Think it is hard trying to make it as an alternative rock band in the States? Try pursuing your dreams of rock stardom in, say, Iran.

Hypernova don't have to imagine. The Iranian alternative rockers recently pulled up stakes and came to the U.S.A. where they now live. Guitarist, Kodi (the band all go by one name), took some time to talk about his guitar. Getting a good instrument isn't easy in the Islamic Republic.

"Unfortunately there's not a wide range of guitars and musical instruments that you can choose from. The government raised the tariffs on imported musical instruments a couple of years ago so a standard Fender Stratocaster that costs about $900-$1000 over here, would approximately be two to three times the original amount. As a result musicians either have to fly out of the country to get their instruments or use whatever they can get their hands on." says Kodi.

Kodi, himself, plays a Gibson ES-335.

"Its been almost 4 years now. I was 16 years old when I first laid a hand on an ES-335 and I absolutely fell in love with the sound," he says. "I also use a '1964 Hagstrom III' that I find more suitable for some of the newer material."

But the ES-335 was his main guitar recording and remains a big presence in the band's live set.

"The 335 was one of the main guitars we used in the process of recording our first album Through The Chaos. Although many people argue on the versatility of the ES-335," he says. "I haven't been able to gain that powerful sound or tone with any other guitar. The light weight of the guitar also makes performing live easier."

Kodi has a hard time coming up with one, specific "best thing" about his 335 but he admits he loves the sound of the 57 Humbuckers that come stock. As to problems with the guitar he also has no specific issue.

"From what I've heard a lot of people have problems with the tuning pegs on the newer series," says Kodi. "My guitar isn't that old and fortunately I haven't had any problems with it. It's just a matter of taking care of your instruments properly and you'll never have problems with them."

Kodi's ES-335 is "off the rack" and has not been modified in any way. He might change one thing in the future.

"I'm actually not a big fan of the stock factory pickups so if budget allows I try to go for vintage guitars but I have to admit the Humbuckers on the 335 do not disappoint," he says. "That’s why I decided to keep them the way they are. I thought about adding a Bigsby vibrato, but vibrato's take away from the sustain."

Hypernova have just released their debut CD,Through The Chaos, on Narnack Records. They are touring the USA this summer with appearances at the Bowery Ballroom in New York and finally with an appearance at Milwaukee's Summerfest.

"As far as writing new material we're involving a lot of synths and cool electronic elements. Our sound is evolving in a pretty interesting way." says Kodi.