Gear: Ollie Cole

What's your guitar?
I have a vintage '59 Telecaster that used to belong to the Edge. Also I have 2 Gibson SG’s and a few acoustics and a Fender Bullet guitar (I have a lot of guitars) and Ian plays an old Ludwig drum kit that just rocks even though it’s falling to bits.

Where did you buy your stuff?
Most of our gear was, let's just say, acquired. My guitar amp is a really old custom Hiwatt head that I found in a rehearsal studio I was working in. I love it. Gav bought his Ampeg bass head from Waltons and Ian bought his drum kit from a friend of ours. All my guitars have been bought from Waltons except for the Telecaster I got off U2’s guitar tech.

What was your first instrument?
My parents eventually bought me an encore bass guitar. It was a really crap bass. I sure they were hoping it was just a phase and didn’t want to waste money.

If you had an unlimited budget, what would you buy?
Amp I would keep the one I have and get one built exactly the same for back-up.
Guitar I would love a big fat old Gibson acoustic. Other than that I am happy with all the guitars I have.
Drum kit Probably something old again. Probably just another Ludwig.
Piano A big fuck-off grand.
Studio device Swimming pool.

Who and what song did you play air guitar to as a kid?
I grew up on heavy metal, so AC/DC, Maiden, Black Sabbath and then later Nirvana, Pixies etc.

What instruments can you knock a tune out of (however bad it may be)?
I can pretty much play everything. Mind you, I tried the sax once and I couldn’t do it.

What's your favourite studio effect and why?
Marc Carolan. He’s a genius. He keeps us going and gets the best out of us (not really an effect, I know).

Did you ever get piano/any-other-instrument lessons when you were a kid and do you have any fond memories of them?
Never had any lessons. That’s why it’s taken me so fucking long to get good. No one in our band has ever had lessons but I think that’s a good thing. It means you come up with more original ideas. You also come up with your best music while you're learning. I think.

What's the most rock 'n' roll thing you've ever done to an instrument?
We have broken a lot of guitars but I guess everyone does that when they're young.

What's your favourite Irish musical instrument shop and why?
Waltons have always been very good to me. I buy all my guitars there. I buy all my strings in Musician Inc. They are also good to us. Ian gets his drum stuff from Music Maker. We love 'em all.

What's your favourite place to record and why?
Sun. 'Cause it works for us.

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Turn are currently touring nationwide on the Heineken Rollercoaster Tour with Woodstar and The Frank & Walters