Zakk Wylde is well known for his signature guitar, the Zakk Wylde Bullseye Les Paul. The Bullseye features a classic Gibson Les Paul design with an eye-catching red and black bullseye finish. It is outfitted with two EMG humbucking pickups and Grover tuners to ensure precision tuning and stability. Its maple neck has been modified into a C-shape profile which makes it easier to play complex chords and solos.
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Zakk Wylde’s Signature Gibson Les Paul Guitar
Zakk Wylde is one of the most recognizable guitarists in heavy metal. His signature sound comes from his signature Gibson Les Paul, a model that he has used since the 1990s. He helped create his own signature guitar model with Gibson, dubbed the Zakk Wylde Bullseye Les Paul. This model features a unique bullseye graphic on the top and other custom touches like ebony fretboard and EMG 81/85 pickups for extra crunch.
The Bullseye LP also features an orange finish which pays homage to Zakk’s love of classic Orange amps. The design is based off of Gibson’s Custom Shop model made for Wylde back in 2004, but it’s been improved over time with updated components such as locking Grover tuners and TonePros bridge system for better intonation and sustain. It also includes a coil-split switch so you can get traditional single-coil sounds when needed.
Onstage, Zakk often plays multiple guitars including other Gibsons like Explorers and Flying Vs as well as some Fender models such as Stratocasters and Telecasters. But no matter what guitar he picks up, there’s always at least one iconic Bullseye Les Paul nearby ready to help him tear it up.
The Features of Zakk Wylde’s Signature Les Paul Guitar
Zakk Wylde is renowned for his iconic playing style, and it only makes sense that his signature guitar reflects his unique preferences. The Zakk Wylde Les Paul is a beautiful instrument that offers a range of features and playability options ideal for metal music. It’s equipped with two open-coil humbuckers – the EMG 85 in the neck and EMG 81 in the bridge – which provides an intense and heavy sound perfect for solos or shredding riffs. The mahogany body and rosewood fingerboard give this guitar plenty of sustain, so you can hit those power chords without worry. Its adjustable Tune-o-Matic bridge ensures comfortable playability while providing excellent intonation accuracy when tuning up. You’ll find the classic Zakk Wylde bullseye finish on this Les Paul, adding to its distinct aesthetic appeal among players who know their instruments.
Other Guitars that Zakk Wylde Has Played On Stage
Since the early 2000s, Zakk Wylde has made his signature guitar sound recognizable with his use of Les Paul models from Gibson. However, this is not to say that he hasn’t played other guitars on stage before.
One such alternative was a B.C Rich Warlock model that was used for some of Ozzy Osbourne’s live performances in the late 1980s and early 1990s. While this guitar had a unique shape and feel to it, Wylde gravitated towards it due to its large humbuckers – making it capable of producing loud distortion tones ideal for heavy metal. The unusual design also allowed Wylde to stand out visually in the live setting as well.
More recently, Wylde has been seen playing an ESP E-II Horizon NT-7 during tours since 2016. This guitar boasts two EMG 81 pickups alongside 24 extra jumbo frets – which gives him access to higher notes than what he could get with his original Les Paul models. It has also become one of his favorite guitars due to its light weight and fast neck – providing more flexibility when performing solos or extended licks while onstage.
Zakk Wylde’s Acoustic Guitars and Amplifiers
Zakk Wylde has developed a unique and distinct guitar style over the years. He is known to wield some impressive axes, including his signature Gibson Les Pauls, acoustic guitars, and amplifiers. As an accomplished musician and long-time member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band, Zakk Wylde is no stranger to experimenting with different instruments and sounds.
One of Zakk Wylde’s most famous acoustic guitars is the Martin D-28E ZW Deluxe Series Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar which features a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fingerboard with diamond inlays and Fishman Matrix VT Enhance electronics for maximum sound output. This guitar was designed specifically for the artist by C.F. Martin & Co. Creating a truly custom experience that delivers all the power of electric tones combined with traditional acoustic warmth.
In addition to his choice of acoustics, Zakk Wylde has become well-known for his customized amplifiers as well – particularly his Marshall Vintage Modern 50 watt head which he uses both live on stage and in studio recordings. The amplifier provides strong distortion capabilities while retaining clarity at high volumes – allowing him to achieve more punchy tones without sacrificing tone quality or clarity overall.
It’s clear that Zakk Wylde puts great care into choosing the right equipment that allows him to create unique musical works – from electrifying rock tunes with ferocious riffs to melodic ballads using warm acoustics sounds – so fans can count on having an amazing listening experience each time they hear one of this talented guitarist’s tracks.
How to Get the Zakk Wylde Guitar Tone
No one could miss the distinct and powerful tone that Zakk Wylde uses for his classic solos in bands such as Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society, and Pride & Glory. It is a unique blend of heavy metal thunder with bluesy soul. But how does one go about getting this iconic sound? Fortunately, it isn’t too difficult to replicate.
First off, you will need to acquire an instrument that can handle the immense power of Wylde’s style. He is most associated with Gibson guitars like the Les Paul or SG models. Also vital are pickups: Zakk usually opts for high-output humbuckers like EMG 81/85 and Seymour Duncan SH-13 Dimebucker sets – but there are other choices too if those don’t fit your budget or playing style. A quality amplifier is essential; a tube amp cranked up nice and loud works best in conjunction with these powerful pickups – try out various combinations until you get a sound that you like.
To truly capture the essence of Zakk Wylde’s guitar tone, some experimentation will be necessary when it comes to effects pedals. His signature sound includes heavy doses of distortion, chorus and delay – so look into pedals for each of these effects (plus others) to really beef up your rig. Don’t forget about string gauges either; he typically favors thick strings (12–54 gauge). With all of these elements combined correctly, anyone should be able to summon the legendary roar created by ‘The Godfather Of Heavy Metal Guitar.’.
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