Guthrie Govan has embraced a fully digital rig, a move he says provides him with creative freedom and capabilities that traditional tube amps can’t match.
As digital amp technology advances, the gap between modelers and tube amps continues to shrink, even to trained ears. Many musicians, including staunch tube amp enthusiasts, are increasingly opting for digital solutions. Govan, known for his work with The Aristocrats and Hans Zimmer, shared his perspective during a recent Charvel guitar clinic in Dubai.
Jokingly referring to the transition as “selling his soul,” Govan elaborated on his decision to switch:
“I grew up using single-channel valve amps, and now here I am with this digital monstrosity. I still want to feel like I have a real amp behind me, and that [points to a Laney 4X12 FRFR speaker] gives me that feeling. It inspires me and makes me play differently—hopefully better.”
Govan highlighted the combination of Laney’s full-range, flat-response (FRFR) cabinet and the Fractal FM-9 as a setup that allows him to create unique and expansive sounds. This adaptability is particularly valuable for his collaborations with Hans Zimmer. He explained:
“You can load the impulse response of a violin body into the speaker block of the Fractal unit, and suddenly, you’re playing violin tones through a guitar. That kind of freedom is why I use this digital monstrosity, even though it flies in the face of decades of principles I’ve held.”
The shift to digital was initially prompted by Govan’s work with Hans Zimmer’s live band, where traditional amps couldn’t be accommodated due to shared stage space with a choir and orchestra. Reflecting on this transition, he said:
“My modeling journey began about a decade ago with Hans’ live band. We couldn’t use real amps on stage, so digital solutions became necessary. Over time, I realized that an all-digital approach allows me to craft more genre-appropriate tones for each song, rather than relying on a single amp to cover all the sonic ground.”
Govan’s story underscores the growing trend among professional musicians to adopt digital rigs, showcasing the versatility and creative possibilities that these setups offer in modern music.
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