List of Gibson players

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Gibson Les Paul Studio model
A Gibson Les Paul Studio model

This is an alphabetized list of musicians who have made notable use of Gibson Guitar models in live performances or studio recordings. Because of the great popularity of these models, musicians are listed here only if their use of these instruments was especially significant — that is, they are musicians with long careers who have a history of faithful Gibson use, or the particular instrument they used was unique or of historical importance, or their use of the Gibson model contributed significantly to the popularization of that particular instrument.


Contents: Top - 0–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

[edit] A

  • Duane Allman (The Allman Brothers Band)- used a 1957 Les Paul Goldtop with PAF pickups, a 1959 cherry sunburst Les Paul, a 1958 tobacco sunburst Les Paul and a 1968 cherry SG.[1]
  • Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) - Uses several vintage 1950's Les Paul Junior models, SG's, ES 335's, and a J-45. He also used a Les Paul Standard for recording the lead guitar parts on the album "American Idiot." Gibson has produced a Billie Joe Armstrong Signature Les Paul Junior model.[2]
  • Chet Atkins - Switched from Gretsch to Gibson in the mid 1980s and brought with him the popular Country Gentlemen and Tennessean model designs. Atkins also helped to design several innovative acoustic/electric models including the SST.[citation needed]

[edit] B

[edit] C

Eric Clapton with his Les Paul, July 1966
Eric Clapton with his Les Paul, July 1966
  • Larry Carlton - uses a sunburst 1968 ES-335 along with occasional use of a 1956 Les Paul Special and a 1963 L5.[7] A Larry Carlton Signature Model has been produced by Gibson for the man they call "Mr ES-335".[8]
  • Manny Charlton (Nazareth) - used a Les Paul.
  • Eric Clapton - used a Les Paul while with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.[9] While with Cream, Clapton used a 1965 SG[10] painted by Dutch artists collectively known as The Fool. Also, while with Cream, Clapton used a cherry 1964 ES-355,[11] a Les Paul Black Beauty and a Firebird I. A 1958 Explorer[12] was used during recording for his 461 Ocean Boulevard and EC Was Here albums. Clapton still makes occasional use of an ES-335 model during live performances.
  • Steve Clark (Def Leppard) - used a Les Paul and a Firebird.
  • Allen Collins (Lynyrd Skynyrd) - used a Firebird, and later switched to the Explorer.
  • Sheryl Crow - uses a Country Western model, Hummingbird, L-00 Blues King, J-200 Western Classic, 96 Advanced Jumbo, 96 Southern Jumbo, J45, ES-120, ES-125, ES-335 and various Les Pauls.[13]
  • Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) - used a Les Paul Special for the majority of guitar work on early Weezer albums, and uses a Les Paul, an SG, a Flying V and an Explorer onstage in late 2001 and throughout parts of 2002.

[edit] D

K.K. Downing playing a Gibson Flying V
K.K. Downing playing a Gibson Flying V

[edit] E

  • Duane Eddy - "The King of Twang Guitar" has used many different Gibson models throughout his career. Gibson produces a Duane Eddy Signature Model.[15]
  • The Edge (U2) - uses several Gibson models including an Explorer,[16] a Les Paul[17] and an SG.
  • John Entwistle (The Who) - used several Thunderbird IV basses during the early 1970s and later used custom-made Thunderbird models with Fender Precision Bass necks. Entwistle also used an EB-2 bass during the early days of The Who.
  • Everly Brothers - J-200, Everly Brothers Model.

[edit] F

Ace Frehley
Ace Frehley

[edit] G

Scott Gorham
Scott Gorham
  • Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) - has used several different Gibson models over the course of his career including Goldtop Les Pauls, Flying Vs, Explorers, ES-5 Switchmasters and Les Paul Juniors. His main guitar is a 1959 Les Paul Standard nicknamed "Pearly Gates". "Pearly has such an unmistakable character that we felt it was necessary to find another instrument with a similar sound to use as a spare guitar. We accumulated dozens of guitars, but nothing quite matched her. But instead of tossing these other acquisitions away, they kept accumulating. It's an ongoing saga that never ends."[20][21]
  • David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) - known for playing Fender Stratocaster, but uses a 1956 Les Paul Goldtop with a Bigsby tailpiece on his solo albums and few Pink Floyd's song, such as Fat Old Sun and Careful with That Axe, Eugene.
  • Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy) - used a Les Paul Standard and a Les Paul Deluxe with mini humbuckers.
  • Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) - has used several Les Pauls models.
  • Barry Goudreau (Boston) - uses an SG
  • Peter Green - most notable for his 1959 Les Paul that had the pick-ups accidentally wired out of phase. The guitar used to be owned by Gary Moore, but it was sold to a private owner in 2006.
  • Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) - uses many different Gibson models including: Explorers, SGs, ES-335s, Firebirds, and a 1970s Trini Lopez Standard.

