Lenny Kravitz Reveals the Heartfelt Story Behind His Iconic Number-One Guitar!
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The Unforgettable Encounter That Gave Lenny Kravitz His Beloved Number-One Guitar
Lenny Kravitz’s journey into the world of vintage electric guitars was substantially influenced by rock legends Tom Petty and mike Campbell. Though, one of the most impactful lessons came from an unexpected encounter with a man in dire circumstances, who arrived in a parking lot with a treasure trove of vintage instruments, including the iconic Les Paul that would become Kravitz’s go-to studio guitar.
Learning from Legends
Kravitz’s passion for vintage guitars ignited when he opened for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers after the release of his debut album, Let Love Rule. during this time, he was lucky to learn from Campbell, who possesses a remarkable collection of classic guitars, including a Fender Broadcaster that he describes as indispensable.
“When Let Love Rule was released, I had the chance to tour with Tom Petty, and both he and Mike Campbell imparted invaluable knowledge about vintage guitars,” Kravitz reminisced. “This was back in ’89, a time when you could still discover incredible instruments at reasonable prices. I would accompany Tom and Mike to music shops in various cities, and while I couldn’t afford the same guitars thay could, I was soaking up all the wisdom they shared.”
A Unique Prospect
As Kravitz’s career soared with hits like Mama Said and are You Gonna Go My Way, he began to put his newfound knowledge into practice.
“People would come to the parking lot, find someone from the crew, and ask them to let me know they had guitars for sale.”
“I started acquiring some fantastic guitars,” he shared. “People would show up in the parking lot, find a crew member, and ask them to inform me about guitars they wanted to sell.”
The Memorable Deal
One particular encounter stands out in Kravitz’s memory.
“I heard that a guy was in the parking lot selling guitars,” he recalled. “Unluckily, he was facing jail time and needed funds for a lawyer.I went out to his car and ended up purchasing five guitars that day.”
This remarkable haul included a ’57 Telecaster,an early ’50s Stratocaster,and a ’53 Les Paul Goldtop conversion,which quickly became a cornerstone of his collection.
The Guitar That Changed Everything
“That guitar became my primary studio Les Paul from that moment on,” Kravitz explained. ”It has that classic Les Paul bite, with distortion that is smooth and balanced across the spectrum-from highs to mids to lows. It leans slightly cleaner; the pickups aren’t overly hot, but they are just right.This guitar has been featured on every album since I acquired it, starting with Are You Gonna Go My Way.”
(Image credit: Press)
Lenny Kravitz Reveals the Heartfelt Story Behind His Iconic number-One Guitar!
Lenny Kravitz Reveals the heartfelt Story Behind His Iconic Number-One Guitar!
The Journey Begins: Learning from Legends
Lenny Kravitz’s fascination with vintage guitars took root during his early career, notably when he opened for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This experience not only introduced him to the world of classic instruments but also provided him with invaluable lessons from seasoned musicians.
tom Petty: A mentor who shared insights into songwriting and performance.
Mike Campbell: A guitar aficionado with a collection that includes the legendary Fender Broadcaster.
“When I toured with Tom Petty in ’89, I was exposed to a treasure trove of vintage guitars,” Kravitz recalled. “I learned so much about their history and significance, even if I couldn’t afford them at the time.”
The fateful Encounter
as Kravitz’s career skyrocketed with hits like Mama Said and Are You Gonna Go My Way, he began to attract attention from fans and collectors alike. One day, an unexpected opportunity arose that would change his musical journey forever.
“I got word that a guy was in the parking lot selling guitars,” Kravitz shared. “He was facing jail time and needed money for a lawyer. I went out to his car and ended up buying five guitars that day.”
The Guitar Haul
This memorable encounter yielded several iconic instruments, including:
Guitar Model
Year
Significance
’57 Telecaster
1957
Classic tone and playability
Early ’50s Stratocaster
1950s
Versatile sound for various genres
’53 Les Paul Goldtop
1953
became Kravitz’s number-one studio guitar
The Heart of the Collection: The ’53 Les Paul Goldtop
Among the guitars purchased that day, the ’53 Les Paul Goldtop conversion quickly became Kravitz’s favorite. He describes it as:
Sound: ”it has a great Les paul bite, with smooth and even distortion across the spectrum.”
Versatility: “Its slightly cleaner, with pickups that are not overly hot but just perfect for my style.”
legacy: “This guitar has been on every album since I got it, starting with Are You gonna Go My Way.”
Benefits of Owning Vintage guitars
investing in vintage guitars like kravitz’s ’53 Les Paul Goldtop can offer several advantages:
Unique Sound: Vintage guitars often have a distinct tonal quality that modern instruments may lack.
Investment Value: Many vintage models appreciate over time,making them a sound investment.
Historical significance: Owning a piece of music history can be incredibly rewarding for collectors and musicians alike.
Practical Tips for Guitar Collectors
If you’re considering starting or expanding your guitar collection, here are some practical tips:
Research: Understand the history and value of the guitars you’re interested in.
Condition Matters: Always check the condition of the instrument; original parts and minimal wear can significantly affect value.
Network: Attend guitar shows, join online forums, and connect with other collectors to find rare pieces.
First-hand Experience: Lenny’s Advice
Kravitz emphasizes the importance of following your passion when it comes to music and collecting instruments. “Every guitar has a story, and each one contributes to your sound and style,” he advises. “Don’t be afraid to invest in what speaks to you.”
Case Study: The Impact of the ’53 Les Paul Goldtop
The ’53 Les Paul Goldtop has not only shaped Kravitz’s sound but has also influenced countless musicians who admire his work. Here are some notable tracks featuring this iconic guitar:
Song Title
Album
Year Released
Are You Gonna Go My Way
Are You Gonna Go My Way
1993
Fly Away
5
1998
American Woman
Greatest Hits
2000
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