Tom Petty was in a league of his own when it came to making legendary guitar choices. While most players are limited by their bank accounts, Petty’s massive success allowed him to amass a world-class collection. By the time he passed away on October 2nd, 2017, Tom Petty’s net worth was estimated at $95 million. Though he personally preferred acoustic guitars for songwriting, his collection of Tom Petty guitars included a massive range of electrics that he famously shared with his “musical architect,” Mike Campbell.
The Rickenbacker 660/12: The Fireglo Signature
The Rickenbacker 660/12 in Fireglo is perhaps the most iconic instrument associated with Petty. While the model featured in the video below is a 2013 version and not a limited signature edition, it is fundamentally “the Tom Petty guitar” [00:45]. It features the classic Fireglo finish, vintage-style pickups, and the striking checkerboard binding that Petty favored [00:53].
One of the standout features of the 660/12 is its 1.75-inch nut width, which provides better string spacing than many other 12-strings, preventing that “wall of strings” feel and making it easier to navigate the fretboard [01:16], [02:18]. This level of precision and “acoustic telepathy” between the player and the instrument is what made Petty’s rhythm tracks so legendary. If you’re looking to achieve similar clarity in your own playing, mastering the CAGED system is an essential step in unlocking the fretboard.
Telecasters and “Torucasters”: The Stage Workhorses
Like many purists, Tom Petty loved the Fender Telecaster. One of his favorites was a Sonic Blue ’63 Telecaster played during the 2008 Super Bowl halftime show. However, his most famous Tele-style guitar was the “Torucaster,” custom-built by craftsman Toru Nitono. This guitar featured a unique “Petty Blue” finish and a humbucker in the bridge, giving it a beefier tone than a standard Fender.
Petty wasn’t the only one who relied on a specific builder to anchor his sound. In the Austin scene, Bill Carter became a similar architect for the Texas shuffle, proving that the right custom guitar choice can define an entire region’s sound. Whether you’re playing the “Austin Shuffle” or a Heartbreakers anthem, technical precision is key—a trait shared by modern virtuosos like Julian Lage and Julian Johnston.
Stratocasters and the Blues Influence
Tom also kept several Fender Stratocasters in his arsenal, including a white ’62 Custom Shop and a sunburst ’64. The Stratocaster allowed Petty to tap into the bluesier side of rock and roll. While Petty used them for his signature jangle, the Strat remains the ultimate tool for bluesmen like Billy Flynn or Lurrie Bell, who have spent decades navigating the “Blues Highway.”
The 1965 Gibson SG: The Rock Powerhouse
When Petty needed a thicker, more aggressive rock tone, he reached for his 1965 Gibson SG. This guitar is a masterpiece of vintage design. The SG’s ability to cut through a mix with “heavy blues power” is a trait it shares with the early work of Mick Abrahams, the original guitarist for Jethro Tull. Even in modern rock, the SG remains a staple for its “sonic glue” properties, much like the gear used by Dave Kushner in Velvet Revolver.
What Would You Choose?
Tom Petty’s collection was more than just a hobby; it was a toolbox for one of the greatest songwriters in American history. If you’re looking to build your own “Sonic Cathedral” like Kevin Shields, starting with the right instrument is everything. Which of Tom Petty’s guitars would you pick if budget was no object? Let us know in the comments below!
