Fender Custom Shop Guitars in Rock: The Instruments Behind the Hits

Rock music is known for its loud and heavy sound and intricate guitar work solos and specific instruments. Of all the accessories that a rock musician holds in high esteem, the Fender custom shop guitars stand out.

These meticulously crafted instruments have been the cornerstone of rock music for many years and continue to be so to this day. Now, it’s time to explore the world of rock musicians who used these extraordinary instruments to record some of the most popular songs in the history of rock music.

The Legacy of Fender Custom Shop

Founded in 1987, the Fender Custom Shop has been committed to making the best guitars for working musicians and artists. Every guitar produced by Fender is a living example of the company’s dedication to producing the best, thinking out of the box, and creativity. The Custom Shop instruments are not just guitars, but creations that are as beautiful as they are functional and sound great.

Eric Clapton: The Stratocaster Maestro

No other name in rock can be mentioned without the mention of Eric Clapton. With his smooth fingerwork and passionate solos, Clapton has been using Fender Custom Shop Stratocasters to create his distinctive sound. His most famous guitar is “Blackie” which is a custom-made Stratocaster that has been used in such songs as “Layla” and “Wonderful Tonight”.

Jeff Beck: The Innovator

It is impossible to overestimate the role of Jeff Beck in the development of rock guitar. His techniques of working and the use of sound have been unique and different from other artists of his time. Fender Custom Shop guitars, especially Stratocasters that Beck uses, have allowed him to venture into new areas of music. Songs such as “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers” are good examples of how these instruments create different tones.

David Gilmour: The Sonic Architect

David Gilmour of Pink Floyd is well known for his leads and soundscapes that paint a picture. Among the gears that Gilmour uses in his performances are several Fender Custom Shop guitars which have been very essential to him. His legendary ‘black strat’ has been used in many Pink Floyd songs which include the ever popular “Comfortably Numb” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”.

Jimi Hendrix: The Revolutionary

Jimi Hendrix is one of the most famous musicians and guitarists of the popular electric guitar. His approach to playing was explosive, and he was the first to use effects in rock music. That Hendrix had his Stratocasters made to his own design meant that he could coax the most from this instrument. Songs like “Purple Haze” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” are great examples of how much his Fender Custom Shop guitars can produce.

Stevie Ray Vaughan: The Blues Virtuoso

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s playing and his live performances were characterized by intensity and passion that influenced rock and blues genres. The Fender Custom Shop creation was the main guitar Vaughan used, which he called “Number One” Stratocaster. The two numbers “Texas Flood” and “Pride and Joy” show how versatile and communicative these guitars can be when played by him.

The Modern Torchbearers

The modern rock scene still depends on artists who use Fender Custom Shop guitars. Some of these artists include John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa and many other artists who have incorporated these instruments in their music. The emotional organ work on songs such as “Gravity” by Mayer and the blues-rock shredding by Bonamassa on other songs are more examples of why players have not lost faith in Fender Custom Shop guitars.

Fender Custom Shop guitars have been instrumental in shaping the sound of rock music. From the legendary riffs of Eric Clapton to the groundbreaking solos of Jimi Hendrix, these guitars have been the backbone of many iconic songs. As the rock genre evolves, Fender Custom Shop guitars will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in its future, inspiring musicians and thrilling audiences worldwide.