Friday Fives: Terrible Things’ Fred Mascherino on the coolest things in his home studio

We here at AP know you internet denizens love lists. And we know that folks in bands have other interests beyond cranking out decibels. So here’s Friday Fives, a column that solicits a list of five subjects from a number of various rockers.

This week Fred Mascherino , vocalist/guitarist for Terrible Things, picks the best knickknacks from his home studio. They’re sure to make all other musicians green with envy—or red from laughter.

1. Framed Van Halen poster
A classic I've owned since the 1980s, this authentic poster offered the inspiration to me that started it all. When I was a kid, I would just stare at it and think, “Someday I'm gonna play in a rock band and wear pants as cool as Eddie's!” It's hard to believe that at one time, these guys were the biggest band in the world, but they were. Eddie Van Halen's fast playing inspired millions of kids, like me, to play electric guitar. I once got to talk to their singer, David Lee Roth on the phone. It was a surreal experience to say the least.

2. 1988 Ibanez RG-550

Put on your sunglasses. I got this hot-ass guitar brand new for Christmas when I was a kid. My first “real” axe won't stay in tune for shit, but the whammy bar on it comes in handy when you really need one. I played this thing for a surprising number of years and wound up buying a fluorescent yellow one as a spare. The girls in school used to tease me that this guitar was pink, but it's actually Five-Alarm Red. It's not pink—I’m serious.

3. 1957 Gibson J-45

This one's just on loan from Evan Dando from the Lemonheads. I played bass for them on tour last winter. They were one of my favorite bands in high school. I often think about the songs that have been born out of this old beauty. I've written a few myself on it since that tour. It's definitely the most beautiful guitar I've ever played.

4. Dr. Monkeyfinger

This guy is our studio mascot. The doctor is always in at our sessions. He's gotta be pretty old because he was at my grandparents’ house until I kidnapped him in high school. He's travelled in the van on a few tours and is always there to talk to on late-night drives. He'll be your friend but watch out: He's hiding something behind his back.

5. Assorted musical gear

Apparently this stuff comes in handy when you're recording, but I don't know much about it. I mostly just throw it around and step on it. But seriously, when I'm producing here, I always try to use my instincts more than anything else. I have the tools I need in front of me but it always has to be about what sounds best, not what new toy came in the mail.