Choosing teh Ultimate Guitar: Billy Squier’s Heartfelt Decision in a Crisis
determining your favorite guitar can be a daunting task. Each instrument holds a special place in your heart, making it nearly unachievable to choose just one.
When faced with the question, you might hesitate, weigh your options, and ultimately decide to select one acoustic and one electric guitar. However, there’s a straightforward method to uncover your true favorite: envision a scenario where your home is engulfed in flames.
In such a dire moment, your instincts will guide you to the guitar that means the most to you. this scenario almost became a reality for the legendary Billy Squier.
In a recent conversation with guitar World, Squier recounted a moment that forced him to make a split-second choice. With an impressive collection of guitars at his disposal, the decision was anything but easy.
Among his prized possessions are a 1956 Les Paul Special and a 1957 Stratocaster, both of which played pivotal roles in shaping his signature sound during his early career with Piper. Additionally, his 1960 Fender Telecaster Custom can be heard on tracks like Calley Oh and throughout his iconic 1981 album, Don’t Say No.
However,it’s easy to understand why he ultimately chose his 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard,affectionately nicknamed ‘Fanny.’ These guitars are not only rare but also hold notable monetary value.
Reflecting on his experience, Squier shared, “A few years back, I faced a similar situation. Fortunately, it wasn’t serious, but I live in a large building on Central Park West in Manhattan, and there was a fire in the basement.”
He described the chaos: blue lights flashing, sirens blaring. Amidst the turmoil, he remained calm, focusing on the two most important things in his life: his dog and his guitar.
“With alarms blaring and fire trucks racing by,I rushed to my closet,scanned my four Les Pauls,grabbed ‘Fanny’ and my dog,and made my way down the back stairs to safety,” he recounted.
Fortunately, Squier, his dog, and his beloved les Paul emerged unscathed, as did the rest of his guitar collection.
“everything turned out fine,” he stated. “We didn’t lose anything.”
Upon returning to his apartment, Squier might have felt a twinge of guilt as he glanced at his 1957 stratocaster, the very guitar that contributed to his biggest hit, The Stroke.
“I recorded The Stroke using my ’57 Strat through a marshall amp,” Squier explained in a 2023 interview with Guitar Player. “I’ve always been inspired by the Volga Boatmen song, and I incorporated it as a countermelody in the song’s break, which added a cinematic touch. I initially recorded a guitar solo for the track but decided to remove it during mixing, as it didn’t feel necessary.”
This interview is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand Squier’s unique sound. Ultimately,it boils down to a simple principle: having the right tools.
“Connect a fantastic guitar to a great amplifier,and keep everything else out of the way,” he advised.”The guitars I’ve played have always been a tremendous source of inspiration for me.”
for a deeper dive into billy Squier’s musical journey, check out the full interview in the latest issue of Guitar World. Visit Magazines direct to subscribe and enjoy exclusive savings.
