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"No piece of equipment can improve a player's tone the way their hands can" - An Interview with Nili Brosh

The acclaimed guitarist discusses her signature Ibanez, life on the road with Dethklok and Danny Elfman, the gear she never plays without, and the advice every aspiring guitarist should hear.

By Magesh MageshContributing Author

Photo credit: Christina Russo

Few modern guitarists combine flawless technique with genuine musicality quite like Nili Brosh. From sharing stages with some of rock and metal's biggest names to building an acclaimed solo career that effortlessly blends rock, fusion, progressive metal, and melodic instrumental music, Brosh has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting guitarists of her generation.

I spoke with Nili about her signature gear, her approach to tone, and the advice she has for guitarists and musicians at every stage of their journey.

Magesh Magesh, Musicngear: I was always drawn to instruments that looked unique. I really loved the ‘exclamation mark’ inlays on the fretboard of your custom Ibanez, as I felt they were very original! Can you talk about what you needed in terms of sound from your signature guitar as opposed to an off-the-shelf guitar?

Thank you!! I've always felt that RGs were very versatile guitars in general and that they've worked for everything that's come across my plate, but I wanted to modify a few things.

I've always wanted the HSS pickup configuration for added tonal possibilities, so that's one of the biggest modifications I wanted to make to my signature. Add to that the original edge tremolo and the super wizard maple neck, and I kind of created my ultimate RG with my favorite variables in it.

Musicngear: Is there a piece of equipment you use regardless of the gig or sessions you are on?

When I use a real amp, I always have the Xotic EP Booster in the front. It's my "always on" pedal, though I keep it dialed all the way down. I find that it kind of thickens the tone without adding too much unnecessary gain boost.

Taking in any and every style of music and letting that internalize over time is the only way that I've felt comfortable tackling different genres

Musicngear: You are a super versatile musician playing on the soundtrack for the cartoon X-Men 97, with film composer Danny Elfman and metal band Dethklok. Do you have any advice for young musicians who want to become proficient in multiple styles of music?

Thanks so much! Being a listener first is my best advice. Taking in any and every style of music and letting that internalize over time is the only way that I've felt comfortable tackling different genres. It's always a lifelong learning process!

Musicngear: Can you talk about your pedal setup with Dethklok?

I've recently switched to using a modeler (Headrush MX5 at the moment) live with Dethklok, but I previously had a very minimal pedalboard for that gig - the aforementioned EP Booster, tuner, volume, delay. The tones I need for Dethklok are very straightforward, so there weren't many effects I needed.

Musicngear: Is there any piece of equipment you have used that you feel can truly improve a guitar player's tone?

Like many guitarists, I truly believe no piece of equipment can improve a player's tone the way their hands can!

Musicngear: What projects are you currently working on?

Everyone is operating on all cylinders right now! This year I'm spending a lot of time on the road with Dethklok, Danny, and my own stuff for my new album Eventide. And squeezing in some Cirque du Soleil shows in between still!

So splitting my time, juggling through everything as I have for the past 5 years or so!

Connect with Nili Brosh
Website | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube | Linktree

Nili Brosh on Ibanez | Tour Dates

About Magesh Magesh

Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour. He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk

Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com

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