Unleashing Sonic Magic: Mike Vennart's Love Affair with Unbeatable Squier Strats!
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Mike Vennart: A Left-Handed Guitarist’s Journey Through Strings and Sound
In this installment of Bought & Sold, we are thrilled to feature Mike Vennart, a musician whose contributions to bands like Oceansize, biffy Clyro, and Empire State Bastard have garnered immense respect. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the world of left-handed guitarists, a viewpoint frequently enough overlooked in the music community.
Despite the challenges faced by left-handed players in finding suitable instruments, Vennart has curated an notable collection. He shares insights on his first guitars, offers purchasing tips, and reveals that he is still on the hunt for his dream vintage electric guitar.
First Serious Purchase: A Journey Begins
Starting his musical journey at a young age, Vennart was blessed to recieve quality instruments from his mother, including a Japanese squier Strat that remains a staple in his collection.”It’s an amazing piece of gear that I still play today,” he reflects.
Though, the first guitar he intentionally bought was a Fender Jazzmaster.”Back in 2008, finding a left-handed Jazzmaster in the UK was nearly impractical. Even with connections at Fender, I was told they simply didn’t produce them for lefties,” he recalls. Determined, he reached out to Fender Japan, who custom-built the guitar for him. “It’s one of my most versatile guitars. With a P-90 in the bridge, it can handle heavy riffs and delicate jangly chords alike.I use it frequently.”
Latest Acquisition: A Nod to Influences
Vennart’s most recent purchase is a Shergold Masquerader, a vintage British guitar from the 1970s. “As a huge fan of Cardiacs, and now a member of the band, I felt it was fitting to own a Masquerader, as several band members played them. However, I might not take it on stage with Cardiacs; that could be a bit too much of a tribute,” he laughs.
Unexpected Treasures: Lockdown Finds
During the lockdown, Vennart found himself with a surplus of air miles, which he converted into points to purchase a Godin 5th Avenue on eBay for around £350. “It’s not my typical style,but it has a certain elegance and works well for acoustic shows,even if it’s not purely acoustic,” he explains. “It inspires me, despite my general dislike for playing acoustic guitar. It has a single P-90 in the neck, and that’s all it needs.It’s fantastic.”
Buyer’s Remorse: A rare Occurrence
When asked about buyer’s remorse, Vennart admits he rarely experiences it. “I usually know exactly what I want before I buy. There have been a few guitars I’ve spent a lot modifying to get them right, but I prefer to try before I buy. As a left-handed player, options can be limited, so I get excited when I see a good-looking left-handed guitar. If it doesn’t resonate with me instantly, I move on.”
He recalls a particular purchase: “I have a 1978 Fender Strat that weighs more than any Les Paul I’ve ever played.It’s not the prettiest-just a sunburst with a black scratchplate-but it plays beautifully and sounds incredible. It was a important investment at around £2,400,but it was worth it.”
Mike Vennart: Insights from a Left-Handed Guitar Virtuoso
In this feature of Bought & Sold, we delve into the world of Mike Vennart, a celebrated musician known for his work with bands like Oceansize, Biffy Clyro, and Empire State Bastard. This discussion provides a unique perspective from a left-handed guitarist, a viewpoint that is often underrepresented in the music industry.
Despite the challenges faced by left-handed players in finding suitable instruments, Vennart has managed to assemble an impressive collection. He shares his experiences with his first guitars, offers valuable purchasing advice, and reveals that he is still on the lookout for his dream vintage electric guitar.
First Guitar Purchase: A Memorable Beginning
Vennart’s musical journey began early, thanks to his mother, who gifted him quality instruments, including a Japanese Squier Strat that he still cherishes. “It’s an incredible piece of equipment that I continue to play,” he shares.
However, the first guitar he intentionally bought was a Fender Jazzmaster. “Back in 2008, it was nearly impossible to find a left-handed Jazzmaster in the UK. Even with connections at Fender, I was told they simply didn’t produce them for lefties,” he recalls. Determined to have one, he contacted Fender Japan, who custom-built the guitar for him. “It’s one of my most versatile guitars. With a P-90 in the bridge, it can handle heavy riffs and delicate jangly chords alike. I use it frequently.”
