I get it. Fender and Gibson make damn good guitars for the best of the best. I have a surf green Mexican Strat that saw enough action to warrant a re-fret that never let me down once. And the Les Paul is as genuine and amazing as its namesake. If “Hotel California” taught us anything, the Fenders and Gibsons go together as well as corruption and politics. But it seems like every band under the age of thirty doesn’t even know other brands exist. If I see one more Fender headstock, I’m going to flip my bippy. Here are 14 touring guitarists that have the courage to pick another brand.
Annie Clark: Saint Vincent/ David Bryne.
Ernie Ball Music Man Saint Vincent Signature model.
Annie Clark’s signature guitar is odd yet calculated just like her solos. Even David Bryne thinks she’s a weirdo. She helped design the first guitar made specifically to accommodate the female body. While primarily known for their basses, Music Man also makes Love’s own Albert Lee signature guitar.
Serra Pétale: Los Bitchos
Eastwood Ichibam kl2
Los Bitchos are a bunch of London girls by way of Western Australia. They like their surf rock a little tangy, with elements of South American beats and a dash of psychedelia. Those ladies always look like they are having a blast on stage. With a name like Los Bitcho’s, how could they not be?
Hester Chambers: WetLeg
Hofner (Höfner) HCT Galaxie
She plays guitar with everyone’s favorite perverts, Wet Leg. “On the chaise longue, on the chaise longue, on the chaise longue all day long, on the chaise longue. “ Even Harry Styles couldn’t escape their pop perfection, and did a cover of “Wet Dream.”
Mike watt players: The Minutemen, fIREHOUSE, The Stooges
Reverend Wattpower Bass
Mike Watt. If you know, you know, and if you don’t know, you should. Only Reverend Guitars could make a signature model holy enough for this fucking corndog to defend himself agaisnt the 70’s.
Wolfgang Von Frankenstein: The Misfits
Dean Doyle Signature Annihilator
Does Doyle actually play guitar or does he just punch it like a timecard? Either way, he looks cool as hell. Legend has it, he rates every show according to how much his fingers bleed that night. His Dean signature model takes a beating every night, often needing to be swapped out for another identical model between songs with his guitar tech fixes it. That guy isn’t paid enough.
The Whole Band: Shannon and the Clams
Danelectros
I saw them live and was blown away by the power of Shannon’s voice.That lady could give a legit opera singer a run for her money. Her gold sparkle Danelectro bass is a perfect fit for The Clams retro 60’s vibe.
Stu Mackenzie King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard
Yamaha 1967 Flying Samurai
I always tell people, if you think you don’t like King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard, wait a couple songs. They are so diverse that they will eventually land on something you’ll like. Stu Machenzie loves weird ass guitars, including this 60’s Yamaha.
Marissa Paternoster/ Screaming females
g and l s-500
Kramer jersey stat hornet galaxy
If you aren’t careful, Marissa Paternoster will shred your face off. She is living proof that there are still guitarists who are willing to take risks, and stand out rather than blend in. In fact, between her and Annie Clark, it seems to me that women are doing the most good on the guitar nowadays. Get it together boys!
To be fair, G and L was Leo Fender’s company after he sold the Fender company, but legally they aren’t Fenders, so fuck off. Jerry Cantral of Alice in Chains also uses G and L for their beefy tones.
Wolfgang Van Halen
EVH SA-126
Not sure what EVH Guitars could possibly stand for, but I’m sure this ain’t no First Act Guitar. Wolfgang added a semi hollobody design to the old man’s guitar, making it his own. Apparently Eddie’s kid plays all the instruments on his records like Prince. His Drumeo videos are always a good time, and showcase what happens when your uncle is Alex Van Halan.
Nameless Ghoul: Ghost
Hagstrom Fantomen.
It’s surprising that Hagstrom isn’t a household name, since Elvis Presely played one. The Hagstrom Fantomen really fits in with the metal aesthetic of Ghost, like the satans house key. Even the tuning pegs look evil.
Josh Homme: Queens of the Stoneage, Kyruss
Marin bb1200
Josh Holme could play any guitar, but chooses Maren. This guy knows a thing or two about riffs, so the guitars must be amazing. This one matches his jacket really well.
King Buzzo: Melvins/Fantômas
Electric Guitar Factory King Buzzo Standard.
Costing as much as a nice used car, this aluminum neck guitar can take the pounding that King Buzzo unleashes on it every night. This one is on my post lottery wishlist.
Zac Sokolow: LA LOM
Kay Style Leader
If you need a chill vibe, I have the band for you. These guys are like the Ventures meet Los Lobo’s. Zac’s vintage Kay Style Leader swims in a river of reverb, and has three pickups with volume and tone control for each.
The Whole Band: Los Straightjackets
Various Dipinto Guitars.
I saw Los Straightjackets play an outdoor fest at the Philly Art Museum. Despite all their whammy barring and neck bending, they only had to tune up ONCE before they played. Talk about workhouse guitars! These things are more suited for surf music than surfboards.
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