André Olbrich

André Olbrich (born 3 May 1967)[1] is a German guitarist, composer and backing vocalist, best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of power metal band Blind Guardian, in which he serves as one of the main composers with other founder Hansi Kürsch.

André Olbrich
Olbrich at Gods of Metal fest, 2007
Background information
BornDüsseldorf, Germany
GenresPower metal, Thrash metal, heavy metal
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
InstrumentsGuitar
Years active1984–present
Associated actsBlind Guardian

Olbrich was ranked #76 out of 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time by Guitar World.[2]

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[3]

  1. Body: Alder
  2. Neck: Maple (Neck-thru)
  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 (Neck-thru)
  3. Pickups: 1x EMG 81 (bridge) 1x EMG SA (neck)
  4. Floyd Rose Tremolo System
  5. 24 Jumbo Frets
  1. Body: Mahogany
  2. Neck: Maple (Neck-thru)
  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 ( A & B )
  • Amplification

He is believed to use Marshall amps for his distortion/lead riffs:

  1. Marshall JCM 900 Dual Reverb
  2. Marshall TSL 60 (Triple Super Lead)
  3. Marshall cabinets 4x12 (with Celestion V30 speakers)
  • Rack
  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 (used during A Twist In The Myth tour)
  10. Boss AC2 Acoustic Simulator

Trivia

In 2020 Russian malacologist Alexander Fedosov named four new species of Clavus canalicularis mollusk in honour of four rock guitarists. One of them, Clavus andreolbrichi, was named in honour of Andre Olbrich.[4][5]

References
  1. "André Olbrich". www.blind-guardian.com.
  2. "Guitar World's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 23 January 2004. Archived from the original on 2 September 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
  3. "Blind Guardian Official Website - André Bio". www.blind-guardian.com. Retrieved 2011-07-22.
  4. Fedosov A.E. Integrative taxonomy of the Clavus canalicularis species complex (Drilliidae, Conoidea, Gastropoda) with description of four new species
  5. Post of A.Fedoseev about new species's taxonomy
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