So we all think all certain guitars when we hear the word – a guitar that just to us, symbolises what our favourite players uses to achieve that sound and look damn cool while doing it. These are the guitars that have turned mere men into rock gods.
The Fender Strat. When it was made back in 1954, no-one, least of all its creator Leo Fender, had no idea how iconic this guitar was about to become. There are hundreds of copies on the market, but people know a ‘proper’ Strat just from the tone. Thought of as a rock and blues guitar, many players have found it hard to go back to other guitars after playing a Strat. Hendrix, Clapton, all of Iron Maiden, Blackmore, Kosoff Buddy Holly and hundreds of other players. The legendary reputation of the Stratocaster proceeds it, ensuring it remains an icon for years to come.
The Fender Telecaster. Although it has its share of rock players, due to its twangy sound the telecaster has something of a ‘country’ guitar reputation. Jim Root of Iowain metallers Slipknot and John 5 (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie) are surprising Telecaster players. Created again by Leo Fender, but before the Strat, the Tele was originally known as the Broadcaster. A threatening law suit over the name saw it swiftly changed to Telecaster, amd the rest is history. Famous Tele players include Andy Summers (the Police), Joe Strummer (the Clash) and Keith Richards (the Rolling Stones) -showing the versitility of the guitar.
The Gibson Les Paul. Created by Gibson with Les Paul, the guitar was created in 1952. Originally the Les Paul had single coil pickups, which were changed in ‘57 for the humbucker pickups that the Les Paul is famous for today. More players than you know have played a Les Paul at some stage -some may surprise you -Clapton, Hendrix and others. Notable Les Paul players are Slash of Guns and Roses and Zakk Wylde, Ozzy Osbournes main guitarist.
Gibson SG. in 1961 this was going to be a new Les Paul guitar -the only problem being that the man himself didnt like the design. So it was named the ‘SG’ -initials for solid body, its lighter than the Les Paul and has a slimmer neck. Its famous players include Angus Young of AC/DC and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath.
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