Marty McFly famously played a Gibson ES-345 semi-hollow electric guitar in the Back to the Future movie trilogy. The iconic instrument was custom made for the film by luthier Kris Derrig, with an unfinished maple neck, gold hardware and blue pickup covers. It was also adorned with red tape on the pickguard to give it a more futuristic look. Along with its signature sound, this guitar has become an instant classic among guitarists of all styles and ages.
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Marty McFly’s Guitar: A Key Element of the Back to the Future Trilogy
The electric guitar of Marty McFly, the protagonist of the iconic Back to the Future trilogy, is one of the most recognizable instruments in movie history. Played by Michael J. Fox during his time-traveling adventures through space and time, it was a key component of the series’ legendary soundtrack.
When viewers were first introduced to Marty’s character, he was already an accomplished guitarist with skill far exceeding that of most teenage musicians. He strummed a red Gibson ES-345 Stereo semi-hollowbody guitar while performing on stage at Lone Pine Mall with his band The Pinheads in 1985. With its classic vintage design and dual humbucker pickups – plus its jangly Bigsby vibrato bar – it had all the looks and sound for a rockstar like Marty.
Although this vintage model was built back in 1958, it still remains popular today among blues aficionados for its sharp twangy tone. This same exact make and model can be seen onscreen during many other scenes throughout all three movies – from showing up to school late in Back to Future II to jamming out around Doc Brown’s lab in Part III. Marty’s Gibson ES-345 also became an integral part of each movie’s plot as well; when he traveled back to 1955, his instrument provided him with much needed currency as needed cash quickly ran out due to inflation issues across different eras (and worlds). Thus concludes our mini tour through some rock ‘n roll history.
The Specific Model of Guitar Marty McFly Played
When it comes to the “Back to the Future” movie franchise, many fans are familiar with Marty McFly’s iconic guitar solo in the first movie. But what kind of guitar did he play? It turns out that Marty strummed a classic 1955 Gibson ES-345 Semi-Hollow Body Guitar.
This particular model of Gibson was first released in 1959 and remains popular among musicians today for its distinctively warm sound. While many vintage guitars lack modern features, the ES-345 featured several advanced components like an on-board stereo output, built-in vibrato system and adjustable bridge. This model boasted an elegant cherry sunburst finish and gold hardware which made it stand out from other instruments at the time.
The Gibson ES-345 is no longer produced today but there are still many examples available on the second hand market due to their immense popularity among players over the years. As such, owning one of these instruments could be a great way to pay homage to McFly’s legendary performance while enjoying a truly unique tone.
Modifications Made to the Guitar for the Film
For the beloved 1985 classic, Back to the Future, a guitar of epic proportions was needed. To ensure that it fit perfectly with Marty McFly’s unique style and attitude, a few modifications had to be made. The Fender Stratocaster chosen for the movie was an original 1956 model, but in order to make it stand out from other guitars on screen, some adjustments were necessary.
First off, the back pickup was changed to a higher output DiMarzio HS-3 Super Distortion humbucker pickup in order to create a more powerful sound. The guitar was fitted with custom chrome plated roller bridge saddles and locking tuners for increased stability while playing. To add even more appeal to this rock ‘n roll machine, producers painted its body white with red stripes and added custom “McFly” decals.
Studio technicians wired two switches into the pickguard which allowed them to activate onboard lights when they were shooting night scenes so as to give McFly’s prized possession an extra sparkle in low light settings. With all these elements combined together and all specially tailored towards McFly’s character and musical preferences – it is no surprise why this guitar became such an iconic part of the film’s legacy.
Impact on Popular Culture and Music
The success of the Back to the Future trilogy not only changed popular culture, but also had a significant impact on music. The electric guitar played by Marty McFly in the movies quickly became an icon for aspiring young rockers and still remains an iconic image today.
In particular, the Gibson ES-345 semi-hollowbody used by Michael J. Fox has become one of the most recognizable guitars ever made. This instrument was first manufactured in 1958 and is seen as being highly influential on artists such as Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry and B.B King who have used similar models throughout their careers.
The influence that this guitar has had goes beyond its mere appearance in the films however, with many people citing it as having been an integral part of popularizing rock n’ roll among a new generation of fans. By seeing this instrument being used by a main character in a movie that was beloved by millions around the world, more people began to take notice of this type of music than ever before. It helped to bring about a resurgence in interest for rock n’ roll which continues to be seen today both live and on streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music.
Collectibility and Value of Marty McFly’s Guitar Today
The iconic guitar used by Marty McFly in the 1985 movie ‘Back to the Future’ continues to draw interest among fans and collectors alike. This collectible relic has come to be known as the ‘McFly’s Guitar,’ and its value over time has only increased with age. As a unique piece of movie memorabilia, the McFly’s Guitar is cherished for more than just its aesthetic appeal; it carries a special cultural significance.
When it first made its debut on screen in 1985, little did anyone know that this Gibson ES-345 TD could become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable instruments. Though replicas have been created over the years, the original guitar owned by McFly remains an integral part of pop culture history and an impressive addition to any collection. The fact that it was actually played by Michael J Fox himself makes it all the more precious.
The combination of nostalgia and timeless style make this vintage item highly sought after today. It’s not every day you can own a piece of cinema history, but thanks to dedicated collectors around the world, true fans still have a chance at owning something close to what they saw on their screens decades ago – if they’re willing to pay up for it. While exact pricing information is hard to come by due to limited availability, some sources estimate that authentic McFly guitars can fetch upwards of $25000 USD or more on online auction sites today – making them truly valuable investments indeed!
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