Week 5 arrives in Basel with Andy from Sonic Scientists
The Touring Board reaches its fifth stop and returns to Basel, this time landing in the hands of a musician who lives and breathes strings. Week 5 features Andy Hidber, guitarist, singer, songwriter and luthier, best known for his work with Sonic Scientists and for building remarkable instruments under the Magneton Custom Shop Guitars brand. He is also one of the driving forces behind the Guitar Barn and Barngain Guitars in Oberwil, a place many local musicians already know as a small temple of tone.
Meet Sonic Scientists
Sonic Scientists describe themselves as a collective with verve, range and experience. They explore the edges of what a rock quartet can sound like and shape songs with depth and craft. Their music blends rock with metal, soul, funk, jazz and folk. The band writes about life, society and the search for meaning, always aiming for a sound that stays with you long after the last note fades.
They formed during the pandemic, but together they bring more than one thousand gigs of experience to the stage. Sonic Scientists deliver songs with precision and emotion. Their live shows are adventures filled with tight arrangements, bold improvisations and a sense of musical curiosity.
Andy sings and plays guitar. Matt Nold holds down the low end while adding sample textures. Christian Freiburghaus brings Hammond warmth and analog synth colours. Caco Brander anchors the whole project with groove and power behind the kit.
Sonic Friends, a project built on connection
In 2024 Sonic Scientists created Sonic Friends, an event that brought together artists of different generations and genres to reinterpret their songs with the band. It became a celebration of diversity and collaboration, reminding audiences of the power music has to connect people in a world that often feels divided.
The success of the first edition set the stage for the next chapter. Sonic Friends 2.0 will take place on 23 January 2026 at Kuppel Basel, promising another night of shared creativity and meaningful encounters.
Andy the musician. Andy the builder.
What sets Andy apart in Week 5 is not only his presence as a frontman and guitarist, but also his work as a luthier. Through Magneton, he builds guitars that players trust on stage and in the studio. His instruments reflect precision, musicality and personality, the same traits that define his work with Sonic Scientists.
At the Guitar Barn, Andy and the team guide players through tone, setups and choices that fit their style. Many of the guitars used in the Touring Board project have passed through their hands.
Try the Touring Board in person this Saturday
This week includes a special opportunity for Basel musicians.
On Saturday, at the Musikflohmarkt in Markthalle, Andy will bring the Touring Board and make it available for anyone who wants to try it. It is a rare chance to plug in, experiment and feel how the setup responds with your own playing. If you are curious about RhPf pedals or simply want to meet Andy and the Guitar Barn team, this is the perfect moment.
What to expect this week
As always, the Touring Board stays neutral in tone. We follow its journey and highlight the artist who carries it. Content will be added throughout the week as Andy shares his experience, his sounds and his perspective. We are excited to see how someone with deep roots in guitar craft and musical expression interacts with the Touring Board.
Week 5 shines a light on a musician who shapes songs, builds instruments and supports the local scene. We are proud to feature Andy Hidber and Sonic Scientists on the Touring Board.
Follow Sonic Scientists
Stay tuned as we add their updates throughout the week. Discover more about the band here: