We all have our specific tastes when it comes to our instrument of choice. Depending on your playing style and the type of music you want to play, different brands and models of guitars can be appropriate. In this article, you will find information about some of the world’s most famous guitar players and their ‘weapon of choice’.
Gibson Guitars
Gibson Guitars
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The legendary Bob Marley was a very passionate Gibson guitar fan. In fact, he was very much in love with the Les Paul Special, so much so that he was buried in a mausoleum with the Gibson guitar by his side. In memory of this great musician, Gibson launched its release of a Bob Marley signature Les Paul Special in tribute to his love for Gibson guitars.
Paul McCartney of The Beatles was another influential Gibson enthusiast and a line of the Les Paul Standard was released in his honour. In fact, many of the members in the Beatles were all about Gibson guitars and this does include John Lennon, who used the J-160E during his time with the Beatles. Even after Lennon moved on from the Beatles, he still used Gibson guitars, including the Les Paul Special and Les Paul Junior.
Arguably the most famous guitarist known to play Gibson guitars is Elvis Presley, who used a 1956 J-200N Gibson guitar in both his presence in concerts and films. His passion for Gibson guitars was such that he engraved his name onto each on as a memoir of his successes and achievements.
Fender Guitars
While there have been many great guitarists that have used Fenders, the musician I think of first is the great Eric Clapton. Clapton was initially a Gibson user however in 1967 he switched over to Fender guitars and has since used a Stratocaster. In fact, Fender released a Clapton signature line in tribute to the great man. Over the year, Clapton and his Fender have written many a catchy riff and the guitar suits his blues-influenced playing style.
Another renowned Fender guitarist was Jimi Hendrix who was a significant icon in developing the era of the blues. Hendrix was often seen with a Stratocaster on his right hand despite him being left-handed. Hendrix’s influence on the rise in popularity and demand of Fender guitars cannot be understated. In fact, when Hendrix was asked about his reaction to his famous on-stage burning of his Stratocaster, he replied with this: “The time I burned my guitar it was like a sacrifice. You sacrifice the things you love. I love my guitar.” As a tribute Fender produced a limited edition Jimi Hendrix model Stratocaster.
Ibanez Guitars
Often more suitable for heavy rock, Ibanez guitars have many famous advocates in the music industry. Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, known for their highly technical instrumental and experimental guitar playing, have used custom models throughout their careers.
Wes Borland, former guitarist from Limp Bizkit, about Ibanez guitars extending to custom-made Ibanez guitars such as a 4 stringed baritone as well as the notable RG7 CST (which were of an extremely limited edition with only 18 made in 1999).
Other notable Ibanez guitarists include the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ guitarist, John Frusciante, with his use of the Ibanez RG250DX throughout the recording of the album Mother’s Milk in 1989.
