Elliott Smith's Guitar Gear: A Look at His Favorite Instruments

Elliott Smith, a prolific songwriter known for his introspective and emotive music, has always been particular about the equipment he uses to create his songs. With a simple yet effective approach to music-making, Smith has stuck to a core set of instruments that have become iconic in his music.

One of Smith's earliest guitars was borrowed from his girlfriend - a habit he continued for some time before finally acquiring his own instrument. His current collection includes a Norman 12-string, Yamaha acoustic, and two Gibson ES-330s, each with its unique tone and characteristics. The 60s-era J-45 Gibson is another favorite of Smith's, often used in conjunction with a Fishman Rare Earth soundhole pickup.

When it comes to electric guitars, Smith has been spotted playing a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe and an Ibanez Precision Bass. His pedalboard features the DL-4 and Buddha Phatman Tube Overdrive, while his amplifier of choice is the Top Hat Amp Model K-35 (King Royale).

In this article, we take a look at Elliott Smith's guitar gear, exploring the instruments that have helped shape his distinctive sound. From his humble beginnings with borrowed guitars to his current collection of carefully curated instruments, Smith's approach to music-making is a testament to the power of simplicity and creativity.

Elliott smith roman candle zip