Andy Lefton (War//Plague – guitar)
SPB: What guitar model do you play in War//Plague and how does it lend to “the War//Plague sound”?
Lefton: It took some time to get the signature sound we wanted. Staying heavy and retaining clarity while playing blistering fast was something we strived for. As we grew, we knew we were in for the long haul, so it was vital for us to invest in gear that we could have for the rest of our lives. Having two guitarists meant working in sync with different tones and layers.
Starting out as a young musician I used what I could get my hands on, but over time I learned it wasn’t so much about the noise, but how to define that noise into your own identity without riding the coattails of others. I initially worked off some influences, asking who was happy with what sounds, etc. but over time realized you need to understand the art and science of investing in good gear of your own.
After my Peavey, B.C. Rich, Jackson, Line 6 Solid State phases, I ended up with what I feel is damn good sound for what we’re doing. My current set up is a Schecter Damien 6 guitar with Seymour Duncan Invader pickups, Blackstar HT 100 Metal head and Line 6 cab with V30s. The native overdrive from the Blackstar is fantastic! I previously came from a Peavey 6505+ head, which was great as well, but there’s no noise gate built in, so that began a domino effect of buying numerous pedals to control the sound and I just got tired of daisy chaining what I needed. So after years of growing pains, I think we’re in a good spot!
