John McLaughlin is a name synonymous with innovation, virtuosity, and a relentless exploration of musical boundaries. For decades, his groundbreaking work in jazz fusion and beyond has captivated audiences and inspired countless musicians. A crucial element of his iconic sound is, of course, his meticulously chosen and often custom-designed guitar gear. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of John McLaughlin’s guitar rig and instruments, exploring the tools that shape his unique sonic landscape.
McLaughlin’s Guitar Rig: Pre-amps and Wireless Innovation
At the heart of John McLaughlin’s guitar rig are his pre-amps, the crucial components that sculpt his tone before it even reaches the amplifier. As seen in his setup, McLaughlin utilizes a trio of tube pre-amps, each offering its distinct flavor and responsiveness. Among his preferred choices is the Zen Drive, a pedal he notably used in recent recordings, indicating its prominent role in his current sound. Alongside the Zen Drive, he values the Seymour Duncan Twin Tube, another pre-amp that captures his attention with its versatility and sonic character. Completing this impressive trio is the Mesa-Boogie V-Twin, a long-time favorite that speaks to McLaughlin’s enduring appreciation for classic, high-quality tube tone. McLaughlin himself notes that his selection between these pre-amps often depends on his musical mood, highlighting the nuanced and expressive nature of his gear choices.
Adding a touch of modern innovation to his rig, McLaughlin incorporates a prototype of a wireless MIDI system for guitar. This cutting-edge technology, developed by Andras Szalay and distributed by Fishman Associates, suggests McLaughlin’s openness to embracing new tools that can expand his musical possibilities and stage performance freedom. The core of his rig remains consistent regardless of the chosen pre-amp, demonstrating a foundational setup that is adaptable yet reliably delivers his signature sound.
John McLaughlin’s Diverse Guitar Collection: A Palette of Sounds
Beyond his pre-amps, John McLaughlin’s instruments themselves are a testament to his diverse musical journey and his quest for unique sonic textures. His collection spans a range of builders, from iconic brands like Gibson and Fender to master luthiers like Paul Reed Smith, Abraham Wechter, and Mirko Borghino, each guitar contributing a distinct voice to his expansive musical vocabulary.
Paul Reed Smith Guitars: Custom Creations and Artistic Instruments
Paul Reed Smith Guitars hold a special place in McLaughlin’s collection. The custom-made double neck guitar, specifically built for his US Farewell Tour in 2017, exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship associated with PRS. This magnificent instrument, unfortunately no longer in McLaughlin’s possession, was auctioned after the tour, with all proceeds donated to Al-Mada, a non-profit organization dedicated to healing traumatized children through music therapy, showcasing McLaughlin’s commitment to charitable causes.
Another PRS masterpiece in his arsenal is the “New York Skyline Guitar.” McLaughlin aptly describes this instrument as “a true work of art in every sense of the term,” emphasizing not only its musical capabilities but also its stunning visual aesthetic and the artistry inherent in its creation.
Mike Sabre Guitar: The Traveling Companion
Crafted by Mike Sabre, this guitar serves as a reliable “traveling guitar” for McLaughlin. Equipped with an old Johnny Smith humbucker pickup and Richard McClish hardware, along with a MIDI pickup, it blends vintage tone with modern functionality. McLaughlin praises its “wonderful sound” and portability, making it an ideal instrument for touring and diverse musical settings.
Gibson Acoustic: The Legendary J-200
McLaughlin’s appreciation for acoustic guitars is evident in his inclusion of a Gibson J-200. He calls it “perhaps the greatest steel string acoustic guitar ever built,” acknowledging its iconic status and signature Gibson sound. While humorously noting that Martin guitar players might disagree, his statement underscores the J-200’s legendary reputation and its place in acoustic guitar history.
Abraham Wechter Guitars: Nylon String and Acoustic Excellence
Abraham Wechter’s guitars also feature prominently in McLaughlin’s collection. The “Notre Dame” or “Our Lady,” a nylon-string guitar, represents McLaughlin’s exploration of classical guitar traditions. With its traditional design, including peg tuners and no cutaway, this guitar is praised for its “marvelous tone” and is featured extensively on the album ‘Thieves & Poets,’ highlighting its importance in McLaughlin’s nylon-string work.
Another Abraham Wechter creation, an acoustic cutaway model from 1985, has been a workhorse for McLaughlin, particularly with his Trio featuring Trilok Gurtu and Kai Eckhardt. Equipped with a Fishman condenser microphone and piezo MIDI captor, it’s described as a “great instrument” for live performance and diverse sonic textures.
Mirko Borghino: Recreating the Shakti Guitar Legacy
The “Shakti Guitar,” originally built by Abraham Wechter, holds a significant place in McLaughlin’s history. Master luthier Mirko Borghino recreated this iconic instrument, working only from photographs. McLaughlin marvels at Borghino’s achievement, stating that his recreation is “perfect in every detail” and a “wonderful instrument,” demonstrating the enduring legacy of the Shakti guitar and Borghino’s exceptional skill.
Gibson Electric Guitars: Les Paul, ES-345, and Johnny Smith Models
Gibson electric guitars are well-represented in McLaughlin’s collection, reflecting his long-standing affinity for the brand’s classic models. A Gibson 1958 Les Paul Custom Reissue with Bigsby is particularly noteworthy. McLaughlin points out that a similar guitar was used on the Lifetime recording ‘Emergency’ and the Mahavishnu Orchestra’s debut album ‘The Inner Mounting Flame,’ linking this instrument to pivotal moments in his groundbreaking career. He simply states, “I’ve always loved this guitar,” conveying his deep and enduring appreciation for the Les Paul.
A 1976 Gibson ES-345 with Bigsby holds a special place in his collection as one of his “all-time favorite guitars,” acquired in 1978. This particular instrument has been modified with a scalloped fingerboard, a characteristic often associated with McLaughlin’s playing style, and the addition of a Bigsby vibrato. He notably played this guitar during his time with the One Truth Band.
Another Gibson archtop in his collection is a 1978 Gibson Johnny Smith with Bigsby. McLaughlin recalls using this “great guitar” with the group ‘The Free Spirits’ in the early 1990s, further illustrating the diverse musical contexts in which he has utilized his various instruments.
Fender Stratocaster and Godin Fretless Nylon: Expanding Sonic Horizons
A 1968 Fender Stratocaster Reissue adds another classic voice to his electric guitar palette. The white Stratocaster reminds him of a similar instrument he gifted to Jeff Beck in the 1970s, a poignant anecdote connecting his gear to his personal history and musical relationships.
Finally, a Godin “Fretless Nylon” guitar represents McLaughlin’s continuous exploration of new sonic territories. He states that a “large part” of his career has been dedicated to the acoustic guitar, and with this recently acquired instrument, he seeks to experiment with the nylon string tone he loves, coupled with synth access and the unique challenge of a fretless fingerboard. This guitar embodies his forward-thinking approach and his commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
Conclusion: A Legacy Forged with Exceptional Instruments
John McLaughlin’s guitar rig and instrument collection are not merely tools of his trade; they are integral partners in his musical journey. From meticulously chosen pre-amps to a diverse array of custom and classic guitars, each piece of gear reflects his discerning ear, his innovative spirit, and his unwavering dedication to sonic exploration. This deep dive into his equipment provides a glimpse into the world of a true guitar legend and the instruments that have helped shape his unparalleled sound.
