What type of guitar does Keith Richards play?

Keith Richards is known for his iconic lead guitar playing in The Rolling Stones, and has been playing the same model of guitar since 1964. He uses a Fender Telecaster with three single-coil pickups. This classic design was used by Keith on many famous recordings like “Satisfaction” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” He also modifies it himself to fit his own unique style, including custom pickguards and special paint jobs.

The Electric Guitars of Keith Richards

Keith Richards, the iconic guitarist of the Rolling Stones, is known for his unparalleled ability to create electrifying rock anthems. In order to achieve such a unique sound, Keith’s set up includes some choice electric guitars. While he has used many different models over the years, certain ones have stood out in particular as his signature axes.

One of Keith’s go-to instruments is the Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar. These powerful solid body guitars can produce a thunderous attack when plugged into a tube amp and are perfect for the rollicking blues riffs that so often feature in Richards’ style of music. Another favorite among musicians and fans alike is the Fender Telecaster Thinline model, which has been seen in Richards’ hands since 1968. With its bright tone and distinctive twangy attack this guitar provides plenty of punch and clarity in every chord it plays.

The last two pieces of equipment that round out Keith’s arsenal are his custom made PRS Singlecut Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar and Guild Starfire III Hollowbody Electric Guitar. Both these versatile instruments offer players different tonal possibilities depending on how they’re played – giving Keith an immense range of sonic options when composing or performing live. Whether playing slide or picking notes with precision, these guitars provide him with all he needs to create something truly special on stage every night.

The Gibson Les Paul: A Staple of Keith’s Sound

When it comes to the playing style of legendary Rolling Stones guitarist, Keith Richards, his guitar of choice has been a Gibson Les Paul for many years. This iconic instrument was introduced in 1952 and has become synonymous with the raw tone that Keith exudes through his riffs and solos.

The Les Paul features two humbucker pickups that can produce a wide range of tones from searing leads to warm rhythms. As well as this, the length of its sustain is unparalleled when compared to other electric guitars; notes seem to linger forever due to its heavy mahogany body and thick neck profile. When combined with an amplifier like a Marshall stack or Fender Twin Reverb, Richards’ Les Paul provides him with an arsenal of sounds which he regularly utilizes throughout live shows and studio recordings alike.

Another feature which makes the Les Paul so desirable amongst rock guitarists is its ability to stay in tune longer than other instruments. With all those hours spent on tour across multiple continents, it’s no surprise why this particular model has become such a staple within Richard’s set-up – reliability and consistency are key attributes when you’re out on stage performing night after night.

Fender Telecasters: From Country Twang to Rock and Roll Fury

Since the 1950s, Fender Telecasters have been a favorite amongst rock and rollers, from blues aficionado Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones to today’s indie-rock icons like Jack White. This go-to instrument of choice for generations has become renowned for its signature twangy sound.

Fender Telecaster guitars were initially designed as “workingman’s axes” with utilitarian features like an ashtray bridge cover that also served as an armrest when playing while standing up. Originally marketed towards country guitarists, it was soon adapted by leading rock musicians such as Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page who wanted something they could crank up in louder live settings or studio recordings.

The beauty of the Telecaster is its timeless versatility: not only can you switch between multiple genres easily, but it offers the perfect combination of precision and aggression needed to execute everything from twangy chicken pickin’ licks to crunching riffs. Thanks to a number of modifications over time such as humbucking pickups and a more refined body shape, modern Telecasters are capable of producing a variety of sounds ranging from clean tones to heavy distorted leads.

The Harmony Sovereign: An Acoustic Gem in Keith’s Arsenal

When it comes to iconic guitarists, Keith Richards stands among the most revered. He is known for his unique playing style, combining elements of rock and blues, as well as a great sense of melody that permeates in every song he plays. His signature sound is instantly recognizable on any stage or studio recording, and many of us have tried to emulate him over the years. However, one thing remains certain; there is no mistaking the unmistakable tone of Keith’s acoustic guitars.

Amongst his arsenal are a number of vintage instruments from Gibson and Martin. One notable example is his Harmony Sovereign H1260 acoustic guitar which he has been playing since the 1960s. This beauty was produced between 1958-1968 by the old Chicago-based Harmony Company who supplied most budget models at the time. The standout feature for this model is its massive dreadnought body shape with an extended lower bout that produces a deep bass response with plenty of projection due to its long scale length (25 1/2″).

The top is made from solid spruce while sides and back are mahogany bound with herringbone purfling on all four sides – a rare feature in budget acoustics even today. Its neck is carved out of mahogany topped off with a rosewood fretboard housing 20 frets. Onboard electronics include two DeArmond Dynasonic pickups wired up through individual volume controls mounted on either side below strings allowing Keith to take full control of each pickup separately – essential when seeking those classic Keith tones! It’s no wonder why this instrument has become such an important part of his collection; not just because it looks amazing but also due to its powerful presence when played live or recorded in studio settings.

Gretsch Duo Jet: Retro Charm with Modern Utility

The Gretsch Duo Jet is the signature guitar of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. This particular instrument has a classic vintage style and distinctive hollow-body sound that are at the heart of its appeal. Originally introduced in 1954, the Duo Jet was a favorite among rockabilly and blues artists for its bright clean tone and punchy midrange. It’s also known as one of the earliest solid body electric guitars to feature “checkerboard” binding on both sides of its two-tone sunburst finish.

Today, Gretsch has reissued their legendary Duo Jet with modern updates such as an adjustable bridge, widened fingerboard radius, faster fretwork and dual Filter’Tron pickups. The new incarnation of this vintage gem provides modern players with improved playability and versatility without sacrificing any of its retro charm. With upgraded hardware and electronics to match, the Gretsch Duo Jet is a great choice for anyone who wants to combine classic looks with cutting edge sound quality.

Richards himself continues to use his original 1954 model on tour today – testament to just how durable this timeless classic really is. If you’re looking for an iconic look combined with plenty of sonic options then consider taking a closer look at this reborn classic from Gretsch; it may be just what you need to get your own personal take on ’60s rock ‘n roll into shape!

Custom Instruments: Rare and Unique Guitars in Keith’s Collection

Keith Richards’ guitar collection is vast, with instruments from every era and style of playing. But one thing stands out: the rare and unique custom guitars that he has acquired over his lengthy career as a Rolling Stones musician.

Richards has several custom electric guitars, made by renowned luthiers specifically for him. Some of these are semi-hollow body designs with signature features such as extra pickups or unusual tonal control options like a Bigsby tremolo bar. Other examples include classical solid bodies with wide fret boards and thick necks, created to replicate the feel of vintage instruments favored by Keith’s heroes like Buddy Holly and Scotty Moore.

Many of these special creations have become iconic, both in terms of their looks and sound. They have been used on countless recordings and live performances by The Rolling Stones over the years, becoming an integral part of the band’s soundscape. This includes a ‘Burst Les Paul which was played during the early years before being retired after its neck snapped on stage in New York City in 1972. To this day it remains one of Richards’ most beloved axes – even if it no longer works properly – testament to the bond between man and machine that Keith Richards has cultivated through decades of musical exploration and performance.