Do Famous Musicians Use the Guitars They Endorse?

It's a common curiosity among music enthusiasts and guitarists alike: do famous musicians actually use the guitars they endorse? The answer isn't always clear-cut. While some examples may surprise you, others might confirm your suspicions.

Signature Guitars: Luxury Limited Editions

Companies like Gibson and Fender often release signature models, which are limited edition guitars with custom modifications based on a musician's input. These models, such as Tony Iommi's Gibson SG, are primarily promotional and not meant for actual play. Here's how these guitars typically fit into the musician's toolkit:

These signature guitars are usually not used in performances or recording sessions. Musicians may use them for promotional videos or photo shoots to highlight the collaboration with the manufacturer. Signature guitars are often quite costly and may have minimal, if any, differences from the standard models, which simply involve cosmetic changes or special inclusions.

Case Study: Tony Iommi and the Gibson SG

Consider Tony Iommi as a prime example. He endorses the Gibson SG but does not use the exact signature version for his performances or recordings. Instead, he prefers his regular Gibson SG, a testament to his faith in the model's quality and versatility. For instance, Iommi might endorse the guitar in a promotional video but won't bring the exact signature model to stage or studio.

This doesn't mean Iommi dismisses the idea of using these guitars. However, his endorsement is mainly for marketing purposes, not because he relies on these specific models for his playing.

DIY Musician: Paul Ostrof and Baldwin Guitars

Paul Ostrof, a renowned musician from Chicago, once used his own telecaster in a high-profile performance with The Rolling Stones and Jeff Beck. Despite being a Baldwin endorser, he was seen using a Telecaster during these performances, much to the displeasure of the Baldwin representatives. After the show, they gruffly confronted him, indicating expectant that he would play their instruments freely.

Ostrof's response was straightforward: "I was using my Telecaster." This incident highlights the discrepancy between endorsements and actual usage of endorsed guitars by musicians.

Conclusion: It's All About the Music

While manufacturers often expect musicians to use their signature models, the reality is more complex. Many artists have their preferred instruments that they trust and rely on, regardless of any endorsement deals.

Some musicians, like Tony Iommi, might occasionally use the signature version in a promotional context but revert to their regular guitars when playing live or recording. Others might use the endorsed model exclusively for endorsements and nothing more.

Ultimately, the most important factor is whether the instrument meets the musician's needs and enhances their performance. Music, at the end of the day, is about creating the best sound possible, not about following endorsements.