André Olbrich
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| André Olbrich | |
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 Andre at Gods of Metal fest, 2007
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| Background information | |
| Born | May 3, 1967 , Düsseldorf, Germany |
| Genre(s) | Power metal, Thrash metal, heavy metal |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar |
| Years active | 1984 – present |
| Associated acts | Blind Guardian |
André Olbrich (born May 3, 1967, in Düsseldorf, Germany) is the lead guitarist of the German power metal band Blind Guardian. He is one of the band's founders together with vocalist Hansi Kürsch, and serves as one of its main songwriters.
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[edit] Personal
Olbrich is married and has one son. He was a school friend of Hansi Kürsch's. He is known to be sociable with fans, often chatting with them after concerts.
Olbrich's favorite books are The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, both by J. R. R. Tolkien; he has stated that his dream is to create an orchestral rock-opera for these epics. His favorite game is alternately listed as Baldur's Gate II and World of Warcraft.
[edit] Professional
Olbrich's style is influenced by his favourite bands, which include Judas Priest, Metallica and Black Sabbath. Additionally Olbrich uses much the staccato technique and many other Thrash metal techniques.[citation needed] He is listed on Guitar World's list of the "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists" at #76.[citation needed] André's guitar work revolves around vocalist Hansi Kursch's singing. Detractor's of this state that Olbrich's playing does not follow true metal format, due its lack of shred guitar in solos. Like many other guitarists however (in particular Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman) he believes having his own style is more important than being good at what someone else already has done.
[edit] Equipment
Olbrich has been known to use the following:[verification needed]
- ESP Original Series Horizon Custom
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple (Neck-thru)
- Pickups: 2x EMG 81
- Floyd Rose Tremolo System
- 24 Jumbo Frets
- ESP Original Series M-II Neck Thru
- Body: Alder with Maple Top
- Neck: Maple (Neck-thru)
- Pickups: 1x EMG 81 (bridge) 1x EMG SA (neck)
- Floyd Rose Tremolo System
- 24 Jumbo Frets
- ESP Original Series Explorer Custom
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Maple (Neck-thru)
- Pickups: 2x EMG 81
- Floyd Rose Tremolo System
- 24 Jumbo Frets
- Ovation Legend
- Strings: D'Addario .010 - .046
- Picks: Jim Dunlop Nylon 1 MM
- Amp: Engl Straight
- Cabinets: 2x Marshall 1960 ( A & B
- Rack
- ENGL Powerball
- Furman Powerconditioner
- Shure LX Wireless System
- Rocktron Patchmate
- Yamaha SPX 990
- Ibanez Tubescreamer
- Hughes & Kettner "Red Box" Pro
- Morley Power Wah
- Dunlop crybaby 535q (used during A Twist In The Myth tour)
- Boss AC2 Acoustic Simulator
[edit] External links
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