What type of guitar does Dave Matthews play?

Dave Matthews is most often seen playing a Gibson ES-335 semi-hollow electric guitar. He has been seen playing a wide variety of other guitars over the years, including several vintage Fender Stratocasters, Telecasters and Acoustics, an Ibanez Artist Series, and many others. He is also known to use various pedals, effects processors and amplifiers.

Dave Matthews’ Early Guitar Influences and Playing Style

Dave Matthews is an iconic musician known for his incredible guitar playing. His unique style has evolved over the years, making him one of the most popular and well-respected artists in the industry. But where did it all begin? What type of guitar does Dave Matthews play, and what were some of his early influences?

When exploring Dave Matthew’s early career, it becomes clear that he was influenced by a wide range of musical styles and artists. As a young man growing up in South Africa, he developed a deep appreciation for jazz, blues, folk music and rock & roll – listening to everyone from John Coltrane to Bob Dylan to Jimi Hendrix. This eclectic mix of sounds began to form the basis of Dave’s distinct playing style.

Throughout his career, Dave has been seen playing several different types of guitars; acoustic flat-tops like Martin D-28s and Gibson J200s as well as electric models such as Fender Strats and Les Pauls. It’s also not uncommon for him to experiment with various alternate tunings on stage which adds yet another layer of complexity to his already impressive soundscape. He even reportedly owns more than 100 instruments – many vintage.

By combining traditional techniques with modern sounds, Dave Matthews has created an entire world within each song he plays live or records in studio. His remarkable talent continues to push boundaries while staying true to its roots – no wonder why fans around the globe continue to flock arenas every time he tours.

The First Guitars Used by Dave Matthews in His Career

Dave Matthews is one of the most prolific and celebrated guitar players in the history of music. Since his debut performance at The Wetlands Preserve in 1991, he has amazed crowds with his mastery of the instrument. As such, many fans want to know what type of guitar Dave Matthews plays? While there have been numerous answers to this question over the years, it turns out that Dave’s go-to guitar for much of his career was a Taylor 814ce acoustic.

The Taylor 814ce first came on the scene as an early collaboration between Bob Taylor and master luthier Andy Powers in 1995. Dave purchased one soon after its release date, and he continued to use this particular model for several albums until 2002 when he switched to Takamine guitars. His love affair with the Taylor 814ce however can still be heard today throughout some of his greatest hits like “Crash into Me” and “The Space Between.”.

Not only did this unique partnership between Bob Taylor and Andy Powers create a perfect tone for Dave’s distinct style but it also allowed him access to virtually unlimited tonal possibilities due to its ingenious design features. The mixture of Western Red Cedar soundboard along with rosewood back and sides offered both warm tones combined with clarity that allowed him to express himself without being overwhelmed by feedback or excessive reverberation. The neck shape provided excellent playability which helped him articulate complex chords with minimal effort.

The Specifics of the Taylor 914ce Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Dave’s Primary Choice

Dave Matthews is known for his smooth and distinct acoustic-electric guitar sound. While the iconic artist has a number of guitars he plays live, including Fender Stratocasters, PRS Custom 24s, and more recently a signature Taylor 914ce model with Takamine electronics, it’s the 914ce that is considered to be Dave’s primary choice.

The Taylor 914ce was designed in collaboration between Dave Matthews and Bob Taylor. This particular model features intricate details like abalone binding and rosette that set it apart from other acoustics on the market. The back and sides are made out of Indian rosewood, with an Engelmann spruce top for the bright highs that have become synonymous with Dave’s sound. With its cutaway body design and Fishman Matrix VT Enhance preamp system, this acoustic can easily transition from stage to studio without missing a beat.

The neck is constructed using tropical mahogany wood which adds great sustain as well as stability while playing in higher registers. Its ebony fingerboard offers comfortable playability which makes it easier for even beginners to find their footing quickly when learning on this guitar. The Taylor 914ce truly encapsulates why Dave Matthews has become such an influence throughout musical history; His use of this versatile instrument brings together traditional tones alongside modern touches for unparalleled sonic presence every time he plays it live or records in the studio – a timeless sound no one will soon forget.

Other Guitars in Dave Matthews’ Collection and Their Significance

Dave Matthews is a well-known singer and guitarist known for his unique sound and signature instrument of choice, the Taylor 814ce acoustic guitar. But it’s not just one guitar that makes up Matthews’ impressive collection – he has several iconic guitars from various brands such as Fender, Gibson, and Martin. Each of these different guitars contributes to the overall depth and complexity of his music, allowing him to achieve that distinctively Dave Matthews feel in every song.

His beloved ’59 Telecaster was given to him by fellow musician Tim Reynolds after an inspiring jam session back in 1994. It’s become an integral part of his sound since then and can be heard on songs like “Lie in Our Graves” off their album “Before These Crowded Streets”. The sunburst body gives a bright yet warm tone, perfect for mellow ballads or upbeat blues riffs alike.

Matthews also plays a ’67 ES-335 Gibson semi-hollowbody electric guitar for certain tracks. Its hollow construction gives the instrument a deep resonance which adds a vintage quality to some of his solos – especially during live shows where it really shines with added reverb effects. This is evident on fan favorite songs like “Crash Into Me”, which features a classic solo that showcases how he can bring out every ounce of emotion through this specific type of guitar.

Dave owns two custom shop Martins: an OM-45 Deluxe VTS (Vintage Tone System) Acoustic Guitar and an HD-28V (Vintage Style) Acoustic Guitar. Both provide additional sparkle and clarity to any performance due to their exceptional craftsmanship; the former being best suited for slower melodies while the latter tends towards more complex accompaniments or lead lines because its size generates extra volume when strummed aggressively.

With this array of instruments at his disposal – all carefully selected according to what works best within each track – it becomes obvious why Dave Matthews stands out amongst so many artists today; there simply isn’t another guitarist who can capture such diverse sounds without compromising on quality or tone.

How Dave Matthews’ Guitar Sound Has Evolved Over Time

Dave Matthews is a prolific musician, whose sound has been shaped by his signature instrument. Though the core of his guitar playing has stayed largely the same over time, how he plays it and what type of guitar he plays have changed significantly.

The early days of Dave’s career saw him playing a range of different guitars, though notably an Ovation 12-string acoustic for most shows in 1994. He later adopted more electric sounds with Ibanez and Washburn models to accompany his slide work, although this was still heavily focused on blues-inspired licks. During this period, Dave often favored a Gibson Les Paul during studio recordings.

In recent years however, Dave’s style and sound have shifted toward mellower acoustic tones as showcased on many recent releases like Come Tomorrow (2018). Nowadays he relies primarily on Taylor Guitars 814ce Grand Auditorium model – which features an Engelmann spruce top with Indian rosewood back and sides – as well as some custom builds to capture those ethereal tones he’s become so well known for. No matter which guitar he chooses to wield each night however, fans can always count on getting lost in the soulful beauty that comes with every note Dave Matthews plays live.