Recent Acquisition: A tribute to Influences
Vennart’s latest addition to his collection is a Shergold Masquerader, a vintage British guitar from the 1970s. “As a huge fan of Cardiacs, and now a member of the band, I felt it was fitting to own a Masquerader, as several band members played them. However, I might not take it on stage with Cardiacs; that could be a bit too much of a tribute,” he laughs.
Unexpected Treasures: Lockdown Discoveries
During the lockdown, Vennart found himself with a surplus of air miles, which he converted into points to purchase a Godin 5th Avenue on eBay for around £350. “It’s not my typical style, but it has a certain elegance and works well for acoustic shows, even if it’s not purely acoustic,” he explains. “It inspires me,despite my general dislike for playing acoustic guitar. It has a single P-90 in the neck, and that’s all it needs. It’s fantastic.”
Regrets and Reflections: The One That Got Away
When asked about any regrets regarding past guitar sales,Vennart admits he rarely experiences it. “I had a Butterscotch Tele that I tried everything to make playable. I swapped out pickups and made various modifications, but it never resonated with me. It sounded almost like a banjo,” he recalls. “Now, I occasionally see it online, and I think, ‘I used to love that guitar, but it never loved me back.’”
Buying Advice: The Hidden Gems
Vennart’s top suggestion for aspiring guitarists is the Japanese Squier Strats from the 1980s. “I own two, and one is my all-time dream guitar! While you might want to upgrade the pickups and tuners, these guitars are fantastic for beginners. They can truly enhance your playing experience,” he advises.”Their value is increasing, making them harder to find, but they are absolutely worth it!”
Mike Vennart’s guitars [L-R] ’80s Japanese Squier Strat,1978 Fender strat,Shergold Masquerader,Godin 5th Ave,fender Jazzmaster. (Image credit: Courtesy of Mike Vennart)
Guitar Shop Dreams: What Catches Your Eye?
Vennart shares his aspirations, “Every so often, I spot a left-handed 1952 Les Paul online and think, ‘If only I had a millionaire friend to buy it for me!’ I dream of owning a guitar from 1976, my birth year, but I hesitate to buy anything online without trying it first.” He adds, “Most Fenders and Gibsons from the ’70s have questionable quality control, making them risky purchases. However, I have a particular fondness for early ’70s hardtail Strats; they possess a lovely resonance and that bell-like chime that I adore.”
Biffy Clyro – Mountains // Live at Wembley – YouTube
Watch On
Guitar Gear Dilemma: Quality vs. Affordability
When faced with the choice between a high-quality guitar paired with a budget amp or a budget guitar with a premium amp, Vennart finds it a challenging decision. “I can argue both sides! Ultimately, I need a guitar that feels great, and you can find one without breaking the bank. You could even build your own for a reasonable price,” he explains.
He emphasizes the importance of amplifiers, stating, “The cabinet is crucial.You need the right speakers. I keep experimenting with different amps,but I always return to my Orange Retro 50. It’s straightforward-just five knobs and pure sound, delivering that thick british ‘Plexi’ tone.”
(Image credit: TORBEN CHRISTENSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)
Pickups Preference: Humbuckers vs. Single Coils
When it comes to pickups, Vennart leans towards single coils. “I can get a beefed-up single coil for the bridge. Most of my Strats have an overwound single coil that delivers a heavy sound, similar to a humbucker. However, I always prefer a single coil in the neck position,” he explains. “While I appreciate the sound of a humbucker in the bridge, I find neck humbuckers can be too muddy for my taste. They’re great for solos, but they don’t give me the clarity I desire.”
Mike’s Essential Gear Setup
For his performances with Biffy Clyro, Vennart relies on Laney amps, specifically the Laney Supergroup, inspired by his admiration for Tony Iommi. ”I needed more headroom for the increased reverb and modulation in my current setup,” he notes.
His guitar arsenal includes a PJD custom Saint John, featuring a Wide Range-style humbucker in the bridge and a Jazzmaster pickup in the neck. He also plays a Rigby custom T-style guitar equipped with Filter’Trons, a Les Paul Goldtop Standard, and a Gibson Tony Iommi SG with P-90s, which offers a gritty yet sweet sound.
