Mac DeMarco is most known for playing a Fender Jazzmaster. This semi-hollow electric guitar was introduced in 1958 by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and has become popular with artists such as Kurt Cobain, Johnny Marr and Mac Demarco. With its distinct sound, light weight body, vibrato arm and long scale length it’s no wonder why Mac DeMarco chooses to play this iconic instrument.
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Mac Demarco’s Early Music Career and Choice of Guitars
When Mac DeMarco first began his musical career in the early 2000s, he often relied on vintage guitars and amplifiers. He has a well-known fondness for Fender Jazzmasters, having used them extensively on records such as 2012’s ‘2’. However, it wasn’t until 2016 when DeMarco released his fourth studio album ‘This Old Dog’ that he began using signature guitars.
The first of these guitars was the Signature Jazzmaster by Fender – an instrument crafted in collaboration with DeMarco himself. This guitar offers classic Jazzmaster aesthetics with modern enhancements such as two Duncan pickups and vintage-style wiring. It also includes new features such as a pickup blend knob and an adjustable bridge saddles for improved intonation. For those looking to replicate DeMarco’s unmistakable sound without breaking the bank, this is an ideal choice.
More recently, at the beginning of 2020, Mac Demarco collaborated with Gibson Guitars to create a unique take on their Les Paul Junior model. The result was something quite different from what you might expect – a design that combines classic humbucker tones with contemporary touches like a mini-humbucker neck pickup and custom electronics offering increased versatility compared to earlier models. With its distinctive look and sound, this guitar truly reflects Mac Demarco’s artistry in every aspect; not only does it offer great tone but also looks distinctively stylish.
The Specific Guitar Models Used by Mac Demarco
Mac DeMarco has developed a distinct style and sound that is often admired by guitarists of all genres. His quirky and fun melodies are created with his favorite models, the Gibson SG Standard and the Fender Mustang. These guitars provide Mac with a great balance between warm tones and clarity, allowing him to bring out his signature sounds in every recording.
The Gibson SG Standard model is most associated with Mac’s musical style as it is seen in many of his music videos as well as live performances. It features two humbucking pickups which deliver an incredibly rich sound compared to other electric guitars. The body shape also offers a unique look that stands out from other instruments on stage, making it the perfect choice for Mac’s vibrant compositions.
The Fender Mustang is another popular option for Mac when he wants to dial up some crunchy distortion or thick overdrive tones. It comes equipped with two single-coil pickups that provide plenty of bite for chunky rhythms or searing leads parts. With its lightweight design, this guitar allows Mac to move around freely on stage while still delivering a tight performance night after night without fail.
Mac Demarco has found great success using both the Gibson SG Standard and Fender Mustang guitar models throughout his career – creating timeless classics that will be remembered forever.
The Sound and Tone Characteristics of Mac Demarco’s Preferred Guitars
Mac DeMarco is renowned for his distinct sound and tone, particularly in relation to the guitars he uses. He has become almost synonymous with his unique use of vintage Fender Mustangs, but there are also several other instruments that have featured prominently in his music. His preferred guitars provide a bright, punchy tone which compliments the lo-fi character of his songs.
The majority of Mac’s albums feature some variation of Mustang, from the classic reissues to modified models like the semi-hollow Duo Sonic. This particular guitar offers an extra sparkle that perfectly offsets Mac’s signature playing style. The light body combined with a fast neck allows for effortless bends and vibrato – all part of what makes up the sound we recognize as “Mac DeMarco”.
When it comes to effects pedals, Mac’s setup usually involves some combination of delay and overdrive; this helps create additional warmth and texture within his recordings. Other beloved elements include multi-effect chorus pedals, designed to generate a bright yet rounded sonic palette; this has become one of Mac’s trademarks when it comes to producing memorable solos or textured rhythms on stage.
Tips for Replicating the “Mac Demarco Sound” on Your Own Guitar
Replicating Mac DeMarco’s iconic sound on your own guitar is no easy feat. With his mix of carefree pop-rock and ambient surf rock, it’s understandable why many players try to emulate the Canadian singer-songwriter’s unique style. But before you give up hope, here are some tips for getting close to the “Mac Demarco Sound”.
The first step in recreating Mac DeMarco’s signature tone is to get the right guitar. While he has been known to play a variety of different instruments, including electric guitars and acoustics, his primary axe appears to be an Ibanez Artcore AS73 semi-hollowbody. This type of instrument allows for a rich sound with plenty of depth, as well as warm resonant tones due its large hollow body. If you don’t have access to this specific model (or something similar), any decent quality semi-hollowbody should do the trick.
Once you’ve acquired the right instrument, consider investing in some high-quality effects pedals that will help bring out Mac DeMarco’s signature sound even more. A few essentials include an overdrive or distortion pedal for adding bite and grit; a delay pedal for creating a spacious feel; and a reverb pedal for making notes echo off into infinity – all essential elements of his signature style. You can also experiment with other types of effects such as chorus or flanger pedals if you’re feeling adventurous.
Practice makes perfect when it comes to replicating Mac DeMarco’s songs on your own guitar. Make sure to listen closely to his recordings and try playing along with them until you can recreate certain parts note for note – once mastered, this will go a long way towards achieving his distinct sound.
Popular Alternatives to Mac Demarco’s Favorite Guitar Models
Mac Demarco has become widely known as one of the most iconic and influential guitar players in recent years. His unique style of playing is often attributed to his choice of instrument: a Japanese Fender Jag-Stang and Gibson SG Special with P90 pickups. While these two models have become associated with Mac Demarco’s sound, there are other options available for those looking to emulate his sound without investing in a vintage Fender or Gibson model.
The Telecaster is an oft-forgotten classic that remains a popular choice for many modern guitarists today. With its versatile range of tones, it makes a great alternative for anyone looking to recreate the sounds heard on Mac Demarco records. It’s bright, articulate tone also make it well-suited for country, folk and blues styles. For players who prefer something more modern but still want to capture the vibe of classic rockers like Mac Demarco, the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster is an excellent option. Its light weight and smooth playability make it easier to get around than many contemporary guitars while maintaining that classic tele twang perfect for creating “Annie May” solos or any number of jangly indie rock riffs.
For those seeking something with a bit more sustain than traditional single coil pickups can offer, Les Pauls are another popular choice amongst modern guitarists inspired by Mac DeMarco’s approachable style. From Jimmy Page’s creamy leads on Led Zeppelin classics like “Stairway To Heaven” to Angus Young’s distinctive overdriven rhythms on AC/DC songs like “Back In Black” – Les Pauls remain one of the go-to instruments when it comes to producing high gain sounds from clean beginnings up through crunchy distortion levels. Epiphone’s version is especially attractive for budget minded musicians looking for the power behind Les Paul’s legendary sound without breaking their bank account in the process.
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