Yngwie Malmsteen: GIBSON Made Me A STRAT!

In a MusicRadar interview, guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen was asked, If you had to play another guitar besides a Stratocaster, what would you choose? Surprisingly he went on to say that Gibson guitars build him a strat back in the day!

he said:

"Nah. There's nothing else. A Stratocaster is the guitar for me. I can't think of any other kind of guitar, really. If I really had to choose something, OK, perhaps a Flying V. But you know, I'm pretty much a purist and very set in my ways. Even if I was playing air guitar, it would be with a Stratocaster. [laughs]

"I'll tell you something kind of funny. Years ago, when I first started becoming known, Gibson contacted me and asked if they could make a guitar for me. I told them, 'I only play Strats.' And they were like, 'Whatever you want, Yngwie, we'll build it for you.' So I said, 'In that case, build me a Strat.'

"And they did! I was only joking, but they built me a Stratocaster-shaped Gibson, and it had a scalloped neck and everything. I still have it - it's this red, Stratocaster-like guitar, but it's made by Gibson. Plays nice. But you know me, I'm a real Fender Stratocaster guy till the end."

[rmnews]

If you had to play only one type of guitar, what would you choose?!

[jamesgretsch]

He speaks the truth and that angers people.

[jamessenuta]

Dave mustain is way better at playing guitar than kirt hammit

[Hilariumosis]

Who else can say they have a Gibson Stratocaster? That's seriously cool.

[nickwaters]

"and Ritchie Blackmore gave me a giant ego."

[hesch-tag]

He gives his honest opinion. Do you want him to lie to please you?

[kengihepworth]

He plays a strat because Ritchie did. Influence Is part of everyone. The masters as well.

[diamondbreak]

Kirk was a big part of Metallica's popularity because his solos weren't too hard but accessible for newbies causing a lot of people to play their songs. And talking about the skills, I agree with him.
BTW, Yngwie's solos are so boring, just like the most shredders of that era. Gutrie Govan is like saving lives now.

[AndrewHank]

So Fender could have sued Gibson too for copying their Strat, like how they were suing all the Japanese companies that were copying the Strats at that time 😂

[darrinros]

No way I would recognize him with out a Stratocaster.

[stevenbrewer]

i really agree with king, its really about the riff that opens the hook for the grove, malmsteen just seems to be this great machine, and far as metal, everyone likes there own style of music you can't really ever knock somone for what they like to listen to...

[univibe]

I've listened to him and he's damn good! If I could pay with that speed and precision I'd have an ego the size of Mt. Everest!! Play on Bro!!

[musicgarryj]

Wonder what he thinks of the PRS Silver Sky?

[vmat]

I love his stance. Some folks might recall the Gibson V he had with Strat electronics. This goes back to '85 or so and i hope YJM still has it. I have 2 V's and never forgot that one. Whatever else is up to him. He's tried to stay true to the axe he loves. I appreciate that.

[Mr.Goldbar]

The only Strat that I personally like is my 1995 Fender Richie Sambora Mexican Strat. It's one of my favorite instruments, but other than that I don't like Strats at all

[Ogscottyp]

Kirk had even said that going back through a lot of their old stuff, he noticed all of the out of tune bends, timing issues and tuning woes.

[song]

As far as I know, most recorded Metallica solos from late 80s are played by James (but Kirk plays it live)

[Djentfan]

I kinda wish they would at least show it...

[calebproductions]

What? Yngwie played more guitars than the strat. He played aria pro 2, and others.

[zombiemachinery]

I'm a strat dude as well. I just don't have the money to afford the custom strat I want. So I have a king v Jackson guitar and a really nice LTD with 81-85 EMGs.