Robben Ford is a legendary guitarist who has made a significant impact on the music world. With his unique blend of blues, jazz, and rock, Ford has captivated audiences around the globe. In this article, we will explore three of his most iconic and greatest guitarist guitars that have played a pivotal role in shaping his sound and influencing generations of musicians including Robben Ford.
The first guitar we will delve into is the 1959 Gibson ES-335 that Ford played. This semi-hollow body electric guitar is known for its warm and versatile tone, making it a perfect fit for Ford’s bluesy style. Its dual Humbucker pickups deliver a rich and full-bodied sound that can be heard on many of his classic recordings.
Next up is the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop. This solid body electric guitar is revered for its thick and creamy tone, thanks to its Humbucker pickups and mahogany body. Ford’s mastery of this instrument is evident in the soulful and expressive melodies he creates, making it an essential part of his musical arsenal.
Last but not least, we have the 1958 Fender Stratocaster. This iconic guitar is known for its bright and twangy sound, which perfectly complements Ford’s blues and jazz-infused playing style. Its single-coil pickups provide a crisp and articulate tone that cuts through the mix with clarity.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the unique features and characteristics of each guitar, as well as the impact they have had on Ford’s music. Join us as we explore the world of Robben Ford and the guitars that have helped him create timeless music.
Ford on the 1959 Gibson ES-335
Robben Ford’s 1959 Gibson ES-335 is a legendary guitar that has left an indelible mark on the music world. This iconic instrument has been a key part of Ford’s signature sound and has captivated audiences with its rich tone and versatility.
One notable performance where Ford showcased the power of his 1959 Gibson ES-335 was during a live concert in 1992. As he took the stage, the audience was immediately drawn in by the soulful and expressive sound that emanated from his guitar. The smooth, warm tones of the ES-335 filled the venue, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and electrifying.
Throughout the performance, Ford effortlessly demonstrated the range of sounds that the 1959 Gibson ES-335 is capable of producing. From soulful blues licks to fiery rock solos, the guitar responded to his every touch, allowing him to effortlessly express his musical ideas.
The 1959 Gibson ES-335’s semi-hollow body design and dual Humbucker pickups contribute to its unique sound. The combination of the hollow chambers and solid center block creates a perfect balance between the warmth of a Hollowbody guitar and the sustain of a Solidbody guitar. This versatility has made the ES-335 a favorite among guitarists in various genres.
Robben Ford’s 1959 Gibson ES-335 is a true masterpiece that continues to inspire guitarists around the world. Its timeless design and exceptional sound make it a guitar that will forever be associated with Ford’s incredible talent and musical legacy.
The 1959 Gibson ES-335 is a guitar that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among musicians. Its distinctive sound and versatility have made it a go-to instrument for players in a wide range of genres. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, jazz, or anything in between, the ES-335 delivers the perfect combination of warmth, sustain, and tonal flexibility. With its rich history and iconic status, it’s no wonder that the 1959 Gibson ES-335 is considered one of the greatest guitars of all time.
1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop
Robben Ford’s 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is another iconic guitar that has left a lasting impact on the music world. This vintage instrument has been a key part of Ford’s distinctive sound and has captivated audiences with its rich tone and classic design.
One notable performance where Ford showcased the power of his 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop was during a live concert in 1998. As he took the stage, the audience was immediately drawn in by the raw and powerful sound that emanated from his guitar. The Les Paul’s thick, creamy tones filled the venue, creating an atmosphere that was both electrifying and nostalgic.
Throughout the performance, Ford effortlessly demonstrated the versatility of the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop. From soulful blues riffs to blistering rock solos, the guitar responded to his every nuance, allowing him to express his musical ideas with precision and emotion.
The 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop features a solid mahogany body and a maple top, which contribute to its distinctive tone and sustain. The P-90 pickups deliver a warm and punchy sound that is perfect for blues and rock genres. The gold finish and vintage aesthetics of the guitar add to its allure and timeless appeal.
