If‍ you’re grappling with Gear Acquisition syndrome (G.A.S.), you might want to skip ‌this‌ interview. Keith Urban is a notorious enabler when it ⁣comes to acquiring gear!

Urban’s ⁣passion for‌ guitars,‍ amplifiers, and pedals is palpable in this edition of Bought & Sold. He dives into teh world of ⁣rare ⁤vintage instruments-like that coveted Nocaster-and shares his ​belief that ⁤every guitar has it’s own ⁢unique charm.

Sometimes,a tone ⁤that seems ​”wrong” can actually be just right.⁤ just ask ​the legendary Stooges!

First serious Purchase: A Journey‌ Through time

What ‌was the ⁣first significant guitar you‌ purchased with your own funds?

To me, every guitar holds meaning! My first⁤ was ‌an Ibanez copy that set ‍me back $146. At‌ just nine years old, ‍that felt‍ monumental.

However,⁣ the first guitar that truly stands‌ out is a 1982 Fender ‌Stratocaster in ⁤Candy Apple Red. I bought it​ at 15 for nearly $1,000, which was a‌ staggering amount for ⁤me ⁢back then.

Recent acquisitions: Expanding the Collection

What was your latest​ guitar purchase, and what motivated it?

It’s⁣ been a ​while since my ⁣last purchase, but I recently acquired a 1972 ⁢Fender Mustang bass.⁣ While ​it’s not a guitar, I enjoy playing bass and often incorporate ⁢it into my‌ songwriting, even ‍featuring‍ it on‌ some of my records.

Unforgettable Finds: The​ Thrill of the Hunt

What’s​ the most remarkable​ deal ⁤you’ve ever scored on a ‍guitar?

That’s a tough one! It feels like a territory reserved for Joe Bonamassa, doesn’t it? [laughs] I once stumbled upon Tom Keifer from Cinderella selling his Nocaster at Gruhn’s.I played it, fell in love, ‌and made the purchase.

I can’t​ recall the exact price, but it was definitely worth it. this guitar is remarkable, boasting some of the most dynamic ‍pickups I’ve ever encountered in a Telecaster.⁣ Everything ‍is original, and I’m grateful to be its current custodian.

Regrets and⁤ Remorse: The​ One That Got Away

What’s your biggest case​ of buyer’s remorse?

While I haven’t experienced buyer’s remorse,I do have a case of missed​ opportunity! ⁤Years​ ago,I was at Carter Vintage Guitar in Nashville and passed ​on David Lindley’s iconic snakeskin-wrapped Dumble Steel String singer. I’ve regretted that decision ever since.

Its⁣ value has skyrocketed, and I often think about how much I would⁤ have loved to‍ own ‍and ‍play that amp. At the time, I let practicality dictate my decision, but I ​wish I had taken the plunge.

Sentimental Attachments: The Ones We Let go

Have⁤ you ever sold a guitar you now deeply regret parting with?

Absolutely! I had​ a black ‌Squier Stratocaster during ⁤the 80s that I played extensively ⁢in my cover band.It wasn’t anything special, but it held ‍a lot of⁤ sentimental value for me. ​I can’t recall why I sold​ it, but I wish I⁢ hadn’t.

Recently,I almost sold a guitar but changed my mind⁢ at the last minute.⁤ It was a ’58 ⁣Les Paul burst. I hadn’t played it in a‌ while, but ‍when I picked it up, I was reminded of ⁤how lovely the neck felt. I decided ⁤to ​keep it after all!

Advice for Aspiring Guitarists

what’s your top tip for someone ‌searching for thier dream guitar?

Brand loyalty‌ doesn’t matter;⁣ inspiration can⁢ come from any⁤ guitar.

First and⁤ foremost,‌ play the guitar.⁣ Can you afford it? It’s all about the ⁢connection you ⁢feel. If you pick it ⁣up and a new ⁤riff emerges, that’s​ a good​ sign! I’ve found inspiration​ in inexpensive guitars, discovering ⁣riffs I never played‍ before.

Exploring the Guitar ​Shop Scene

When was the last ⁣time ⁤you​ browsed a guitar shop or⁤ checked online? What caught your eye?

It’s been⁢ a while as I visited a guitar shop, but ⁤I love wandering around and exploring whatever catches my attention-be it vintage or‍ new, solid body or hollow‌ body. I have no brand loyalty; every guitar has the​ potential to inspire.

Keith’s Go-To Rig: The Heart of ⁤His Sound

For my recent shows, my rig has remained ‍consistent:⁢ a Dumble Overdrive Special Reverb and a Fender Dual Showman, both running through custom 2×12⁢ cabinets. ​It’s not ⁣a stereo setup; it’s ​about blending the unique characteristics of‍ each head.

I ‌use ‍several pedals, including a⁣ vintage Boss SD-1 Super ⁣Overdrive,⁢ a Boss BD-2 Blues‍ Driver, and a Klon, adjusting​ my overdrives based on whether I’m using single coils or humbuckers. I also have a vintage ProCo Rat that ⁢I adore, along with‍ a Fractal ⁤for delays ‍and reverbs, and a Mr. Black‌ SuperMoon⁢ for its unique sound.

Currently, I’ve been working with PRS on a custom guitar, ​which⁢ has ⁤become my primary instrument. I⁣ also have a ⁢’64 Strat, ‍my 40th Anniversary Tele⁣ named ‘Clarence,’‌ a⁤ Clapton Strat tuned down a half ⁤step, and a ’52 ⁤Goldtop Les Paul, ⁢which is incredibly versatile.

• HIGH is ‌now available via Capitol Nashville.
• This ⁤article originally appeared in⁤ Guitarist. ⁢Subscribe for more!