Musical instruments carry the soul of the songs they’ve created and the personal touch of the artists who played them. They’re not just objects; they are containers of history, sound, and emotion that have been part of unforgettable performances. For many musicians, these instruments are more than tools of their trade – they represent the connection to their musical roots and inspirations.
Neil Young Got Hank Williams’ “Hank” Guitar
Imagine being able to strum the same strings that your musical hero once did. For Neil Young, this became a reality when he acquired Hank Williams’ 1941 Martin D-28 guitar. This instrument’s journey is nothing short of remarkable – from being traded for firearms by Hank Williams Jr. to ending up in the caring hands of Neil Young thanks to his friend Grant Boatwright and music store owner Tut Taylor.
Young took to the stage in Nashville with “Hank”, taking the audience on a nostalgic trip by paying homage to the late musician. Standing in the same city where the guitar resonated with Williams’ voice decades ago, Young’s performance with the historical piece marked a special moment for fans and the spirit of country music.
Paul McCartney Got Bill Black’s Bass
Paul McCartney, a name synonymous with musical history, found a connection with rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Bill Black, Elvis Presley’s esteemed bass player. McCartney’s acquisition of Black’s stand-up bass weaves a thread through the tapestry of rock history. The instrument, a gift from Linda McCartney in the ’70s, has seen stages around the world as McCartney continues to use it in performances to this day.
From being featured in the music video for ‘Baby’s Request’ to McCartney’s tender rendition of ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ in the documentary In the World Tonight, Black’s bass has had a new lease of life, bearing witness to McCartney’s lasting influence on music.
Kirk Hammett Got Peter Green’s “Greeny” Guitar
A storied instrument can often be as legendary as the musicians who played it. Metallica’s Kirk Hammett understands this well, as the owner of the famed 1959 Les Paul Burst famously known as “Greeny”, associated with the late Peter Green. From Gary Moore to legendary hands like Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison, “Greeny” has been held by icons.
Hammett cherishes his time with the guitar, taking it on tours and letting its history and the magic within its strings guide his performances. To Hammett, every note played on “Greeny” is a conversation with the past, a musical dialogue with those who shaped its voice.
David Gilmour Got Seymour Duncan’s Stratocaster
Few instruments can claim to have been passed down through such a distinguished line of musicians as the #0001 Stratocaster that found its way to David Gilmour. Originally owned by Seymour Duncan, it was carried through time until Gilmour’s technician, Phil Taylor, obtained it for the Pink Floyd frontman. Gilmour, whose guitar collection is second to none, added the Stratocaster to his roster around the time Pink Floyd first visited America.
Having accompanied Gilmour on stage and in the studio, playing alongside notable figures like Paul McCartney, this guitar has become part of the sonic fabric of Gilmour’s career, enriching his legendary sound with its own storied past.
Dan Auerbach Got Mississippi Fred McDowell’s Gibson Trini Lopez
For The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, acquiring Mississippi Fred McDowell’s Gibson Trini Lopez was a personal milestone. Auerbach had long admired McDowell, a critical figure in the Delta blues tradition. Watching old footage of McDowell, Auerbach painstakingly learned his techniques, never imagining he would one day hold McDowell’s personal guitar in his own hands.
A chance tip from a friend led Auerbach to this treasure, a moment filled with reverence for the instrument’s heritage. For Auerbach, the guitar carries with it the essence of the blues and stands as an enduring source of inspiration and connection to a musical great who came before him.