Herman Li is the guitarist behind those over the top hyper guitar fretwork, and part of the recording production core of all DragonForce records.
Born in Hong Kong, Herman is a self-taught musician, learning mostly from listening to his favourite music and watching videos.
After having played in a number of underground rock and metal bands in London, Herman decided the only way for him to move forward, is to form a band instead of joining one. In the summer of 1999, Herman found a number of musicians in the UK to kick start a new band now known worldwide as DRAGONFORCE.
In between intensive world tours with DragonForce, Herman found time to write a monthly guitar column in UK's Total Guitar magazine. He has also given many guitar clinics around the world, showcasing his own approach to the instrument to help inspire guitarists around the globe. As well as evolving as a player, Herman likes to understand his instrument as much as possible. He is heavily involved in electric guitar development, working on new ideas to improve the instrument as much as possible.
Herman won the 'Best Shredder' award at the annual Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards 2005. Together with Sam Totman, Herman recently won four categories in Guitar World's Readers Poll 2007 for 'Best New Talent' (winning by 70%), 'Best Metal', 'Best Riff' and 'Best Shredders'. They also won 'Best Guitar Solo' with Through the Fire and Flames in Total Guitar's readers' poll 2007 and numerous polls in other printed and online press around the world. Herman and guitar partner Sam Totman have been playing together for years, the dual is currently making a huge impact in today's modern rock and metal scene.
Year 2007 started nicely with Herman receiving an invitation to perform as special guest with guitar legend Steve Vai at the Ibanez Jem/RG model 20th Anniversary show in Hollywood, California. As well as playing on Steve Vai’s set, Herman shared the stage on the evening all star jam with guitar heroes such as Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Tony MacAlpine and Andy Timmons.
Outside of music, Herman's interests includes technology, martial arts and when not touring, enjoys training in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu five days a week. He also speaks three languages fluently.
IBANEZ E-GEN - HERMAN LI SIGNATURE GUITAR
After three years in development, Ibanez releases Herman Li's own signature model in 2008. This top end guitar is played by Li exactly as it is, live on stage, in the studio, right off the shelve without any modification. Available in store from June 2008. Check www.ibanez.com for other information.
Full Specifications
Model: EGEN18 TVF
Neck: 5pc Maple/Walnut 24-fret neck
Neck Type: E-Gen Prestige
Body: Mahogany body with flamed maple top
Body: Special upper horn 'Kung Fu' grip
Body: Special deeper cut on lower horn
Frets: Jumbo frets
Frets: Scalloped fretboard from 21st to 24th fret
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Inlays: Oval Abalone
Bridge: Edge-Zero bridge - E-Gen Custom Setup
Neck PU: DiMarzio® HLM (H) neck pickup
Middle PU: DiMarzio® HLM (S) middle pickup
Bridge PU: DiMarzio® HLM (H) bridge pickup
Hardware Colour: Gold
Colour: TVF (Transparent Violet Flame)
Made in Japan by Ibanez's premier craftsmen
Neck Dimension
Scale: 648mm/25.5"
a: Width at Nut 43mm
b: Width at Last Fret 58mm
c: Thickness at 1st 18mm
d: Thickness at 12th 20mm
Radius: 430mmR
Switching System
Nine pickup configurations for versatile tone
from super clean to extreme metal.
Pickup / Character
The DiMarzio ® HLM pickups were custom made for Herman Li for use on the new Ibanez E-Gen. Herman wanted a set of pickups designed specifically for E-Gen's slim mahogany body, 24 frets neck, different pickup mounting positions compare to his old Ibanez S guitars, along with the new Edge-Zero bridge. Here a description of how each pickup sounds:
Neck: Warm, clean, strong attack. Great for warm singing solos, clean sweep picking tone. Pull volume switch up to split coil for a more classic sound or go smooth and clean.
Middle: This pickup features a warm and punchy high-output design. The middle pickup has been designed to be mounted deeper into the guitar's body so it stays out of the way when picking, yet still remains perfectly in balance with the neck and bridge pickups.
Bridge: High output, screaming harmonics. Perfect for fast tight heavy rhythm, loud solos, responsive to speed finger tapping.