“I put large erasers under the pickups. I play pretty loud with Mr. Big, so I take extra precautions to keep feedback to a minimum”: Paul Gilbert names his three favorite guitars – including one that was stolen very recently

Paul Gilbert poses with his Ibanez Kikusui Fireman, a guitar inspired by a sake bottle.

I connected with Paul Gilbert as he was taking some well-earned R&R – that’s rest and relaxation, not rock ’n’ roll – shortly after completing the final dates of Mr. Big’s global farewell tour.

Gilbert, a lifetime guitar nut, was eager to share the secrets behind his three favorite instruments. Unsurprisingly, given his long association with Ibanez, all three of his choices come from the Japanese shred manufacturer of choice for so many guitar heroes. Not only does he play a bunch of signature Ibanez axes, but he also likes to track down ’80s models such as the Blazer and Roadstar.