In terms of pedals, Vennart uses a Klon clone for distortion, which he finds exceptionally articulate. He also incorporates a green Big Muff Pi V7 for additional effects and has recently started using Line 6 pedals, specifically the HX Stomp for modulation and reverb.For echo effects, he relies on the Boss DM-101 Delay Machine.
Mike Vennart: A Journey Through Guitar Gear and Sound
In the realm of guitar effects, Mike Vennart has a clear favourite: the Boss DM-2 delay pedal, which he considers the ultimate choice for achieving rich echoes. Though, he has recently discovered the Boss DM-101, which offers a stunningly ambient and lush delay effect. “The DM-101 features tap tempo functionality, making it a must-have for my setup,” he enthuses.”It’s simply phenomenal.”
Unleashing Sonic Magic: Mike Vennart’s Love Affair with Unbeatable Squier Strats!
Unleashing Sonic Magic: Mike Vennart’s Love Affair with Unbeatable Squier Strats!
The Allure of Squier Strats
Mike Vennart, renowned for his work with bands like Oceansize and Biffy Clyro, has a special place in his heart for Squier Strats. These guitars, often overlooked in favor of their more expensive counterparts, offer unbelievable value and versatility.Vennart’s journey with Squier Strats showcases their unique qualities and why they resonate with musicians worldwide.
Why Choose Squier Strats?
squier Strats are celebrated for several reasons:
Affordability: Squier guitars provide a budget-pleasant option without compromising on quality.
Versatility: They are suitable for various music genres, from rock to blues to pop.
Quality Craftsmanship: Many Squier models are crafted with attention to detail, ensuring a great playing experience.
Customization Potential: Squier Strats can be easily modified, allowing players to personalize their sound.
Mike vennart’s Personal Experience with Squier Strats
Vennart’s first encounter with a Squier Strat was transformative. He recalls, ”I started playing guitar at a young age, and my first serious instrument was a Japanese Squier Strat. It’s a fantastic piece of gear that I still use today.” This guitar laid the foundation for his musical journey, proving that quality doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag.
First-Hand Experience: The Versatility of Squier Strats
Vennart emphasizes the versatility of Squier Strats, stating, “I can play everything from heavy riffs to delicate melodies on my Squier. It adapts to my style effortlessly.” This adaptability makes Squier strats an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned players alike.
Benefits of Playing Squier strats
Here are some key benefits of choosing Squier Strats:
Benefit
Description
Cost-Effective
Affordable pricing allows musicians to invest in quality without breaking the bank.
Great Sound
Offers a rich, full tone that rivals more expensive models.
Lightweight
Easy to handle, making it ideal for long gigs or practice sessions.
Customizable
Players can easily swap pickups, change hardware, and modify their guitars.
Practical Tips for Choosing Your Squier Strat
When selecting a Squier Strat, consider the following tips:
Play Before You Buy: Always try the guitar in-store to ensure it feels right in your hands.
Check for Quality: Inspect the finish, fretwork, and hardware for any defects.
Consider Upgrades: Think about potential upgrades, such as new pickups or tuners, to enhance your sound.
Research Models: Familiarize yourself with different Squier models to find one that suits your style.
Case Studies: Successful Musicians who Love Squier Strats
Many successful musicians have embraced Squier Strats, proving their worth in the industry:
John Mayer: Known for his bluesy sound, Mayer has been spotted using Squier models in various performances.
James Hetfield: The Metallica frontman has praised Squier guitars for their reliability and sound quality.
Guitarists in Indie Bands: Many indie musicians favor squier Strats for their unique tones and affordability.
Enhancing Your Sound with Squier Strats
to maximize the potential of your Squier Strat, consider the following enhancements:
Pickup Upgrades: Swapping out stock pickups for higher-quality options can substantially improve tone.
String choices: Experiment with different string gauges to find the perfect feel and sound.
Pedal Effects: Incorporate effects pedals to expand your sonic palette. Vennart himself swears by the Boss DM-101 for its ambient delay capabilities.
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![Mike Vennart's guitars [L-R] '80s Japanese Squier Strat, 1978 Fender Strat, Shergold Masquerader, Godin 5th ave, Fender Jazzmaster](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fuBhCm8wNDsGomtchBiheG-1200-80.jpg.webp "Unleashing Sonic Magic: Mike Vennart's Love Affair with Unbeatable Squier Strats! 4")
