock group has a knack for creating solid, melodic tunes with classic rock influences that are more than enjoyable to listen to. Here’s what Nap had to say about his gear.

What kind of gear did you use when recording the new album Bitten (guitar and amp setup)?
Johnny: For amps I mainly used a Mesa Boogie Trem-O-Verb. That was used for most leads and rhythm tracks for the album. I also used a Bogner Ecstasy and Peavey 5150 for other rhythm tracks. I used a vintageVox Cambridge in “Twilight Zone” and “Bring me Around”. I also used a vintage Fender Bassman with a Leslie for the beginning of “Twilight Zone”. For guitars, I used a 1995 Gibson Les Paul and a 2011 Gibson Les Paul.

Besides guitar what other instruments do you play?
Johnny: I played bass and keyboard parts on the album.

How many guitars do you own?
Johnny: I own 3: a 1995 Gibson Les Paul Classic Premium Plus 1960 reissue, a 2011 Gibson Les Paul Traditional 1960 and a 1990-something Ovation acoustic. The 1995 Gibson Les Paul is my baby. It was my first Les Paul and I fell in love with it instantly. So much so that I have it tattooed on my left forearm. The guitar is an extension of me. I don’t have to think about it when I play it. I am so attached to my 1995 Les Paul; I picked up the 2011 Gibson Les Paul as a backup since it has many similarities to my 1995.

Do you use special tunings on the guitar?
Johnny: Yes, drop D.

What is the most difficult aspect of recording your distinctive guitar sound?
Johnny: Capturing my live guitar sound in the studio and making sure that I can translate it live as well. I like seeing a band when the sounds of the guitar and leads are the same as the recorded CD. Something about experiencing that makes the recording come alive to me, so I try to make that happen when I record and perform live.

Overall, which guitarists have you been the most inspired by?
Johnny: Tony Rombola can take a chord progression and turn it into an awesome rhythm pattern like no other. Even a single chord can sound like a complex chord pattern. Stevie Ray played with feel and made the guitar talk when he played it. His playing style also had crossover appeal to rock and blues fans alike.

Past or present other than Spider Rockets if you could be a guitarist for any other band, which band would it be?
Johnny: 60s it would be The Doors. They took rock music to a new place by merging jazz with rock and using keyboards for bass, having such mass appeal over generations and huge staying power. 70s it would be Kiss. A stage show like no other with each member of the band as a different “character” that made the show fun to watch. 80s it would be Guns n Roses. Balls out rebellion. FTW attitude with great songs. 90s it would be Godsmack. Great guitar riffs and rhythms that make you head bang.

Did you have formal education on the guitar?
Johnny: I had lessons when I was a kid and was self taught from there. The rest was learned onstage. My first guitar lessons were group lessons in a local park. I loved the way the guitar sounded and how it made me feel. Playing guitar was my creative outlet and I listened to music constantly.

Do you think about distinguishing the guitar performances and sounds from release to release?
Johnny: Yes, because you are always in a different place for each album. Bottom line is though, you gotta play for the song. If the song calls for a lighter tone or feel, then that’s what I give.

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