Alex Skolnick

On Skolnick's own personal website alexskolnick.com, he includes this instrument in his "guitar gallery." He writes: "The one that started it all! This is the guitar featured on the first wave of Testament albums, first seen in video for In "A Trial By Fire" where it caught the eye of MTV who included a quick flash of it in a promo clip alongside mostly pop videos (such as Peter Gabriel, Midnight Oil etc). Ibanez was also my first endorsement. As my playing developed and diversified, I eventually needed a guitar with more density & range (i.e. my current line of ESPs), however I'll always value this guitar. Its the one I was most identified with in the early years. Even though it doesn't see as much action these days, it'll always be with me."

In this photo we can see Alex Skolnick with an Ibanez 540P.

Alex has the guitar in the gallery on his personal website and you can see more details about the Heritage Signature here.

In this image we can see Alex playing his signature ESP.

40 years before my main SG came into being in 2008, this one was built (my birth year). The story behind this guitar is a bit complicated. However, it is said (on good authority) that this instrument was once owned by one of our generation's greatest (and now sadly late) rock vocalists, Chris Cornell. I can't get into details of that or how it ended up with me, but lets just say, again, its from a reliable source who was once part of Soundgarden's camp in the mid-90s. I no idea what it's worth and don't want to know. Either way, it doesn't come on tour!

Another Gibson SG he has is from 2008. Skolnick writes:

Somehow my bro Frankie (the gtr builder) found a dude in NYC who lived above a bar. This guy not only hadn't played in a while, he had maxed out bar tab (no joke!) And ended up letting this go for a steal. My gain, as it's one of the best SGs I've played. I rotate it for home practice and writing and use it on stage for certain occasions (such as Metal Allegiance performing vintage Sabbath and AC/DC).

An '04 Gibson SG Double Neck guitar appears on this page of Alex Skolnick's official website.

I'm grateful to Godin founder and CEO for letting me keep this debut model when I fell in love with it at NAMM. This has become my #1 guitar for my work with AST.

On the gear page of the official website of Alex Skolnick the Godin 5th Avenue Archtop is mentioned.

On this page of Alex Skolnick's official website, a Godin Inuk Ambience Steel appears among his listed gear.

On the gear page of Alex Skolnick's official website, his Heritage H575 Archtop guitar is listed.

On this page of the official website of Alex Skolnick, his '51 Fender No-Caster guitar is listed among his gear.

In this official page of Alex Skolnick of Testament, this Godin Multiac 10 String displays as part of his gear.

In this official page of Alex Skolnick of Testament, this 1976 Gibson L5 displays as part of his gear.

Thanks to Tim at Taylor Guitars for sending over this piece of elegance. Taylors have a very specific sound that I appreciate even more as an owner and plan to put to use.

Having played some classic D'Angellicos, (all handbuilt and worth a small fortune), I was pleased to see the company relaunch and amazed at the quality of these replications. Thanks to the folks at D'Angelico's NYC HQ for letting me pick one for my collection (she's a beauty).

So who doesn't like to get weird every once in a while? Picked this up from one of music's wackiest stores (Subway Guitars in Berkeley). It was put together with leftover parts from the original Danelectro factory. Danelectro provided guitars to Sears in the 60s that were quite good & owned by many future legends (such as SRV). Surprisingly plays great, although for me, it's more of a "messing around" instrument for those Pulp Fiction inspired moments. Not one I'd ever gig or record with. Still, can't get rid of it.

(Telecaster before they had a name), '09 Relic. Purchased at Gruhn Guitars, Nashville Tn and played that night at the Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Old Opry for the AS Trio tune "Western Sabbath Stomp."