Xander Demos
Xander Demos currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA and hails from the West
Coast of Florida and grew up in Tampa Bay's metal scene. Although he
is diverse in his musical endeavors, his heart lies in heavy rock and
roll. Xander currently plays in several projects always staying busy but
of notable mention is his solo band that he employs to support his first
album Guitarcadia as well as subsequent recordings. He also plays in a
cover band called "Back To The Arena" and has a musical project with
CJ Snare of Firehouse and solo artist Neil Zaza. Xander draws influence
from the likes of Shawn Lane, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai and Michael
Romeo. In addition to playing Conklin Guitars, Xander has a signature
instrument from David Thomas McNaught and is endorsed by Matrix,
Fractal Audio, DR Strings, V-Picks, EMG Pickups, GraphTech, Hughes
and Kettner and Mission Engineering.
Conklin Guitars were always the unattainable unicorn instruments to me for
years. My imagination used to run wild thinking about all of the options I could
think of in a Conklin build. When I finally decided it was time, Bill and Mike
were far beyond helpful and every vision that I had became an amazing reality.
There are not that many guitars that can do what a Conklin can do. Beyond
that, the customer service is incredible and I am so proud to be a part of a
company with a a rich history for musical innovation as well as sonic and visual
imagination.
Playing a Conklin for the first time is a surreal experience because the
craftsmanship truly borders on fine art until you pick it up and strum that first
chord. That first chord will lead you to the next and the next after that, and it's
at that point you realize that you're bound by nothing from that moment
forward. Not for the faint of heart!
-Xander Demos