Joe Perry’s Iconic ‘Rat Strat’: The Guitar with a Chilling Backstory
When you think of Joe Perry, you might picture his famous ’59 Les Paul or the Rich Bich, but the guitar he frequently reaches for during recordings and live performances is the eclectic instrument he affectionately calls the “Rat Strat.”
This guitar is also known by other names, such as the “Burned strat” or the ”Tele Rat.” While these titles may seem contradictory, Perry’s journey with this well-loved guitar reveals the story behind its unique identity.
A Personal Connection to the ‘Burned Strat’
Perry has expressed a deep attachment to the “Burned Strat,” which has undergone numerous modifications throughout the years. “It’s a work in progress,” he explains. The guitar was born out of necessity when he stepped away from aerosmith,setting aside most of his signature guitars to create this one from Warmoth parts.
during this time, Perry returned to his roots, playing in clubs and theaters across the country with a band. The Strat became a symbol of his departure from Aerosmith, embodying a more personal and intimate musical journey. “You can tell it was played a lot,” he reflects, noting the guitar’s unique sound and feel developed over countless performances.
From Clubs to the Big Stage
The guitar features a left-handed neck and body, making it his primary instrument for three years. When it was time to reunite with Aerosmith, Perry decided to bring the Strat back into the spotlight, as it represented a significant part of his musical identity.
“That guitar was the inspiration for the current Burned Strat, right?” someone inquires. Perry confirms this, revealing that around 2001, he and his technician crafted a new version of the guitar using the same philosophy-combining various parts to recreate its essence.
Crafting the Perfect Sound
What exactly makes up this iconic guitar? Perry explains that it retains the original Fender body and a Warmoth neck, but he has made several enhancements. he has swapped out the pickups, altered the vibrato bar, and even modified the bridge. One of his most unique techniques involved placing the guitar in the freezer overnight before applying a blowtorch to create a crackled finish, giving it a weathered look that reflects its history.
“I’ve used a Dremel on it for various adjustments,” he chuckles. The tremolo system, designed by Vega-Trem, is a refined version of Leo Fender’s original design, allowing for both dive bombs and classic vibrato effects.
Modern Upgrades and Versatility
Recently, Perry upgraded the guitar with a pair of Seymour Duncan P-Rails pickups, which combine a P90 and a Strat-style pickup in a humbucker slot. “These pickups offer remarkable versatility,” he notes. “We transitioned from three pickups to two, but with the microswitches we added, I can achieve four distinct sounds.”
This adaptability allows Perry to explore a wide range of tones, making the guitar a true musical tool. He used it extensively on the recent EP with Yungblud, showcasing its capabilities with just a few foot pedals.
A Guitar for All Seasons
Perry describes his string setup as a hybrid, using lighter strings on top to facilitate bending notes while preserving his hands, which have begun to feel the effects of arthritis.”At this point, it’s my ‘desert island guitar,’” he admits, though he humorously acknowledges that he might find another favorite someday.
With its rich history and unique modifications, Joe Perry’s “Rat Strat” continues to be a vital part of his musical journey, embodying both his past and present as a legendary guitarist.
Joe Perry’s Legendary ‘Rat Strat’: the Chilling Tale of the Guitar That Went in the Freezer!
The Origins of the ‘Rat Strat’
Joe perry, the iconic guitarist of Aerosmith, is known for his amazing talent and unique sound. Among his collection of legendary guitars, the ‘Rat Strat’ stands out as a symbol of his creativity and musical journey. This guitar, often referred to as the “Burned Strat” or “Tele Rat,” has a rich history that includes a chilling twist: it was once placed in a freezer!
Why the Freezer?
The story of the ‘Rat Strat’ begins with Perry’s desire to create a one-of-a-kind instrument that reflected his personal style. After stepping away from Aerosmith for a period, he decided to assemble this guitar using various parts, including a left-handed neck and body.To achieve a unique finish, Perry took an unconventional approach by placing the guitar in the freezer overnight. This technique was intended to create a crackled effect on the finish, giving it a vintage look that would develop over time.
Key Features of the ‘Rat Strat’
- Body: Fender body with a custom finish
- Neck: Warmoth left-handed neck
- Pickups: Seymour Duncan P-Rails for versatile sound
- Bridge: Vega-Trem tremolo system for enhanced playability
- Unique Modifications: Dremel adjustments for comfort and style
The Sound of the ‘Rat Strat’
The ‘Rat Strat’ is not just a visually striking guitar; it also delivers a remarkable sound that has captivated audiences. Perry has described the guitar as having a “sound and feel” that is unmatched. The combination of the Seymour Duncan P-Rails pickups allows for a wide range of tones, making it suitable for various musical styles.
sound Characteristics
| Sound Feature |
Description |
| Versatility |
Can produce both P90 and Strat-style tones |
| Dynamic Range |
Wide tonal palette suitable for rock, blues, and more |
| Playability |
Light string gauge for easy bending and comfort |
Modifications and Upgrades
Over the years, the ‘Rat Strat’ has undergone several modifications to enhance its performance. Perry has swapped out pickups,adjusted the bridge,and even carved parts of the body for better comfort. Thes changes have contributed to the guitar’s unique character and sound.
Recent Upgrades
In recent years, Perry upgraded the guitar with Seymour Duncan P-Rails pickups, which combine a P90 and a Strat-style pickup in a single humbucker slot. This upgrade allows for even greater tonal versatility, enabling Perry to switch between different sounds with ease.
First-Hand Experience: Joe Perry’s Viewpoint
Perry has shared his thoughts on the ‘Rat Strat’ in various interviews, emphasizing its importance in his musical journey.he recalls using the guitar during significant performances, including the MTV Video Music Awards, where he played alongside Steven Tyler and Yungblud. “Everything you hear on the EP we did with Yungblud was recorded with that guitar,” he stated, highlighting its versatility and reliability.
Benefits of the ‘Rat Strat’
The ‘Rat Strat’ offers several benefits for musicians looking for a unique sound and feel:
- Customizability: The ability to modify and personalize the guitar to fit individual playing styles.
- Versatile Sound: Capable of producing a wide range of tones suitable for various genres.
- Comfort: Adjustments made for playability ensure a comfortable experience during long performances.
Case Studies: The Impact of the ‘Rat Strat’
Many musicians have been inspired by Joe Perry’s use of the ‘rat Strat.’ Here are a few notable examples:
- influence on Aspiring Guitarists: Many young guitarists cite Perry’s sound as a major influence on their own playing style.
- Collaborations: The guitar has been featured in various collaborations, showcasing its versatility across different musical styles.
- Live Performances: The ‘Rat Strat’ has become a staple in Perry’s live performances,captivating audiences with its unique sound.
Practical tips for Guitarists
If you’re considering customizing your own guitar or looking to achieve a sound similar to the ‘Rat Strat,’ here are some practical tips:
- Experiment with Pickups: Try different combinations of pickups to find the sound that suits you best.
- Adjust Your Setup: Make modifications to the bridge and neck for improved playability.
- Explore Unique Finishes: Consider unconventional methods, like freezing, to create a distinctive look.
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