Every great guitarist has a favorite axe. After years of creating songs and touring, these instruments become almost as loved as the music itself. That’s why we put together a list of some of the most legendary guitars throughout rock history. Artists trust their guitars, and they eventually build an unbreakable bond. Well, unbreakable unless they light the instrument on fire and bash it onstage (see Jimi Hendrix below).
Jimi Hendrix’s Monterey Stratocaster
Hendrix always loved his Fender Stratocasters, but his hand-painted Monterey Strat stands out because of his memorable performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. At the end of the song “Wild Thing,” Hendrix set the guitar ablaze and smashed it to pieces onstage. What a moment!
Bruce Springsteen’s Fender Esquire
Springsteen’s Fender Esquire might as well be nicknamed “Ol’ Reliable.” He’s famously played the beautiful instrument in the studio and onstage all throughout his impressive career. He even posed with the iconic axe on the cover of the album Born to Run.
Tom Morello’s “Arm the Homeless” Custom
Morello’s “Arm the Homeless” custom guitar is a remarkable instrument that rock fans recognize immediately. It was designed by Kenny Sugai, who also built custom guitars for Frank Zappa. While it’s gone through countless modifications, Morello still rocks this eye-catching gat 30-some years later.
Prince’s “Cloud”
Prince’s “Cloud” guitar is one of the most visually striking instruments ever created. Originally designed to be featured in the movie Purple Rain, the “Cloud” became Prince’s preferred instrument for live performances from 1984 until the end of his career. The look of the instrument flawlessly matches his superstar persona!
Tony Iommi’s “Monkey” 1964 Gibson SG
Iommi’s 1964 Gibson SG was used on every Black Sabbath album and live show throughout the 1970s. Think about that for a second. EVERY ALBUM? The guitar featured custom pickups that complimented Iommi’s style of play perfectly. Don’t believe me? Go listen to one of the albums yourself.
Jimmy Page’s Double Neck Gibson EDS-1275
What’s better than a classic Gibson SG? Jimmy Page’s Double Neck Gibson EDS-1275. This stunning guitar features a 12-string neck on top and a 6-string neck right below it, giving Page the ability to play multiple guitar parts without switching guitars. Most notably, Page used this guitar for the live performances of songs like “Stairway to Heaven,” “The Rain Song,” and “The Song Remains the Same.”
James Hetfield’s “EET FUK” ESP Explorer
While Hetfield has used several ESP guitars throughout his incredible career, the most renowned is his “EET FUK” ESP Explorer, which he started using during the …And Justice for All tour. Accented with a sticker that reads “EET FUK,” this instrument has been a trusty sidekick of Hetfield’s for over 30 years.
Jerry Garcia’s “Tiger”
Garcia’s “Tiger” guitar was designed and built by legendary guitar luthier Doug Irwin. He played this striking piece of art live and in the studio from 1979 to 1989. It got its name because of the tiger inlay right below the bridge. At 13 pounds, it was definitely a heavy guitar, but the looks and sounds were undeniably brilliant.
Eddie Van Halen’s “Frankenstrat”
Eddie Van Halen was an absolute magician on the axe, and his homemade guitar has become maybe the most famous of all time. He built the guitar himself with a bunch of spare parts, giving it the nickname “Frankenstrat.” While the mind-blowing artwork makes it stand out, it’s the music that makes this instrument unforgettable.
The best way to celebrate your favorite artists is by rocking a graphic tee. Check out Spencer’s sick collection and get ready to jam. Looking for more music content? Be sure to keep up with The Inspo Spot for more articles about the musicians we love most.
