Andy Powell Gear Guide
Wishbone Ash guitarist Andy Powell’s 1967 Gibson Flying V, twin-lead harmonies, amplification and live rig.
A period-by-period quick reference to guitars, amplification, effects and songs. Gear can vary by recording, tour and year.
Guitars
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| 1967 Gibson Flying V | Powell’s signature guitar, used through much of Wishbone Ash’s career. | 1960s onward |
| Gibson Flying V reissues | Touring and backup instruments modeled on the original. | Live |
| Andy Powell Signature 67 V | Custom signature instrument recreated with Tatalias Custom Guitars. | 2024 onward |
| Gibson Les Paul | Used where a thicker, longer-sustaining tone is preferred. | Selected songs |
| Fender Stratocaster | Alternative single-coil sound in the band’s twin-guitar palette. | Selected periods |
| Acoustic guitar | Supports quieter passages and acoustic-based arrangements. | Studio/live |
Amplifiers
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall amplifiers | Classic British rock amplification used for stage drive and sustain. | Career-wide |
| Hughes & Kettner systems | Modern touring amplifier and cabinet options. | Recent touring |
| Valve heads and 4x12 cabinets | High-volume stage rig for extended lead sustain. | Live |
| Clean-to-driven amp settings | Amp response and guitar volume are used to shape lead and rhythm sounds. | Core setup |
Effects and signal chain
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Overdrive | Boosts sustain and pushes the amp for lead passages. | Selected rigs |
| Delay | Adds depth and repeat to melodic lead lines. | Live |
| Chorus / modulation | Subtle width for selected clean passages. | Song dependent |
| Wah | Expressive filter effect used in some lead parts. | Selected use |
| Twin-lead harmonies | Interlocking lines with the second guitarist are a defining arrangement technique. | Wishbone Ash |
| Guitar volume control | Useful for shifting from rhythm to lead without changing instruments. | Live |
Song and era references
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| The King Will Come | Flying V tone and twin-lead harmony define the extended instrumental sections. | Argus |
| Warrior | Sustained lead lines and interlocking guitar parts. | Argus |
| Blowin’ Free | Bright lead guitar and harmonized melodic hooks. | Argus |
| Jail Bait | Rock-oriented Flying V attack and extended soloing. | Pilgrimage |
| Phoenix | Long-form twin-guitar build and sustained lead tones. | Wishbone Ash |