[edit] H

Warren Haynes
Warren Haynes

[edit] I

  • James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins) - Used a black Les Paul Custom frequently, and occasionally used a Yellow SG.
  • Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)- has used an SG throughout most of his career but also owns other Gibson models. Currently his collection includes: a rare "Barney Kessel" left-handed model,[27] a red SG nicknamed "monkey",[28] a red Gibson Custom Shop SG,[29] a black Gibson Custom Shop SG[30] and a black SG Standard[31] Gibson has produced a Tony Iommi Signature SG.[32]

[edit] J

[edit] K

  • Albert King - a left-handed "upside-down/backwards" guitarist: he was left-handed but usually played a Flying V flipped over upside-down so the low E string was on the bottom.[34]
Paul Kossoff of Free
Paul Kossoff of Free
  • B. B. King - has used many different Gibson models including: an ES-5 and an ES-175 early in his career. Later he would use several thinline semi-acoustic models such as: an ES-330, ES-335, ES-345. King's Signature ES-355, nicknamed Lucille, has been his main guitar for many years.[35]
  • Ed King* (Lynyrd Skynyrd) - used SG's as an alternate guitar to his Fender Strats while with Skynyrd.
  • Freddie King* - used a Goldtop Les Paul with P-90 pickups. Also used an ES-355 in some live performances.[36]
  • Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits and solo) - uses original 1958 and 1959 Les Paul models. He also uses ES-335 and Super 400s.
  • Erkin Koray - uses a 1961 Les Paul Custom.
  • Paul Kossoff (Free) - "Kossoff was a passionate Les Paul player able to say in a few notes what many would dozens attempting."[37] Kossoff used several late-50s Les Paul models as well as an ES-335 for occasional studio use.
  • Robby Krieger (The Doors) - uses an SG, an ES-335 and a Melody Maker.
  • Lenny Kravitz - uses a Flying V, a Les Paul and a white SG Custom.
  • Kirk Hammett - Played some song with black Les Paul especially for the song Fade to Black & Nothing Else Matters

[edit] L

  • Albert Lee - uses a Les Paul Custom, a J-200 and Everly Brothers Model.
  • Alvin Lee (Ten Years After) - used a customized ES-335 nicknamed "Big Red". The Gibson Custom shop now produces a reissue of Lee's guitar.
  • John Lennon - used a J-160E extensively while with the Beatles. Lennon also used a Les Paul Special and a modified Les Paul Junior.[38][39]
  • Alex Lifeson (Rush) - Has used many different Gibson models over the course of his career including: a sunburst ES-335, a black ES-345, a white ES-355, a white EDS-1275, a cherry SG, a sunburst Howard Roberts Fusion III, a variety of Les Paul models and a J-150 acoustic.[40][41]
  • Steve Lukather - owns many guitar models; has an original '59 Les Paul. Seen in many videos/interviews.[42]

