In this edition of ”Bought & Sold,” we have the pleasure of chatting with Jeff tweedy, the mastermind behind Wilco. Renowned for his unique blend of indie rock adn country influences, Tweedy has an eye for exceptional guitar gear and knows when a price tag is a bit too steep for his taste.
In this interview, he dives into his experiences with both electric and acoustic guitars, sharing valuable insights for anyone on the hunt for their next musical companion. Get ready for some enlightening tips!
First Serious Purchase: A Guitar with History
what was the first meaningful guitar you purchased with your own earnings?
My first major investment was a gibson J-45 from the late 1950s. I can’t pinpoint the exact year, but I believe it was around ’57. It had been stripped down, and even at $600, it was a stretch for my budget at the time. I still cherish it; it’s adorned with stickers spelling out ‘Wilco’ that I picked up from a local stationery shop.
Recent Acquisitions: A Collector’s Passion
What was the last guitar you acquired, and what motivated that purchase?
Honestly, my guitar collection is quite extensive-perhaps even excessive! Recently, I added a Martin 00-18 from its inaugural production year. I have a soft spot for guitars from that quirky late ’50s to early ’60s era. While many associate them with Kurt Cobain, I simply appreciate their craftsmanship, so I seize every opportunity to acquire one.
unforgettable Bargains: A Mother’s Eye for Value
What’s the most remarkable deal you’ve ever scored on a guitar?
I owe a lot to my mom for this one. Once she realized my dedication to playing guitar, she began scouting for instruments at auctions and garage sales. At one farmer’s auction, she snagged a ’56 Gretsch Duo Jet for just $70. She also found a rare ’50s prototype ES-350 with three pickups for only $120-one of the earliest models featuring three P-90s!
Unexpected Treasures: The epiphone Casino
Can you share a story about a guitar that turned out to be a hidden gem?
Absolutely! I once bought an Epiphone Casino for $100, which had a broken neck that the seller thought was beyond repair. I assured him I could fix it, and after some work, it became one of my go-to guitars. Years later, the seller saw me playing it at a show and jokingly accused me of taking advantage of him. I reminded him that he was about to toss it out!
Regrets and Lessons: The Ones That Got away
Have you ever regretted a gear purchase?
There are definitely items in my collection that I haven’t utilized as much as I anticipated. However, I’ve learned to hold onto them, as I often find a use for them later or someone else in the studio might fall in love with them.
What about guitars you’ve sold that you wish you hadn’t?
Oh, for sure! I traded away those two guitars my mom found at the auction when Uncle Tupelo was gearing up for a tour. We needed a replacement amp for Jay Farrar, so I let one go for a Fender Twin. I later discovered that both guitars ended up in the hands of Billy Gibbons, who confirmed he still has them!
Advice for Aspiring Guitarists
What’s your top tip for someone looking to buy their dream guitar?
Play as many guitars as you can! Visit local shops and familiarize yourself with the nuances of different models. Before investing in a Rickenbacker, for instance, ensure you understand its unique characteristics. Many people buy guitars simply because they see others using them, but not all are versatile for every style.If you have a specific sound in mind, you’ll no what to look for.
Current Interests: A Collector’s Quest
What are you currently searching for in guitar shops or online?
I have a growing interest in Japanese guitars from the late ’70s and early ’80s. I’ve been enjoying collecting them and have quite a few in my possession now.
Just the other day, I was browsing for more! I’ve been swapping them out for my Gibsons during live performances as their prices have skyrocketed. I prefer to take these japanese models on the road as they’re meant to be played, and I feel less anxious about their value.
Sound Choices: Guitars and Amps
If you had to choose, would you prefer a high-quality guitar with a budget amp or a budget guitar with a premium amp?
A poor-quality amp is nearly useless. I could create enjoyable sounds with a cheap guitar paired with a good amp.Though,some budget amps can outperform pricier models,so it really depends on the specific equipment.
Would you rather use humbuckers or single coils for your entire career?
Why not both? I know it’s a hypothetical scenario, but for the past two decades, I’ve leaned heavily on single coils in the studio, notably my Esquire top-loader.
Jeff’s Essential Gear
What’s your current go-to rig?
Ironically,my main guitar right now is a Jaguar equipped with a single humbucker. It started as a Candy Apple Red model, but I stripped it down to give it a new look while keeping the headstock red.
My pedalboard is predominantly filled with Fairfield Circuitry pedals. I might be one of the few musicians with a board entirely from one manufacturer!
My friend Woody,who designed the Mastery bridge,helped me assemble this Jaguar. It features a floating tremolo and a unique underwound humbucker that delivers a magical sound without overwhelming saturation.
For amps, when performing solo, I rely on a vintage ’50s Fender Deluxe. I have a couple of backups from that era. For Wilco shows, I use a modified Fender Vibrolux that functions like a standalone Fender Reverb, along with a narrow-panel Deluxe.
