What Guitar Does John Mayer Play: Unveiling His Signature Instruments

John Mayer is recognized for his soulful music and masterful guitar work, showcasing an impressive array of guitars through his performing career. Known for his preference for quality and tone, Mayer has been identified with a variety of guitars from different manufacturers, each bringing its own characteristic sound to his music. His profound understanding of guitar tones and his collaboration with guitar makers has led him to not only play but also design his own signature models.

One of the most iconic instruments associated with Mayer is his signature model with Paul Reed Smith (PRS), the Silver Sky. This guitar reflects his specifications and is a staple in his performances from 2018 to the present. Historically, Mayer’s connection with the Fender Stratocaster has been significant, a relationship that nods towards his deep admiration for past legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton. While the electric guitar is central to his sound, Mayer’s acoustic selections, primarily from Martin, also play a pivotal role in his music, offering a warm and rich accompaniment to his voice.

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Key Takeaways

• John Mayer is closely associated with his PRS Silver Sky and various Fender Stratocasters.
• He is involved in designing his own signature model guitars.
• Mayer employs an extensive range of acoustic guitars for his music.

John Mayer’s Main Guitars

John Mayer is known for his versatile guitar playing and has a collection that mirrors this diversity. One of his most renowned guitars is the PRS Silver Sky, which Mayer helped design. This model is crafted to combine vintage aesthetics with modern specifications and has been his go-to instrument since its introduction in 2018.

Prior to his collaboration with Paul Reed Smith, Mayer was frequently seen playing various Fender Stratocaster guitars. He had a lasting relationship with Fender, which even resulted in his own signature models. Mayer’s Stratocasters have been a staple of his sound on many of his records and during live performances.

For acoustic performances, Mayer’s primary choice is the Martin OM28-JM, a signature model crafted by Martin Guitars specifically for him. He has been associated with this guitar for around two decades, which indicates its significance in his acoustic work.

Below is a list of John Mayer’s main guitars over the years:

• PRS Silver Sky
  • Years used: 2018 – Present
  • Notable features: Vintage charm, modern enhancements
• Fender Stratocaster
  • Years used: Throughout early and mid-career
  • Notable models: Various, including signature models
• Martin OM28-JM
  • Years used: Approximately 20 years
  • Type: Acoustic Signature Model

These instruments have been essential to the tones and styles Mayer has explored throughout his career, capturing his approach to blending traditional guitar sounds with contemporary music.

Signature Models

John Mayer’s distinctive sound is closely tied to his use of particular guitar models, specifically ones that have been crafted in collaboration with leading manufacturers to create signature editions.

Fender John Mayer Stratocaster

The Fender John Mayer Stratocaster was developed in conjunction with Mayer to echo the sound and feel of vintage Stratocasters. It is characterized by:

• Body: Alder with a thick C-shape maple neck
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with a 9.5-inch radius
• Pickups: Special “Big Dipper” single-coil Stratocaster pickups with a scooped midrange profile

PRS Silver Sky

The PRS Silver Sky represents Mayer’s collaboration with Paul Reed Smith, designed to merge vintage nuances with modern enhancements. Notable features include:

• Body: Lightweight alder with a maple neck
• Fingerboard: Rosewood or maple options with a 7.25-inch radius
• Pickups: 635JM single-coils tailored for clarity and extended high and low end

Acoustic Selection

John Mayer, renowned for his detailed approach to tone, primarily selects Martin guitars for his acoustic performances, each model chosen for its unique sound characteristics and playability.

Martin OMJM John Mayer

The Martin OMJM John Mayer Signature Edition is a result of a collaboration between the artist and the storied guitar manufacturer. This guitar features a solid Engelmann spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, and a neck with a comfortable modified low oval shape. The custom inlay work and Mayer’s signature on the headstock distinguish it as a special instrument tailored to his specifications.

Martin Stagecoach

Alternatively, he may opt for the Martin 00-42SC John Mayer Stagecoach, a guitar modeled after the classic parlor styles of the 19th century. It sports a solid Sitka spruce top and cocobolo back and sides, producing a bright and responsive tone. Its smaller body size makes it highly portable and a favored choice for intimate settings.

Historical Guitars Used

John Mayer has played an array of guitars throughout his career, each contributing to his distinct sound. Notable among these are two specific models which have become closely associated with his musical journey.

SRV Strat

In his early days, John Mayer became renowned for playing a Fender Stratocaster modeled after the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan (SRV) Strat. This particular guitar is praised for its classic tone, which Mayer utilized extensively during live performances and recordings.

Gibson L-5 CES

Another pivotal guitar in Mayer’s collection is the Gibson L-5 CES, an archtop that exudes a warm, rich sound. Mayer’s choice to play this guitar reflects his versatility and ability to cross genres, providing a smooth jazz tone.