Musicians - James Shaffer

Home > Listing Index > Musicians > James Shaffer

	Musicians - James Shaffer

James Christian 'Munky' Shaffer (born June 6, 1970 in Rosedale, California) is rock band Korn's guitarist. His nickname, 'Munky', is apparently a reference to the fact that his feet, when spread, resembles a monkey's (this was revealed in the multi-platinum video Who Then Now?). His band mates, Brian 'Head' Welch and Reginald 'Fieldy' Arvizu have similar nicknames, based on their physical appearance.

Life

Young Shaffer led a troubled life, often stealing his parents alcohol and commiting trespass. One night, when trying to sneak out to a party, the tip of his left finger was severed by the chain on his three wheeler, and, as part of his rehabilitation, James took up guitar. During highschool James met fellow guitarist Brian Welch and the two hit it off, often jamming together. In fact, it was Brian who got him into his first band, L.A.P.D - though Shaffer would later claim it was his long hair, and not his skill as a guitarist, that landed him the role.

Later on Welch and Shaffer saw Jonathan Davis, singing for the band Sexart in a bar. Initially intending to stay only for a few minutes, the pair ended up staying for the whole set upon seeing Davis' performance and asked him to join their band (still called L.A.P.D at this point) almost immediately afterward. Jonathan, after consultation with a psychic, agreed and shortly afterward Korn was formed.

On January 15, 2000, James married Stephanie Roush. The couple had a daughter, Carmella Star, the next year, whom James claims is the most prized possession in his life. The two are now divorced.

Gear

James uses Ibanez Guitars predominately (his signature is the K7 7-string model) and Mesa Boogie & Diezel Amplifiers. Like Brian did before leaving the band in 2005, he uses many pedals and effects to shape the distinct Korn sound.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for James Shaffer ]

This page is based on the copyrighted Wikipedia article James Shaffer; it is used under the GNU Free Documentation License. You may redistribute it, verbatim or modified, providing that you comply with the terms of the GFDL.

Searches on eBay