Dave Grohl is primarily known as the frontman for Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, but he is also a talented guitarist. He is most frequently seen playing Fender Telecaster electric guitars, which are known for their bright twangy sound. He also plays various other Fender models such as Stratocasters and Jazzmasters. Dave Grohl uses Taylor acoustic guitars when performing his solo acoustic material.
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The Guitars Dave Grohl Plays
Dave Grohl is a multi-instrumentalist and known for his skilled guitar playing. He has been seen playing several different types of guitars over the years, both in live performances and in the studio. From Fender Strats to Gibson Les Pauls, Dave Grohl’s selection of instruments has allowed him to achieve an impressive variety of sounds on all kinds of tracks.
The most iconic guitar that Dave Grohl plays is his signature model Stratocaster which was created by Fender Custom Shop in 2014. It is modeled after his own ’69 Stratocaster ‘Skunk’ which he famously used during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance as well as many other shows and recordings. This signature model features alder body with maple neck, ebony fretboard, custom wiring and pickups from Seymour Duncan, grover tuning machines and vintage vibrato bridge – the same components as on original 1969 models.
In addition to this signature stratocaster, Dave Grohl often uses Gibson Les Paul Deluxe models which have been customized with extra control knobs on the pickguard for sound sculpting. These modifications allow for more tonal variation than standard Les Pauls making them ideal for use by someone like Dave who wants to get creative with their sounds while still maintaining classic looks. In some live performances, he even combines his Strat with a modified Gibson SG – allowing him to create unique sonic combinations that make each show memorable.
The Gibson Trini Lopez
Dave Grohl, the multi-talented frontman of Foo Fighters and former Nirvana drummer, is best known for his energetic performances and rich musical history. Over the years he has played many different guitars but none stands out more than his beloved Gibson Trini Lopez.
This legendary guitar was crafted in 1964 by Gibson Guitars’ ‘Custom Shop’ division. It is a semi-hollow body guitar with two single coil pickups, which gives it a unique tone that makes it stand out from other guitars. Grohl has used this instrument extensively on some of his most iconic songs like ‘The Pretender’ and ‘All My Life’. Not only does its sound lend itself to bluesy rock riffs but also to intricate jazz solos, making it an incredibly versatile choice for any artist looking for something unique.
It features a classic sunburst finish made up of cherry red and mahogany tones which look great when combined with Grohl’s signature tattoos. The rounded edges offer comfort while playing live shows or recording in the studio and make it easy to transport due to its lightweight construction. With all these features in mind, the Gibson Trini Lopez is definitely one of Dave Grohl’s go-to instruments.
The Gibson Explorer
Dave Grohl is known for being a master of many instruments, especially the guitar. One guitar in particular that has become very closely associated with his signature sound is the Gibson Explorer. The Gibson Explorer was first manufactured in 1958 and it quickly became one of the most popular guitars among rock musicians, including Dave Grohl himself.
The Gibson Explorer is characterized by its unique shape, which stands out from more traditional models such as Stratocasters or Telecasters. It also has a set neck construction instead of bolt-on construction and uses two humbucker pickups rather than single coil pickups like other models. The 24 3/4 inch scale length makes it easier to bend notes without having to use an extra bar on the fretboard like some guitars require.
In addition to its practical features, the Gibson Explorer also has a classic look that adds character to any performance. Its iconic shape looks great both onstage and offstage while inspiring rockers everywhere who are looking to emulate their favorite artist’s style of play. Whether you’re playing lead or rhythm guitar, this instrument will help give your performances an unmistakable edge that only comes with a true classic design.
The Gibson DG-335
Dave Grohl has a particular fondness for Gibson guitars, but his go-to axe of choice is the iconic Gibson DG-335. This classic semi-hollow electric guitar was first released in 1958 and was designed with a thinner body than the ES-335, providing enhanced comfort and playability that more modern players appreciate. The double cutaway shape of this six string also allows for effortless access to all 22 frets.
The DG-335 comes with two humbucking pickups that have been updated from earlier models to provide a fatter sound when plugged into an amplifier or audio mixer. It also features pearloid block inlays on its rosewood fingerboard as well as multi-ply binding around the body and neck joint. Moreover, Grohl’s favorite guitar uses an ABR1 bridge which helps increase sustain so you can hit higher notes without having to worry about noise interference or feedback.
To finish off its unique look, the DG-335 utilizes gold hardware including Grover machine heads and Kluson Deluxe tuners, giving it a sleek appearance while maintaining intonation accuracy during longer sets. With its impressive specs, it’s easy to see why this instrument remains one of Dave Grohl’s main go-to guitars both onstage and in the studio.
The Gibson ES-335
Dave Grohl is known for his high-energy rock and roll performances, often playing with an iconic Gibson ES-335 electric guitar. This particular instrument has been seen in photos, live performances and music videos throughout Grohl’s decades-long career. The ES-335 is a semi-hollow body electric guitar that combines the best of both hollow and solid body designs to create a distinct sound. It has two “F” shaped pickups on the bridge plate as well as two volume controls, one for each pickup.
The classic look of the Gibson ES-335 features a maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and dot inlays along with a sunburst finish that truly makes this instrument stand out from others. One of its most noteworthy features is its ability to provide great sustain due to its arched top which prevents unwanted vibration from being lost when playing at higher volumes or faster tempos. It has excellent resonance because of its hollow construction and unique design elements like a pair of humbucker pickups that reduce interference from outside noise sources.
The combination of these features make the Gibson ES-335 an ideal choice for performers who need more versatility than single coil guitars can provide but also want the power and clarity associated with humbucker pickups. As such, it is no surprise that Dave Grohl opted to play this model on stage while touring with Nirvana and Foo Fighters over the years – after all, it was designed specifically to meet the needs of professional musicians who demand exceptional tone quality without sacrificing comfort or functionality.
Custom made guitars by luthiers like Frankenstein
Dave Grohl is an iconic musician whose career has spanned several decades. His signature sound was famously crafted with a Fender Stratocaster, the guitar of choice for many rock and roll legends. But even these iconic instruments can’t meet his creative needs entirely. In order to get exactly what he’s looking for, Dave has relied on custom made guitars created by luthiers like Frankenstein Guitars in Los Angeles.
Frankenstein Guitars build all kinds of stringed instruments including electric and acoustic guitars, basses and mandolins as well as new designs such as lap steels and baritones. The company prides itself on their craftsmanship and attention to detail, from the fine woodworking to hand-winding pickups that give each instrument its own unique voice. Each of their creations undergo a rigorous testing process before being shipped out to clients like Dave Grohl – ensuring that they have a top quality product that meets the high standards of professional musicians around the world.
The collaboration between Frankenstein Guitars and Dave Grohl is one that has paid off handsomely for both parties; every time Dave takes his customized guitar onstage fans are treated to something special – a piece of musical history made just for him – which only serves to further cement his status as one of the greatest rockers ever.
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