12 QUESTIONS WITH ROBERT “BUCKET” HINGLEY

Can you give us a brief history of your playing career?

I have been playing with The Toasters since 1981. Before that I played with various SKA, reggae and rock bands in the UK and Europe.

What inspired you to start playing guitar?

I was bored whilst cramming for my A level exams. Just for laughs I picked up my friend’s guitar to relieve the tedium. I was 17 at that time so I guess you can say I was a late starter.

What was your first electric guitar?

A Fender Jaguar.

What are your top 5 favorite records?

The Harder They Come – Soundtrack

Joe Jackson – Look Sharp

Elvis Costell – This Year’s Model

Free – Tons Of Sobs

Chuck Berry – Greatest Hits

What was the proudest moment and/or performance of your playing career?

Releasing our first EP in 1985 that was produced by my friend Joe Jackson.

How did you hear about Reverend?

I had seen the usual run of adverts etc, but I took my first serious look when we were approached by the boss’s daughter at the 2008 NAMM show. Apparently she’s a big fan! It’s not until Ken Haas showed up at a show (in Bowling Green, Ohio) with a raft of guitars for me to test-play that i realized what a different type of instrument i was looking at.

What Reverend guitar(s) are you using?

I have the Club King hollow body – killer sound!! somehow I don’t think it will be my only model!

What do you like about your Reverend guitar?

It’s versatile with a wide range of sounds. The action is incredible and I haven’t broken a string yet (touch wood). On top of that it’s light and the retro look is great.

What amps and pedals do you currently use?

I have a Fender Twin and a Deluxe Reverb. The only pedal I use is a Boss Turbo Distortion (the old one).

Do you have any unusual hobbies, skills, or pastimes you’d like to share with us?

Not really. I’m pretty boring off the road. I have three kids and i like to spend as much time with them as possible. I don’t watch TV but i read loads of newspapers (propaganda!).

Do you have any advice for up and coming players?

Don’t quit your day job! Seriously… This is one of the worst business climates that I have ever seen – particularly for indie music of any genre – and so it is of paramount importance that a band has it’s business skills together as without those you are not going to survive. Unfortunately, musicians now have to be as familiar with financial and budgetary chops as they are with a chord progression.

Please tell us about any of your current projects, tours, cds, etc. we should know about:

The Toasters are finishing up a run of North American dates and we are on our way down to Brazil. In 2009 we will have 2 American tours and 2 European tours. we will also visit South and Central America. We will start work on another album. More details at www.toasters.org and www.megalithrecords.com.