[edit] M

Paul McCartney playing a 1960 left handed sunburst Les Paul
Paul McCartney playing a 1960 left handed sunburst Les Paul
  • Paul McCartney - owns a rare left-handed 1957 Les Paul Goldtop[43] Like many players, McCartney has replaced the fragile original tuning machines with a more modern sturdy set.[44] and uses a left handed 1960 Les Paul Standard as his main stage guitar.[45][46] McCartney also uses a C-5 in the studio.
  • Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) - uses a Les Paul, an SG, an ES-335 and a Flying V.
  • Jimmy McCulloch (Wings) - used an SG,a Les Paul and EDS 1275 on the "Band on the run tour"
  • John McLaughlin - has used many different models over the years, including:Les Pauls, an EDS-1275, ES-335s, Byrdlands, a sunburst dual-pickup Johnny Smith model, an ES-345 as well as Hummingbird acoustics.
  • Ralph McTell - uses a J-45 acoustic.
  • Pat Metheny - uses a humbucker-equipped ES-175, both live and on many of his mainstream jazz recordings. Has used a Les Paul on occasion, notably on Zero Tolerance for Silence.
  • Wes Montgomery - used an ES-175 early in his career as well as an L-5CESs.[47]Gibson currently produces a Wes Montgomery Signature Model L-5CES.
  • Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy/Skid Row/solo) - uses a Les Paul Standard. Previously had a Les Paul Signature Model. Regularly uses a 1959 Les Paul Standard once owned by Peter Green.[48] Also used a white Explorer in the 2003 DVD release "Gary Moore: Live at Monsters of Rock".
  • Scotty Moore (Elvis Presley's original lead guitarist) - While with Presley, Moore initially played an ES-295, before switching to an L5 and subsequently a Super 400.
  • Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave) - Uses a number of new Les Paul standards. The latest album "Revelations" was recorded with a Les Paul emblazened with the Budwieser logo, which Morello removed with lighter fluid and wire wool while on Audioslave's 2005 tour. Fitted with DiMarzio pickups, this has now become his main guitar. Also uses a EDS-1275 in live performances of the goast of Tom Joad while with Rage against the machine[citation needed]
  • Bob Mould (Hüsker Dü) - used an Explorer for a filmed concert at Camden Palace, London in 1985.

[edit] N

[edit] O

[edit] P

Jimmy Page playing one of his Les Pauls during a 1973 Led Zeppelin concert, as shown in the film The Song Remains the Same
Jimmy Page playing one of his Les Pauls during a 1973 Led Zeppelin concert, as shown in the film The Song Remains the Same
  • Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin/solo) - uses a 1958 Les Paul Standard ("Number 1"), a 1959 Les Paul Standard ("Number 2", a gift from Joe Walsh),[54] a 1973 Les Paul Standard, an EDS-1275, a 1977 RD Artist, an ES5 Switchmaster, a Goldtop Premium Les Paul and a 1991 Custom Shop Les Paul (built to be an exact replica of "Number 1" and re-nicknamed "Number 3"). Page also owned a modified 1960 Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" with a Bigsby Tailpiece and a 3-pickup configuration.[55] This guitar was stolen in 1970 and never recovered.[56] For acoustics Page used a Hummingbird, a J-200 and an A-2 mandolin. Gibson has released a Jimmy Page Signature Model Les Paul Les Paul replicating the features of "Number 2".[57][58][59]
  • Joe Pass - used a sunburst ES-175; Epiphone currently produces a Joe Pass signature Emperor model.
  • Les Paul (Lester William Polfus) - the creator of the Les Paul, uses a custom model.[60]
  • Joe Perry (Aerosmith) - has used many Gibson models over the years, including ES-335's, Les Pauls, Flying Vs, and Firebirds; has signature Gibson and Epiphone Les Paul models nicknamed Boneyard.
  • Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) - Has played a variety of electric and acoustic guitars in live performances. Among those are Les Pauls.
  • Al Pitrelli (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Savatage, Megadeth) - uses a Les Paul and an Explorer.
  • Andy Powell (Wishbone Ash) - helped to popularise the Flying V in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
  • John Prine uses a J-200.

[edit] R

Mick Ralphs
Mick Ralphs
  • Mick Ralphs(Bad Company/Mott the Hoople) - used a Les Paul Junior, a Firebird and a Les Paul during his Mott the Hoople tenure. Used a Les Paul Standard and a Flying V during his years with Bad Company. Currently uses Les Paul Custom Shop '58 & '59 Re-issue models.
  • Randy Rhoads (Quiet Riot/Ozzy Osbourne) - used a Les Paul Custom.
  • Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones) - used Les Pauls, Flying Vs and Firebirds in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Currently uses ES-355s, Les Paul Juniors and a Les Paul Standard. Also uses Hummingbird and J-200.
  • Howard Roberts - used several Gibson models over the course of his career including: an ES-175, an L-10[61] and a heavily modified ES-150 simply known as "The Black Guitar".[62] Gibson produces a signature model Howard Roberts Fusion III which is a variation of an ES-165.
  • Brian Robertson (Thin Lizzy) - has used a Les Paul throughout his entire career.
  • Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes) - uses several different Gibson electric models including: a 1968 Les Paul Goldtop, a 1964 ES-335, a Customshop Flametop Les Paul and a Dove.[63]
  • Mick Ronson (David Bowie) - used a Les Paul Custom, with the finish stripped, for his guitar work on Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, among others.
  • Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd) - uses Les Pauls and SGs. Previously had a Signature Model Les Paul and SG released by Gibson.

