Description
Join Marko Hietala for a backstage Warwick Gear Rundown! Known for his work with Nightwish, Tarot and Sinergy, as well as his own band, Marko has spent decades developing a distinctive approach to bass playing that is firmly rooted in classic rock and heavy metal, driven by a pick, and built around a rock-solid groove. In this Rundown, he takes us through the Warwick basses that have become part of his musical journey through life, sharing the stories behind them and explaining what makes each instrument special. From his trusted Warwick Infinity with its Birdseye Maple top and focused attack, to the Warwick Vampyre, with its fuller low end. Marko explains in detail about the subtle differences in feel, weight and tonal characteristics that make certain basses particularly useful in the studio or on stage.
His collection also includes a Warwick Buzzard, prized for its solid construction and pronounced attack, and an Idolmaker with its distinctive tonal properties. Marko reveals his preference for four-string basses, D-G-C-F tuning, a Hipshot drop-tuning setup, and why the balance between string tension, attack and low-end response matters so much to his playing. He also reveals to us his live rig: a SansAmp PSA 1.1 providing the distorted mids and high frequencies, blended with a clean, compressed direct signal that retains the fundamental low end. It is a practical approach that lets the bass cut through with plenty of grit and tonal definition while keeping the bottom end tight, powerful and consistent.
Beyond the gear itself, you have a chance to hear Marko's thoughts on tone, technique and the musical influences that have influenced and helped shape his sound - from Geezer Butler and Black Sabbath to Bob Daisley, Cliff Williams and all of the classic rock players who understand the importance of a great straight-eight groove. With decades of experience behind him and a clear love for his Warwick instruments, Marko offers an entertaining and insightful look at the tools and thinking behind his unmistakable bass sound.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
Find our German made Warwick instruments here:
Warwick Custom Shop - https://shop.warwick.de/en/instruments/electric-basses/warwick-custom-shop
Warwick Masterbuilt - https://shop.warwick.de/en/instruments/electric-basses/warwick-masterbuilt
Warwick Teambuilt - https://shop.warwick.de/en/instruments/electric-basses/warwick-teambuilt
Find the Warwick RockBass models (made in Asia) here:
https://shop.warwick.de/en/instruments/electric-basses/warwick-rockbass
#warwick #warwickbass #markohietala #gearrundown #bassgear #tourequipment #bassequipment #warwickinfinity #warwickvampyre #infinity #vampyre #bassrig #bass #bassguitar #bassplayer #rigrundown #nightwish #tarotband #tarot #markohietalaband
https://www.framus.de
https://www.warwick.de
00:00 Live Soundcheck
00:32 Introduction
01:23 The Tour Basses
02:17 More of Marko's Basses
04:05 The Vampyre and the Infinity
07:13 Vocal Tour Gear
07:50 Influences & Approaches
09:42 Tour Bass Rig
14:22 Monitoring
16:07 Vacal Tricks for the Tour
17:30 Outro