Canford manufactured jackfields chosen for their superior build-quality and known reliability.
Franz Ferdinand need little by way of introduction. Formed in Glasgow by Kapranos during 2002, the band shot to fame with their second single "Take Me Out". The track reached No.3 in the UK Singles Chart, No.1 in the UK Indie Chart and enjoyed widespread success across the USA. A Grammy nomination followed and if we're honest, we all remember rocking around our living room as we attempted to re-create the magic while playing Guitar Hero and Just Dance!
The band went on to win the Mercury Music Prize with their debut studio album, three Brit Awards and four Grammy nominations.
Alex first got to know Canford when he picked up some Canford Cable in a BBC auction years ago. Speaking recently to Canford's Marketing Manager, Stephen Gallagher, it turns out there is more than a mutual love of high-quality audio equipment between Canford and the Franz Ferdinand frontman.
Alex spent his formative years living in the North East of England. Originally living in Harton, South Shields and later moving to Washington, Tyne & Wear which is where Canford is based. Following his father's work, the family eventually moved to Glasgow where Kapranos would form Franz Ferdinand.
Speaking fondly of his North East heritage, Alex still returns to the North East and South Shields whenever his busy schedule allows.
Indeed, the North East gets a special mention in the track 'Stand on the Horizon'. Fans might remember album sales which included a post card, or the music video which features Marsden Rock - a 100ft sea stack said to have been used in the early 1900's as a platform for musical performance.
Marsden Rock, South Shields, Tyne & Wear - Photo credit: Stephen Gallagher
Alex Kapranos commented: "I first came across Canford years ago, when I picked up a load of cable from a BBC equipment auction. Like everything they had in their studios at the time, it was really good quality, but Canford seemed to be a secret of the broadcast world. Not many musicians I knew were aware of them. I love what they make because it's such good quality and does the job the best it can be done. There's nothing worse in the studio than messing around because cheap gear has failed. It's always better to get the good stuff in the first place. You don't have to replace it and it just works, which is what you want it to do. I want to spend time in the studio making music, not replacing cables that have failed."
More recently, Alex turned to Canford as he took time-out to upgrade his recording studio.
Alex explains: "Our studio is a combination of a new Pro Tools rig and various bits of vintage and contemporary outboard. We needed a jackfield to connect everything together, so we can easily patch in whatever we need to use. When I called Canford, they were so accommodating, and turned it around astonishingly quickly. They're a friendly bunch and when I got chatting to them, they asked me if I'd write to recommend them, so here I am - they're great, and they're not paying me to say that. They just do what they do very well."
Canford Bantam and B-Guage Jackfields are manufactured exclusively with Neutrik Jacks. Constructed from rigid 1U aluminium extrusion with robust powder coated finish. Jacks are 5-point, palladium-contact type with heavy duty nickel-plated frame and front ring to ensure long and reliable operational life.
They have been specified and installed throughout some of the most prestigious recording studios around the world.
The team at Canford would like to thank Alex and Franz Ferdinand for their support, and we wish the band every success with future Single & Album releases.