[edit] S

Slash playing a black Les Paul live in concert, 2005
Slash playing a black Les Paul live in concert, 2005

[edit] T

Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones
Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones

[edit] U

[edit] V

[edit] W

Joe Walsh playing a Les Paul in concert
Joe Walsh playing a Les Paul in concert

[edit] X

[edit] Y

  • Angus Young (AC/DC) - uses an SG.[72] Gibson produces an Angus Young Signature SG model.[73]
  • Neil Young - uses several Gibson acoustic and electric models. Young's main guitar, "Old Black", is a 1953 Goldtop Les Paul(painted black) with a Bigsby tailpiece . Young also has 2 other 1953 Goldtops, one which has modifications similar to Old Black, the other a stock original. Also uses a J-200 and a Mastertone GB-3 banjo.[5]
  • Thom Yorke (Radiohead) - uses an ES-125-T and an ES-125. previous used an SG(stolen in 1995).[74]

[edit] Z

  • Frank Zappa - used Les Paul Custom and an ES-5 Switchmaster. His trademark guitar for most of the 1970s, a brown SG, was actually a homemade copy sold to him by a fan backstage. All guitars were usually heavily modified by Zappa; to include preamps, balanced outputs for studio work, and later, Fernandes sustainers.[75]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Fothergill, Julian (2006). Duane Allman. Hotguitarist.com. Retrieved on 2006-11-20.
  2. ^ Gibson.com Billie Joe Armstrong Signature Model homepage
  3. ^ Equipment history from martinbarre.com
  4. ^ Chapman, Richard. Guitar, Music, History, Players. DK publishing, pg. 177, 178. ISBN 0-7894-9700-X. 
  5. ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1163535/bio Michelle Branch's biography. Includes what guitars are used in Trade mark section.
  6. ^ Buckethead's gear
  7. ^ Larry Carlton equipment details from www.larrycarlton.net (2006). Retrieved on 2006-12-02.
  8. ^ Larry Carlton Signature Model. Gibson Guitar Corporation (2006). Retrieved on 2006-11-21.
  9. ^ Bacon, Tony. Electric Guitars:The Illustrated Encyclopedia. Thunder Bay Press, pg. 123. ISBN 978-1-59223-053-2. 
  10. ^ Bacon, Tony. Electric Guitars:The Illustrated Encyclopedia. Thunder Bay Press, pgs. 134-135. ISBN 978-1-59223-053-2. 
  11. ^ Bacon, Tony. Electric Guitars:The Illustrated Encyclopedia. Thunder Bay Press, pg. 139. ISBN 978-1-59223-053-2. 
  12. ^ Bacon, Tony. Electric Guitars:The Illustrated Encyclopedia. Thunder Bay Press, pg. 129. ISBN 978-1-59223-053-2. 
  13. ^ Acoustic Guitars/Gibson Acoustic Guitars/Signature Artist Series/Sheryl Crow Signature Gibson.com
  14. ^ Davies' guitar history from his official website
  15. ^ Details on Duane Eddy's Signature Gibson model
  16. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 94. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  17. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 94. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  18. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 6. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  19. ^ John's guitars. Red Hot Chili Peppers Guide. Retrieved on 2007-01-13.
  20. ^ Gibbons describes his history of collecting guitars
  21. ^ Billy Gibbons article from Guitar Player Magazine
  22. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 7. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  23. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 7. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  24. ^ [1]
  25. ^ [2]
  26. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 76. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  27. ^ technical details for Iommi's Barney Kessel model
  28. ^ technical details for Iommi's "monkey" SG
  29. ^ technical details for Iommi's red Custom Shop SG
  30. ^ technical details for Iommi's black Custom Shop SG
  31. ^ [http://www.iommi.com/equipment/gibson_black_sg_standard.htm technical details for Iommi's black SG standard.
  32. ^ technical details for Iommi's Signature Model SG
