Eddie Vedder, the frontman of Pearl Jam, plays a variety of acoustic guitars including the Martin 00-17, the ’30s era Gibson L-00, and notably, the 1934 Martin 0-18K.
Eddie Vedder, the frontman of Pearl Jam, is known to play several types of guitars, including acoustic ones. Notably, he plays the Martin 0-18 acoustic guitar, a vintage instrument from the 1930s era. Other acoustic guitars in Vedder’s collection include the Gibson J-200 Pete Townshend Signature and the Gibson J-180 Everly Brothers Signature, as well as the Martin 00-17 from the 1950s. These guitars, alongside his amplifiers and pedal effects, have significantly contributed to his unique and signature sound throughout his career.
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That’s right, Eddie Vedder’s acoustic sound reigns supreme on some classic Pearl Jam tracks. Having explored the specific acoustic guitars he wields, the Gibson J-200 Pete Townshend Signature and the Gibson J-180 Everly Brothers Signature, as well as the Martin 00-17, let’s dive a little deeper into each of these and see exactly how they contribute to his signature sound.
Among the models in his arsenal, the Gibson J-200 Pete Townshend Signature is known for its expansive tone and iconic Super Jumbo body shape. This model was designed in collaboration with Pete Townshend of ‘The Who’ and is acclaimed for its premium tonewoods like Sitka spruce tops and maple back and sides, contributing to its grand resonance. Likewise, the Gibson J-180 Everly Brothers Signature is another deeply influential model in Vedder’s collection. Crafted with a slightly smaller jumbo body along with solid spruce top and maple back and sides, this guitar offers a balanced tone with defined lows and clear highs, perfect for Vedder’s rich, emotive soundscapes.
It’s also worth noting that Vedder doesn’t stick strictly to the Gibsons. The Martin 00-17 (which dates back to the 1950s) is a smaller body acoustic guitar that delivers a focused, warm tone, making it the perfect choice for some of Pearl Jam’s quieter, more introspective moments.
In addition to his choice of guitar, Eddie Vedder has an array of amplifiers and effects pedals that help toward shaping his renowned sound. He’s been spotted on stage and in the studio with amps like the Music Man 212-HD 130, the Fender ’57 Custom Deluxe, and the Fender Super Reverb, to name but a few. These deliver a gamut of tones, from warm tube saturation to crystal clear cleans, allowing for considerable versatility.
As for pedals, Vedder sticks to reliable stalwarts like the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler, the MXR M-104 Distortion+, and the MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay to tweak the nuances of his tone. The DL4, for example, is lauded for its ability to emulate a wide range of classic delay units, giving Vedder the ambience required for each song.
In conclusion, while Eddie Vedder is acclaimed for his raw, powerful vocals, it’s his skilled guitar work, alongside his selection of specific acoustic guitars, that truly bring dimensions to Pearl Jam’s music. From the jumbo body of his Gibsons to the vintage charm of his Martin and the well-chosen effects pedals, each component plays an integral role in achieving his unique sound. While there’s no shortcut to emulating Vedder’s emotive artistry, understanding his guitar choices could certainly provide insight and inspiration to budding guitarists.
Key Takeaways:
- Eddie Vedder, renowned as the frontman of Pearl Jam, plays a variety of guitars which contributes significantly to his unique sound.
- In his collection, Vedder has the Gibson J-200 Pete Townshend Signature, a model named after legendary rock musician Pete Townshend.
- Also part of his collection is the Gibson J-180 Everly Brothers Signature, inspired by the famous Everly Brothers’ acoustic sound.
- Vedder plays the Martin 00-17 as well, known for its clear and rich tone.
- He also uses the Schecter PT, showcasing his versatility in musical instruments.
- While specific to acoustic guitars, it’s also worth noting Vedder’s use of various amplifiers and pedal effects that have shaped his overall music sound.
- The Fender Holo Flake Telecaster is another incredible guitar in Vedder’s collection, although not specifically an acoustic model.
- These instruments allow Vedder to produce a wide variety of tones, contributing to the diversity and creativity in Pearl Jam’s music.
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Related Questions
What instrument does Eddie Vedder play?
Given his iconic status as the lead vocalist of Pearl Jam, it may surprise some that Eddie Vedder is also a skilled instrumentalist. His command of the ukulele, for instance, is well-documented – you can hear it on his lauded solo album, Ukulele Songs. Arguably, though, his true instrumental home is with the guitar. After all, it’s where he crafts the riffs and rhythms that underscore his soul-searching lyrics. While he’s no stranger to an electric, Vedder is perhaps best described as an acoustic guitar player – and an excellent one at that.
What kind of guitar did Pearl Jam use?
From “Jeremy” to “Even Flow”, the driving guitars of Pearl Jam’s hits have become an integral part of the grunge sound. The instruments behind these distinctive riffs are equally iconic. Lead guitarist Mike McCready’s rig is packed with classic instruments, but two stand out: his 1960 Fender Strat (formerly known as ‘the ’59), and the ’59 Gibson Les Paul, which he dubs his ‘king of kings’. Played through a host of vintage and modern amplifiers, these guitars have helped shape Pearl Jam’s musical legacy.
What kind of electric guitar does Eddie Vedder play?
In addition to his skills on the acoustic guitar, Eddie Vedder is also a competent electric guitar player. Among his collection is a vintage Fender Esquire, affectionately named the ‘Old Man’. Like many of Vedder’s guitars, the ‘Old Man’ has seen its fair share of modifications over the years. Particularly noteworthy is the P-90 neck pickup that was added to the guitar at some point, serving to broaden its tonal capabilities. Though the neck of the guitar sports a ’55 decal, the origin and age of the body remains unclear.
Is Eddie Vedder good at guitar?
When it comes to playing the guitar, there’s no denying that Eddie Vedder knows his stuff. While he can certainly hold his own on an electric — as evidenced by his Fender Esquire — it’s with the acoustic guitar that he truly shines. Whether he’s fleshing out an arrangement with open tunings, strumming out rhythm parts, or picking out delicate lead lines, Vedder’s acoustic guitar playing is excellent in every respect. That’s not to say he relies solely on technical ability; rather, he’s able to harness his guitar skills to serve the song, making him a true musician’s musician.