Patrick Rondat
Patrick Rondat: The French Virtuoso Patrick Rondat is a cornerstone of the French instrumental rock scene, renowned for his impeccable alternate picking technique and his ability to blend neoclassical metal with progressive sensibilities. He first gained international acclaim in the late 1980s and early 1990s with albums like Rape of the Earth, establishing himself as a "shredder" with a deeply melodic soul. His career is defined by prestigious collaborations, most notably with electronic pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, with whom he performed at massive concerts worldwide, and a stint in the progressive band Elegy. Rondat’s style is characterized by surgical precision and complex phrasing, often drawing inspiration from classical composers like Vivaldi. The Ovation Connection: While many associate high-performance guitarists strictly with solid-body electrics, Rondat is famous for his long-standing relationship with Ovation Guitars. The Signature Sound: He is one of the few metal-adjacent virtuosos to master the acoustic-electric hybrid. The Al Di Meola Influence: Much like his idol Al Di Meola, Rondat utilizes the unique round-back design of Ovations to maintain high-speed clarity in acoustic settings. Custom Models: He frequently uses the Ovation Custom Legend model, praising the ergonomic feel and ability to handle aggressive, fast-paced technical playing without losing note definition. Patrick owns 3 Ovation guitars: 1769-CGB, 1767-4 & 1767-CG
