André Olbrich


André Olbrich is a German guitarist, composer and backing vocalist, best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of speed metal band Blind Guardian, in which he serves as one of the main composers with other founder Hansi Kürsch.
Olbrich was ranked #76 out of 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time by Guitar World.

Professional

Olbrich's style is influenced by his favourite bands, which include Queen, Judas Priest, Metallica and Black Sabbath. Additionally Olbrich relies heavily on staccato technique. He is listed on Guitar World's list of the "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists" at #76. He is also ranked #64 in Joel McIver's The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists. André's guitar work often reflect's vocalist Hansi Kürsch's singing.

Equipment

Olbrich's gear
  1. Body: Alder
  2. Neck: Maple
  3. Pickups: 2x EMG 81
  4. Floyd Rose Tremolo System
  5. 24 Jumbo Frets
  6. Original Jackson-style pointed headstock
  1. Body: Alder with Maple Top
  2. Neck: Maple
  3. Pickups: 1x EMG 81 1x EMG SA
  4. Floyd Rose Tremolo System
  5. 24 Jumbo Frets
  1. Body: Mahogany
  2. Neck: Maple
  3. Pickups: 2x EMG 81
  4. Floyd Rose Tremolo System
  5. 24 Jumbo Frets
  1. Strings: D'Addario.010 -.046
  2. Picks: Jim Dunlop Nylon 1 MM
  3. Amp: Engl Straight
  4. Cabinets: 2x Marshall 1960
He is believed to use Marshall amps for his distortion/lead riffs:
  1. Marshall JCM 900 Dual Reverb
  2. Marshall TSL 60
  3. Marshall cabinets 4x12
  1. ENGL savage
  2. Furman Powerconditioner
  3. Shure LX Wireless System
  4. Rocktron Patchmate
  5. Yamaha SPX 990
  6. Ibanez Tubescreamer
  7. Hughes & Kettner "Red Box" Pro
  8. Morley Power Wah
  9. Dunlop crybaby 535q
  10. Boss AC2 Acoustic Simulator