Dave Matthews has been a fixture in the music world since the early 1990s, captivating fans with his unique style and sound.
So what guitars does Dave Matthews play? In this article, we’ll explore the various guitars Dave Matthews has used over the years, from his signature instruments to vintage instruments and custom-made pieces.
We’ll also uncover the relationship between Dave Matthews and his gear, the influence it’s had on his sound, and where to buy Dave Matthews gear.
So if you’re a fan of Dave Matthews and want to know more about the gear he uses, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Dave Matthews primarily plays acoustic and electric guitars made by Martin and Taylor.
He also owns a few vintage Gibson guitars, including a Gibson J-45 and a Gibson Hummingbird.
He has also played a few Fender Jazzmasters and Strats in his earlier years.
Dave Matthews Signature Guitars
When it comes to guitars, Dave Matthews is certainly no slouch.
He is known for his signature blend of folk rock and jazz, and the instruments he chooses to play are a reflection of his unique style.
His most popular guitars are his signature Fender Stratocasters, Gibson Les Pauls, and Taylor acoustics.
He also plays a variety of other instruments, such as the banjo and mandolin.
Matthews’ signature Stratocasters are known for their bright, twangy sound and their vibrant color schemes, which often feature a mix of blues and greens.
He is also known for favoring vintage instruments, and his signature models often have unique features that distinguish them from other Stratocasters.
His signature Les Pauls are known for their heavier sound and dark color schemes, and he often uses custom-made models for his more experimental recordings.
Matthews’ Taylor acoustics are known for their balanced sound and bright tone.
He often uses both acoustic-electric and traditional models, and his signature models often feature unique appointments, such as custom pickguards and custom inlays.
He has also been known to use vintage acoustics on occasion, and these instruments often have a unique sound and style.
In addition to playing his signature guitars, Matthews also plays a variety of other instruments.
His banjo playing is renowned for its intricate picking patterns and unique sound, and his mandolin playing is equally impressive.
He also plays other instruments from time to time, such as the violin and the ukulele.
His signature sound is the result of his eclectic mix of instruments and playing styles, and this is what makes him such a unique and talented musician.
Vintage Instruments Played by Dave Matthews
When it comes to Dave Matthews guitars, one thing is for sure his sound is unique, drawing from a wide range of influences.
He has a knack for combining classic tones with modern, experimental techniques, and this is reflected in the variety of guitars he chooses to play.
From vintage Fender Stratocasters to custom-made Gibson Les Pauls, Dave Matthews has an impressive collection of instruments.
One of the most iconic guitars in his arsenal is the Fender Stratocaster, which he often uses for electric leads and solos.
He is known to play a 1955 Fender Stratocaster, which is a classic instrument with its vintage single-coil pickups and maple neck.
He has also been seen playing a vintage 62 Stratocaster, which features a unique neck contour and a powerful bridge pickup.
In addition to the Stratocaster, Matthews often plays Gibson Les Pauls.
He has a range of Les Pauls, including a 59 Gibson Les Paul Standard, a 78 Gibson Les Paul Custom, and a 65 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop.
He also has an array of custom-made Les Pauls, which feature unique finishes and pickups.
Aside from electric guitars, Matthews is also a proficient acoustic guitar player.
He is known to use a Taylor 810 acoustic guitar, which he often uses to accompany his acoustic songs.
He also has a vintage Martin D-35 that he occasionally uses for live performances.
When it comes to other instruments, Dave Matthews is no slouch either.
He is a proficient banjo player and has been seen playing a vintage Gibson RB-250.
He is also known to play the mandolin, often using a custom-made Gibson F-5.
Its clear that Dave Matthews has a deep appreciation for vintage instruments and custom-made models.
His eclectic mix of guitars and other instruments allow him to create his signature sound, which is a unique blend of folk, rock, and jazz.
Whether hes playing a classic Stratocaster or a custom-made Les Paul, Dave Matthews guitars are always a treat to listen to.
Custom-Made Instruments Used by Dave Matthews
When it comes to his musical instrument of choice, Dave Matthews is no stranger to custom-made instruments.
From his Fender Stratocasters to his Gibson Les Pauls, Matthews has put his stamp of approval on some truly unique pieces.
One such custom-made creation is his signature Taylor acoustic, which was designed to his exact specifications.
The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a distinctive sunburst finish.
Matthews also owns several custom-made mandolins, banjos, and ukuleles that have been designed to his exact specifications.
Each instrument is crafted to provide the perfect blend of sound and feel, allowing Matthews to create his unique sound.
What’s more, Matthews often uses vintage instruments and amps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for his live performances.
From the classic Fender Twin Reverb to the hard-rocking Marshall JCM 800, Matthews is always looking to explore new sounds and textures.