Robben Ford’s 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop is a true gem in his collection and continues to inspire guitarists around the world. Its vintage charm, exceptional sound, and Ford’s masterful playing make it a guitar that will forever be associated with his incredible talent and musical legacy.
1958 Fender Stratocaster
Robben Ford’s 1958 Fender Stratocaster is a guitar that has become synonymous with his signature sound and style. This iconic instrument has played a pivotal role in shaping Ford’s musical career and has left a lasting impact on the world of guitar playing.
One notable performance where Ford showcased the versatility of his 1958 Fender Stratocaster was during a live concert in 2006. As he took the stage, the audience was immediately captivated by the crisp and vibrant tones that emanated from his guitar. The Stratocaster’s distinctive single-coil pickups delivered a bright and articulate sound that cut through the mix with precision.
Throughout the performance, Ford effortlessly demonstrated the incredible range of tones that the 1958 Fender Stratocaster is capable of producing. From smooth and soulful blues licks to searing rock solos, the guitar responded to his every touch, allowing him to express his musical ideas with clarity and emotion.
The 1958 Fender Stratocaster features a lightweight alder body and a maple neck, which contribute to its balanced and resonant tone. The trio of single-coil pickups provides a wide range of sonic possibilities, from warm and mellow to bright and twangy. The guitar’s sleek and ergonomic design, with its double-cutaway body and contoured edges, ensures comfortable playability for hours on end.
Robben Ford’s 1958 Fender Stratocaster is a true gem in his collection and continues to inspire guitarists around the world. Its timeless design, exceptional playability, and Ford’s masterful touch make it a guitar that will forever be associated with his remarkable talent and musical legacy.
The 1958 Fender Stratocaster, along with the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop and the 1959 Gibson ES-335, forms a trio of iconic guitars that have defined Robben Ford’s sound and left an indelible mark on the music world. Each instrument has its own unique characteristics and contributes to Ford’s distinctive style. Whether it’s the Les Paul’s rich and creamy tones, the Stratocaster’s bright and articulate sound, or the ES-335’s warm and versatile voice, these guitars have become an integral part of Ford’s musical identity.
As Ford continues to push the boundaries of his playing and explore new musical territories, these guitars remain faithful companions, providing him with the tools to express his creativity and connect with audiences on a deep level. The 1958 Fender Stratocaster, in particular, stands as a testament to Ford’s mastery of the instrument and his ability to coax a wide range of tones and emotions from its strings.
In conclusion, the 1958 Fender Stratocaster is a guitar that has played a significant role in Robben Ford’s musical journey. Its distinctive sound, versatile tone, and comfortable playability have made it a favorite among guitarists worldwide. Whether he’s playing blues, rock, or jazz, Ford’s Stratocaster is a constant companion, helping him to create music that resonates with audiences and stands the test of time.
Other Guitars Of Robben Ford
Robben Ford’s collection of guitars extends beyond the iconic 1958 Fender Stratocaster, 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, and 1959 Gibson ES-335. Among his other notable instruments are his telecaster and Les Paul.
Ford’s telecaster is a guitar that he often turns to when he wants a different sonic flavor. With its distinctive twangy tone and versatile playability, the telecaster allows Ford to explore a range of musical styles, from country and blues to rock and jazz. Its single-coil pickups deliver a bright and crisp sound that cuts through the mix with clarity, while its solid body construction provides a resonant and responsive feel.
In addition to the telecaster, Ford also embraces the classic sound of the Les Paul. This guitar is known for its rich and creamy tones, thanks to its humbucker pickups and mahogany body. The Les Paul offers a warm and full-bodied sound that lends itself well to blues and rock genres. Ford’s mastery of this instrument is evident in his ability to coax soulful and expressive melodies from its strings.
These other guitars in Robben Ford’s collection showcase his versatility as a guitarist and his willingness to explore different sounds and styles and he also teaches you how to use them on truefire with his guitar lessons. Whether he’s reaching for the twang of the telecaster or the smoothness of the Les Paul, Ford’s musicality shines through, making each instrument an integral part of his artistic expression.