Soulfly

Armed with an ESP RPR, Washburn and Peavey 6505+ amp, ‘travel light and play hard’ is the ethos for Soulfly’s power duo Max Cavalera and Marc Rizzo

Soulfly’s riffer-in-chief Max Cavalera and lead guitarist Marc Rizzo are pragmatists. They need gain, and lots of it. Their sonic deterrent of choice is the Peavey 6505+ amplifier – a nuclear option through which they run their signature electrics. Cavalera’s ESP RPR is a BC Rich Warlock-cum-Explorer, finished in camo. Rizzo’s Washburn is a seven-string single-cut with active EMG pickups. Pedals must be easily replaceable and the DigiTech Drop allows them to change tunings onstage – no guitars in alternative tunings here!

MARC’S RIG

WASHBURN PARALLAXE PXL-MR27B-D

1 “I’ve always loved Washburn guitars. I was a big Nuno Bettencourt fan and he’s got those N4 signature guitars. He is a big influence on me; that’s what I go for, to try and play melodic and do some ripping leads when I have the opportunity. I met a couple of guys who were at Washburn and they offered to design me a signature model. I basically told them to make something similar to a Les Paul, but a seven string with EMG pickups, and this is it. This is my signature model and I love it. It’s a super quality guitar and it plays great. I think the body is a little bit thinner than a Les Paul. The neck and fretboard feels more Les Paul. It’s a neck-through body. But, yeah, it’s a little bit lighter in weight. I am not 100 per cent sure of [the wood]. I’m not that picky about tonewoods. The electronics are more important. If I’ve got EMG pickups, a comfortable guitar and a Peavey 6505+ [amplifier], I’m pretty happy. These are EMG 707s. There’s a toggle switch like a Les Paul, a three-way and, that’s it, man. 24 frets!