Rickenbacker 360

Ian owns and plays a 1998 Rickenbacker 360, this model of guitar is a 6 string 'legend' having been played by many a famous artist over the years. Its pickups and shape along with its materials produce that classic Rickenbacker tone. The instrument is finished in Fireglo. This guitar was bought second hand in immaculate condition by Ian in 2002 and is one of Ians favorite instruments. It is used live with The Two Of Us and also for various studio projects.

Takamine G10

Ian bought this guitar to use with The Randees live and in the studio. However the guitar was also used with The Vinyl Years and is currently used with The Two Of Us - acoustic duo. The guitar is acoustic but also has a pickup fitted internally and an active 3 - band graphic equaliser to shape the tone through a PA. This Takamine gives an excellent bright and vibrant tone both acoustically and amplified. The guitar has recently been totally set up and 'flatted' by Andy Farrel of Kimberly, Nottingham (0115) 9389965.

Joodee Les Paul

This guitar usually sits in Ians recording studio for general use. The guitar is actually owned by Ians brother and ex-Beatalls member Stuart. The guitar was purchased by Stuart in the early 1980's and it is a Japanees copy of the Gibson Les Paul Standard. However cheap this guitar was to buy it has proved well worth it as the instrument is still in fantastic condition due to its quality of build and its recent overhall by Alan Marshall of Northworthy in Derbyshire (01335) 370806 and the guitar suprisingly plays as good as a real Gibson. The guitar is one piece. Anyone with information on the manufacturer of this guitar please get in touch with details via our email - (ian.watts5@ntlworld.com), all we know is that it is Japaneese made.

Gibson Les Paul Studio

This guitar was purchased in late 2002 from freind and musician Mat Williams. The guitar is a 1995 model and is to be used in the studio as part of Ians ever growing stable of guitars. The guitar has recently been for a visit to Andy Farrel of Kimberly, Nottingham (0115) 9389965 where it has received the once over for fretwear and action. It has also had its pickups replaced with two Kent Armstrong humbucker pickups, the neck pickup being a Kent Armstrong 'Alnico' giving the guitar a much more bluesy sound, the bridge pickup is the standard Kent Armstrong pickup, this is a much brighter pickup than the original. Although the Gibson Studios are made from the same materials and has the same Gibson humbucker pickups as the Les Paul Standard, the sound for some unknown reason is not as bright and it was for this reason that the decision to replace the pickups was taken. The original pickups have been retained for value.

Rickenbacker 4001 (Copy)

Ian owns this old Fireglo Rickenbacker copy which is now almost in retirement apart from the occasional studio work. We think the manufacturer may be Arbitor, Ibanez or Shaftsbury.

Fender Precision

This is the latest bass in Ians collection being purchased in July 2002 in Wales when standing in for the 'Bandit Beatles', an offer was made by the bands Lennon - 'Butch' that could not be refused. The bass is Serial numbered showing it to be of 1978 vintage and made in America. The bass is used in the studio and live with The Loafers and has all its original chrome hardware and Fender case. However due to the deteriation of some of the hardware new scratch plate, pickguard and tailpiece cover screws have been put in place along with new chrome knobs and a new saddle. The guitar was recently overhauled by Andy Farrel of Kimberly Nottingham (0115) 9389965. During the overhaul the weak original Fender pickups were replaced with the more powerful and defined Kent Armstrong P-bass pickups, the original pickups being retained for value. The guitar was also professionally set up.

Westone Thunder IIA

In the 1980's the Japaneese company 'Westone' produced this bass guitar aimed towards the cheap end of the market. The guitar has itself become a bit of a retro-classic now due to its versitility and shape. This guitar was purchased in 1986 by Ian for his first band Emergency Exit. The guitar has been in his possession ever since and was used in You Me and Him. The guitar is still used today by Ian in The Loafers. The instrument is solid bodied and employs active circuitry that boosts treble and bass frequencies. This bass was recently professionaly set-up by Alan Marshall of Northworthy Guitars in Derbyshire (01335) 370806 and it plays like a dream.

Hohner P90 Fretless Bass

Ian bought this bass guitar because it was fretless. The instrument was recently taken to Alan Marshall of Northworthy in Derbyshire (01335) 370806, to be set up due to its apparent unplayability. I was soon told that the only problem with the guitar was the player!!!! I will get to grips with learning this instrument one day but for the time being it sits unused!