Jan Akkerman
Jan Akkerman is a legendary Dutch guitarist. As a founding member of the progressive rock band Focus and a prolific solo artist, Akkerman has influenced countless guitarists and pioneered many unique guitar techniques.
In this post, we’ll delve into the life and career of Jan Akkerman, exploring his biography, the guitars he has played, and the equipment he has used to create his signature sound.
Table of Contents
Biography
Jan Akkerman was born on December 24, 1946, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. At the age of 5, he began taking music lessons on the accordion before switching to the guitar a few years later. Akkerman’s father was an amateur guitarist, and he was introduced to a variety of musical genres at a young age. This exposure to diverse musical styles helped shape his unique playing style which would later become his trademark.
In the 1960s, Akkerman started his music career by joining various local bands. His first single, with the Friendship Sextet, came out in 1960 when he was 13. Akkerman got a scholarship to study at the Amsterdam Music Lyceum for five years, where he learned a lot about composing and arranging music.
At 14, he joined a rock band called “Johnny and his Cellar Rockers” with his friend Pierre van der Linden. Both of them later joined “The Hunters.” After watching classical guitarist Julian Bream perform, he became interested in Renaissance music and the lute.
His first significant breakthrough came in 1968 when he joined the Dutch rock group “Brainbox” with Van der Linden, Kaz Lux, and André Reijnen. With “Brainbox,” Akkerman began to showcase his immense talent as a guitarist, and the band quickly gained recognition.
In 1970, Akkerman, along with “Thijs van Leer,” formed the progressive rock band Focus. The band achieved international success with hits like “Hocus Pocus” and “Sylvia,” which featured Akkerman’s extraordinary guitar work.
The mega-hit “Hocus Pocus” reached #9 on the US Billboard Chart, #12 in the Netherlands, and #20 on the UK Singles Chart. The song has appeared on numerous TV shows like Top Gear, Skins, Supernatural, and others. It has also been featured in films and various TV advertisements. Many artists have covered the song, including Iron Maiden, Marillion, Helloween, and others.
Focus’s innovative blend of rock, jazz, and classical music set them apart from other bands of the era. The band’s albums “Focus II” and “Focus 3” went Gold. They toured Europe and the US, performing with acts like Gentle Giant, Frank Zappa, and Yes.
In 1973, Akkerman was voted the Best Guitarist in the World by readers of the UK magazine Melody Maker.
Akkerman left Focus in 1976 to pursue a solo career. Akkerman’s solo career proved to be equally successful, as he released 30 albums.
His concept album “Eli,” won the Dutch Edison Award for Best Album in 1976. On this album, Akkerman experimented with a 12-string guitar tuned in parallel fifths.
In the early 1980s, he began experimenting with a guitar synthesizer, as heard on the album “Oil in the Family.”
Atlantic released his solo album “Tabernakel,” which features him playing the lute.
In 1985, he reunited with Van Leer to release a new Focus album and perform a concert. The band got back together again in 1990 for the Dutch TV show “Goud van Oud” (Old Gold).
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he played with his own band and as a solo artist, using pre-recorded computer-generated backgrounds.
Over the years, he has collaborated with various artists from different genres like Alan Price, Herman Brood, Peter Banks, Jack Bruce, Charlie Byrd, Phil Collins, Paco de Lucía, Ice-T, and B.B. King.
Akkerman also worked as a session musician with André Hazes.
In 2019, Ackerman released a new album “Close Beauty.”
Guitars
Throughout his career, Jan Akkerman has played several different guitars, each contributing to his unique sound. Some of the most iconic guitars he has used include:
1. Gibson Les Paul
Akkerman’s primary guitar during his time with Brainbox and Focus was a 1958 Gibson Les Paul. This guitar is known for its rich, warm sound and has been a staple in his arsenal throughout his career.
2. Fender Stratocaster
Akkerman also played a Fender Stratocaster during his time with Focus. The Stratocaster’s versatility allowed him to explore different tones and techniques, further shaping his distinctive sound.
3. Framus Akkerman Model
In the late 1970s, Akkerman collaborated with German guitar manufacturer Framus to create a signature model. The Framus Akkerman Model features a semi-hollow body, a unique headstock design, and a blend of Gibson and Fender elements. This guitar has become one of his most recognizable instruments.
4. PRS Private Stock Jan Akkerman
In 2016, Akkerman partnered with Paul Reed Smith to create a limited edition Private Stock model. This guitar is inspired by his original 1958 Gibson Les Paul and features a mahogany body, a curly maple top, and custom PRS pickups.
Guitar Equipment
Over the years, Jan Akkerman has utilized various amplifiers and effects to achieve his distinct sound.
Amplifiers
Akkerman has mainly used Marshall and Fender amplifiers throughout his career. He favored the Marshall Super Lead 100-watt amplifier for its raw power and tonal clarity. Later, he switched to Fender Twin Reverb amplifiers, which are renowned for their pristine clean tones and lush spring reverb. In recent years, Akkerman has also incorporated AER acoustic amplifiers into his live setup, enabling him to maintain the natural sound of his acoustic guitars.
Effects
Jan Akkerman is known for his tasteful use of effects to enhance his guitar sound. Over the years, he has used a variety of effects, including wah-wah pedals, phasers, and echo units. The Cry Baby Wah pedal, in particular, has been a staple in his setup, allowing him to add expression and character to his solos. Akkerman has also used the EHX Electric Mistress Flanger/Filter Matrix and the Roland Space Echo to create spacious, atmospheric tones.
Strings and Accessories
Jan Akkerman typically prefers medium-gauge strings for their balance between playability and tone. Akkerman has also been known to use custom-made brass picks, which he claims provide better control and a brighter sound than traditional plastic picks.
Jan Akkerman’s unique blend of rock, jazz, and classical influences, along with his exceptional guitar technique, has made him one of the most respected and admired guitarists in the world. His signature sound continues to inspire generations of musicians.