  33. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 58. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  34. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 34. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  35. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 35. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  36. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 36. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  37. ^ Bacon, Tony. 50 Years of the Gibson Les Paul. Backbeat Books, pg. 67. ISBN 0-87930-711-0. 
  38. ^ What They Play - by Jeffery Pepper Rodgers
  39. ^ detail on Lennon's Les Paul Special
  40. ^ Rush Gear and Gizmos: Alex Lifeson
  41. ^ Lifeson Rush(es) Gibson USA
  42. ^ [3]
  43. ^ Bacon, Tony. Electric Guitars:The Illustrated Encyclopedia. Thunder Bay Press, pg. 118. ISBN 978-1-59223-053-2. 
  44. ^ Bacon, Tony. 50 Years of the Gibson Les Paul. Backbeat Books, pg. 27. ISBN 0-87930-711-0. 
  45. ^ Bacon, Tony. Electric Guitars:The Illustrated Encyclopedia. Thunder Bay Press, pg. 127. ISBN 978-1-59223-053-2. 
  46. ^ Bacon, Tony. 50 Years of the Gibson Les Paul. Backbeat Books, pg. 46-47. ISBN 0-87930-711-0. 
  47. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 72. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  48. ^ Bacon, Tony. Electric Guitars:The Illustrated Encyclopedia. Thunder Bay Press, pg. 124. ISBN 978-1-59223-053-2. 
  49. ^ Davis, Timothy (2005). Mike Ness: Love Hurts. harpmagazine.com. Retrieved on 2007-02-09.
  50. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 113. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  51. ^ Tubular Net. Guitar Player - Mike Oldfield: A Rare Interview With The English Guitarist, Studio Wizard, and Composer of "Tubular Bells" (1978). Retrieved on 2007-03-19. “Well, I've got a Gibson L-6 electric and my old Telecaster. [...] I also play my Les Paul Jr. It's old--from the mid-50's - and it's my main instrument.”
  52. ^ The Melvins gear list
  53. ^ Ed O'Brien gear list
  54. ^ Bacon, Tony. Electric Guitars:The Illustrated Encyclopedia. Thunder Bay Press, pg. 121. ISBN 978-1-59223-053-2. 
  55. ^ Page's Black Beauty. Jimmy Page pictured with his "Black Beauty" Les Paul. Retrieved on 2006-11-25.
  56. ^ Stolen guitar ad. Picture showing ad in Rolling Stone magazine reporting Page's stolen guitar. Retrieved on 2006-11-25.
  57. ^ Page's early Gibson use. Details of Page's early guitar use. Retrieved on 2006-11-25.
  58. ^ Page's 1970s gear. Details of Page's guitars during his Led Zeppelin years. Retrieved on 2006-11-25.
  59. ^ Page:1980 - Present. Details of Page's guitars from 1980 to present. Retrieved on 2006-11-25.
  60. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 59. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  61. ^ details of Howard Roberts personal guitar equipment
  62. ^ detailed specifications and notes on Howard Roberts' "Black Guitar"
  63. ^ Rich Robinson Equipment list
  64. ^ Bacon, T. "The Ultimate Guitar Book" p. 89 Dorling Kindersley Limited, 1991 ISBN 0-86318-640-8
  65. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 10. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  66. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 73. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  67. ^ Connors, Stompin' Tom (1995). Stompin' Tom - Before the Fame. Toronto: Viking Penguin, 356-379. ISBN 0-670-86487-0. 
  68. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 37. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  69. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 104, 105. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  70. ^ Kitts, Jeff. The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time!. Hal Leonard, pg. 39, 40. ISBN 0-634-04619-5. 
  71. ^ Bacon, Tony. 50 Years of the Gibson Les Paul. Backbeat Books, pg. 76. ISBN 0-87930-711-0. 
  72. ^ Angus Young interviewed about his dedicated use of the Gibson SG
  73. ^ Technical details for the Angus Young Signature model from Gibson.com
  74. ^ Thom Yorke gear list
  75. ^ Chapman, Richard. Guitar, Music, History, Players. DK publishing, pg. 197. ISBN 0-7894-9700-X. 

[edit] See also

Gibson Guitar Corporation