MELBOURNE GUITAR FESTIVAL INTERVIEWS: ALISON FERRIER

Fave guitar brand & why

I don’t have a favourite brand but I do love the 1970s Japanese electrics. I currently play a Hondo II which is a Strat copy. Great sound, looks cool and was cheap. What more could you want?

Most memorable music moment

I recently supported Saharan Desert band Tinariwen at the Melbourne Recital Hall. I won’t forget that in a hurry.

Guitarist that inspired me to learn to play

My older brother, Stuart, inspired me to first pick up a guitar when I was about nine. I learned to pick out tunes and play a few chords with his Spanish classical guitar using his Mel Bay book. I pretty much wanted to do whatever he was doing. Glad he wasn’t into the keytar!

How many guitars I own & my personal fave

I only have a 70s Ibanez acoustic and my Hondo II, as mentioned before. I’m not into owning lots of guitars, once I find one I like, I stick with it.

Gibson vs Fender- which do you love?

I guess at a push I’d have to say Fender as I don’t play anything made by Gibson. I often play through a little Fender Bronco which I love, it’s a ripper.

Most under rated guitarist in music & why?

Paul McCartney. His solos on Back In The USSR and Taxman are bloody fantastic and what about his picking on Blackbird! Stunning. I would imagine many people would be unaware that he even plays guitar.