Marcus Deml on His Upcoming Album "Pure", Signature Tone and Creative Freedom
The award-winning guitarist discusses his upcoming album Pure, his studio setup, and the philosophy behind his signature tone.
Photo credit: Sandra Hennies / Hennies Markendesign
Guitarist and composer Marcus Deml has long been recognised as a virtuoso guitarist, blending rock, blues, jazz and fusion. Born in Prague in 1967, Deml studied at the Guitar Institute of Technology in Los Angeles and soon joined the faculty there. In 2005, he was honoured with a “Guitar Hero” award at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland for his adventurous instrumental album work.
His upcoming album Pure, set for release on November 7, 2025, marks a new chapter in his artistic journey - one defined by distilled melody, expressive tone, and the creative freedom of doing things his way.
Magesh Magesh, Musicngear: The guitar tone on the opening track, Budapest, of your new album is incredible! Can you talk about what equipment helped you get such a clean tone on this song?
Thank you. It is just a Marshall 69 Super Bass. Cranked to about 7 on the high treble input.
In the verse, I turn the guitar down just a little bit. In the chorus, I kick in the Sweet Elephant and turn the guitar to full.
Musicngear: You are proficient in so many different musical styles! Did you spend a lot of time transcribing music?
I'm drawn to many kinds of music, not just rock and blues. Listening to a range from Hendrix to Satie, or Django Reinhardt in a day, keeps me inspired.
Working daily as a session player meant adapting to all styles. I did some music transcriptions for magazines and books as well.
Musicngear: You primarily use Stratocaster guitars. Are there situations where you would consider using a Les Paul or a Telecaster?
I enjoy all guitars and own several, including vintage Gibsons that I play at home and feature in Guitar Junkie videos.
However, I consistently sound best on my Strats. For Guitar Junkies, we list the specific guitars, amps, and pedals used on each track.
Musicngear: Your musical background is very impressive! You were once a student at the Guitar Institute of Technology and eventually became a teacher there. What advances in technology came about when you began working there as a teacher?
The main benefit of GIT is the musical community, for both teachers and students. Playing with great musicians there was vital, as I practiced up to 10 hours a day, free from distractions.
Photo credit: Sandra Hennies / Hennies Markendesign
Musicngear: Guitarists are always searching for the perfect tone. Do you recommend any strings that you feel can help a young guitarist create a better sound?
I prefer Daddario strings.
Musicngear: Can you talk about your guitar setup for the studio?
It is simple, even though it might look like a lot. I choose between a dozen tube amps that I know all very well. I know what amp will work for the frequency spectrum of the song.
It always goes to a mic’d 4x12 cabinet, that is loaded with British Celestion vintage 30 speakers. The microphone of choice is a single Tul G 12. That goes into an API Audio 312 Mic Pre. I use UAD converters and record with 96 kHz/24-bit.
The only pedals that we use during recording are my signature overdrive and distortion pedals. The Sweet Elephant and the Angry Gorilla. I've developed these myself, since I was not happy with all the drive pedals on the market. I built them myself, too.
Time-based FX are always added after the fact. I used a Lexicon 300L Reverb and PCM 70 on this record.
Musicngear: Is there a piece of equipment you always take with you, regardless of what music you are playing?
Yes. My travel board always includes my signature overdrive and distortion, and a good delay pedal.
Musicngear: Can you talk about what projects you are currently working on?
At the moment, I am working on new videos and the marketing of the new album, "Pure". I have my own record company, Triple Coil Music. This enables me to create and release whatever and whenever I want to.
Pure took two years to complete, since I had to make many decisions as a songwriter and producer. The playing was the easiest part.
I am always writing new music, and the first thing in the morning is playing the guitar for a few hours. I just want to improve my music.
Connect with Marcus Deml
Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Website
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
In this section of the blog we host interviews with established but also up and coming artists we love and recommend as well as music industry professionals with tons of useful information to share.
Interested in an interview, writing a story as a guest or joining the Musicngear team as a Contributing Author? Contact us at info+blog@musicngear.com
