When GW caught up with blues legend Walter Trout, he was gearing up for a songwriting marathon for his upcoming album, Sign of the Times, set to release in late 2025. Trout dedicated eight weeks to crafting new tracks, preparing his band, and recording the album before hitting the road for an extensive tour. For him, the thrill of live performances is an endless source of joy.
“Every night presents the chance to deliver either the best or the worst show of your life,” he reflects. “Each venue and audience brings a unique energy, and it never becomes monotonous. This is the dream I envisioned as a child, and now I’m living it.”
With a rich and vibrant history, it’s no surprise that Trout has a treasure trove of stories from his blues journey-some of which he prefers to keep off the record.
Trout admits he’s essentially a “one-guitar guy,” currently favoring his signature Walter Trout model, crafted by Michael Delaney of Delaney Guitars. This model closely resembles his beloved 1973 Fender Stratocaster, which has been his companion throughout much of his career.This classic Strat is undoubtedly one of the three pivotal guitars in Trout’s life. Let’s dive into his story.
1. Guyatone LG55W
My first guitar was an acoustic, but I soon craved the electric sound. The Guyatone was the only model within my budget at the time. I have a snapshot of me playing it at 14, but I couldn’t recall the brand.
To jog my memory, I shared the photo on Facebook before this interview, and a guitar maker reached out to identify it. He not only named the model but also informed me about the stores that sold them back in the ’60s. I can’t remember where or when I got it, but I played it for a significant time.
The photo was taken in 1965 at my friend Steve’s basement, where we were jamming with a bass player named Jeff. We were likely attempting to cover a beatles tune, which had plenty of chords. I performed at a few parties with that guitar.
Our high school dance was a memorable moment; I convinced them to let us play. Just a minute into Born in Chicago by Paul Butterfield, they cut our power and switched to a Supremes record. The following Monday, I was met with jeers from classmates, “Hey, Trout - you guys were terrible!”[[[[Laughs]
2. Aria LW15TB
in 1981, while touring Australia with Canned Heat, I purchased an Aria acoustic in Sydney. I was staying at a hotel and wanted an acoustic to play in my room. I found it in a pawn shop for just $70. It looked pristine and played like a dream, with a neck that felt almost electric.
About 35 years ago, a friend borrowed it and accidentally crushed it. I took it to Doc Pittillo at the Guitar Doctor in Costa Mesa, California, who has been my go-to for guitar repairs for years. He quoted me $300 for the repairs.
My friend was shocked at the cost, given the guitar’s low price, but I insisted he cover it. Doc did an incredible job; the sound remained unaffected, and the repair is nearly invisible. Most of my songs have been written on this guitar.
Another acoustic I cherish is a Martin D-28. Bob Dylan greatly influenced my desire to play guitar. Living near Rutgers University in New Jersey, I frequented a coffee house called the Perimeter every Friday night to perform.
Initially,everyone got a half-hour slot,but as I improved,I began backing others up. I felt the need for a quality acoustic, so in 1968, with my parents’ help, I bought a D-28. The seller worked at Martin and had customized it with inlays to resemble a D-45, adorned with mother-of-pearl. However, he had slightly damaged it around the sound hole, allowing me to purchase it at a bargain. Its sound is extraordinary, and any acoustic guitar you hear on my records is likely the Martin.
3. 1973 Fender Stratocaster
After dropping my first Les Paul and breaking the headstock, I was too young to realize it could be repaired. The same guy from the Martin factory bought it from me for $80, fixed it, and sold it for a profit. I then purchased an ES-335, but during a jam session in Philadelphia, I was introduced to a Stratocaster.
Playing it felt like discovering true love. Shortly after,I relocated to California with my D-28,my 335,and a Fender Super Reverb,all packed into my VW Bug along with my clothes,half a pound of weed,30 hits of LSD,and $50. I made the trip while hallucinating. [[[[Laughs]Upon arrival, I quickly landed a gig as the lead singer in a country band.
With my first paycheck, I bought a brand-new 1973 Stratocaster, which has remained my favorite guitar ever since. I’ve decided not to take it on tour anymore. Although many criticize ’70s Strats,I tend to go against the grain when it comes to opinions.
This guitar has been re-fretted around twelve times. The only modification I made was connecting one of the tone controls to the bridge pickup, leaving the neck pickup without a tone control-a tweak I apply to all my Strats.
Years of sweat have taken their toll; the middle pickup became quiet due to rusted wiring. seymour Duncan rewound it using the original wire,restoring its former glory. The guitar started off a brilliant white but has now aged to a yellowed, well-loved state.
While touring with Canned Heat in Alaska, I faced a chilling moment.The Strat was stored in the hold of a small plane at 40 below zero. Upon opening the case at the airport, I watched in horror as the finish cracked in countless places due to the sudden temperature shift. Those cracks absorbed the smoke from every bar I played in-it’s practically infused with nicotine. You could scrape it off and get a buzz!