Other Instruments Used by Dave Matthews
In addition to his signature guitars, Dave Matthews has been known to play a variety of other instruments throughout his career.
He has often been seen playing the banjo, mandolin, and even the bass.
His unique sound is a result of his eclectic mix of instruments and playing styles.
The banjo has been a staple of Matthews sound since the early days of his career.
He has been known to play a variety of banjos, including five-string models, tenor banjos, and four-string plectrums.
He often uses a capo to achieve a different tonal quality.
His mandolin playing has also been highly praised, with Matthews often playing both four- and eight-stringed models.
In addition to his stringed instruments, Matthews also plays the bass guitar and has been seen using Fender Jazz Bass models.
He is known to use a pick when playing the bass, giving his sound a more aggressive edge.
He often uses a compressor pedal to bring out the low end of the instrument and add sustain.
Matthews has also been known to play the piano, both electric and acoustic, and has used a variety of keyboard instruments in his recordings.
He is known to use Hammond organs and Mellotrons, as well as synthesizers, in his live performances.
He is also a capable percussionist, having used drum machines and samplers in his recordings.
The variety of instruments used by Dave Matthews is unparalleled, with each instrument lending its own unique flavor to his sound.
From his signature guitars to the various stringed instruments he plays, Dave Matthews music is truly one-of-a-kind.
The Relationship Between Dave Matthews and His Gear
Dave Matthews is a master of blending genres, and its no surprise that his guitar playing reflects this.
His signature sound is a combination of folk, rock, and jazz, and his choice of instruments reflects this.
From vintage Fender and Gibson guitars to custom-made models, Matthews is always looking for new ways to express his style and creativity.
Matthews has a special relationship with his gear, and he takes great care to ensure that each instrument is set up perfectly for his playing style.
This means that he is able to get the most out of his guitars, and makes sure that each one is set up to produce the best sound possible.
He is also known to switch between different guitars during a live performance, which adds a unique flavor to his sound.
Matthews is also known to use vintage instruments, and often searches for instruments that have a unique sound.
His guitar collection is full of vintage and custom-made guitars that help him bring his music to life.
This attention to detail has made Matthews one of the most influential guitarists of our time.
In addition to his guitars, Matthews also plays various other instruments, such as the banjo, mandolin, and harmonica.
He is able to use these instruments in combination with his guitars to create unique and powerful sounds.
His passion for music and exploration of different instruments has helped to shape his signature sound.
Overall, Dave Matthews relationship with his gear is one of the most important aspects of his sound.
His attention to detail and willingness to explore different instruments has helped him create his unique and powerful sound.
The Influence of Dave Matthews Gear on His Sound
Dave Matthews is known for creating a unique blend of folk, rock, and jazz, and it’s not just his singing and songwriting that make him stand out.
His choice of guitars plays a crucial role in his signature sound.
From his early days as a guitarist, Matthews has always been a proponent of vintage instruments, often choosing them over the latest models.
He’s also been known to play custom-made guitars, sometimes even creating them himself.
Matthews’ main instrument is the Fender Stratocaster, which he often pairs with vintage amplifiers to get the classic rock sound he’s become known for.
However, he’s also been known to play other guitars, such as the Gibson Les Paul and the Taylor acoustic.
He also plays other instruments, such as the banjo and mandolin, which add a unique folk flavor to his sound.
In addition to choosing the right instruments, Matthews also plays his guitars in a unique way.
He often uses his thumb to pluck the strings, which gives his music a more organic, organic sound.
He also uses various effects pedals to add additional layers to his sound.
Overall, Matthews’ choice of guitars and playing style have been instrumental in creating his signature sound.
His eclectic mix of instruments and playing styles have allowed him to create music that is truly his own.
Where to Buy Dave Matthews Gear
For those looking to get their hands on Dave Matthews signature sound, there are a number of options available.
Matthews has his own line of signature guitars, such as the Dave Matthews Signature Stratocaster, which is a custom-made model designed to capture the sound and style of the iconic artist.
Other options include buying vintage instruments, such as Les Pauls and Stratocasters, which have been used by Matthews throughout his career.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are a number of guitar makers who offer replicas of Matthews signature models.
Finally, Dave Matthews also uses a number of accessories, such as strings, picks, and amplifiers, so these can be purchased separately as well.
Final Thoughts
Dave Matthewss ability to blend folk, rock, and jazz into his own unique sound is largely a result of his eclectic mix of instruments and playing styles.
His signature guitars, vintage instruments, custom-made models, and other instruments all work together to create his signature sound.
If youre interested in learning more about Dave Matthewss gear, you can find an assortment of his signature guitars, vintage instruments, custom-made models, and other instruments on the market today.
Now that you know more about what guitars Dave Matthews plays, you can take your own playing to the next level!
