Gear Review: Upon Wings guitarist Kevin Jardine talks about his ESP Guitars

I recently spoke with guitarist Kevin Jardine of the Gothic/Operatic Rock/Metal band Upon Wings. The group has a unique sound and is fronted by vocalist Anne Autumn Erickson, a classically-trained dramatic mezzo-soprano. The band is set to release their newest EP, Afterlife, on January 15th and Jardine took a moment to let us in on the secret to his signature sound.

What one piece if gear do you use to obtain your signature sound?
Kevin: ESP guitars… they are the best guitars for rock to metal, and pretty much everything else you can play on them… balanced, great tone, and great build.

What about it makes it so important to you?
Kevin: I always start writing a song with a guitar in my hand and 99% it’s always an ESP.

What are the major pros and cons?
Kevin: Pros… they can withstand touring and still hold up in a studio setting where detail is everything. Cons, I only have about 15, and need more!

How long have you had it, how do you use it, would you ever change it?
Kevin: I’ve been playing ESP guitars since ’99, and I’ll never change.

Any final thoughts or comments on the gear?
Kevin: I put Seymour Duncan JB pickups in them, that is my tone… well that and my fingers.

Check out the song: “The Dream (I’m Only Happy When I’m Sleeping)”