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Count Five: Randy Bachman's Essential Electric Guitars

Randy BachmanAs a member of the Guess Who, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and as a solo artist, Randy Bachman has sold over 40 million records, topped the charts in over 20 countries, and secured his place in the annals of pop-culture when he was animated for an episode of 'The Simpsons.'

But while many of his contemporaries blew piles of dough on the trappings of rock stardom, Bachman has something to show for his money: a serious guitar collection. Over the years, he's amassed hundreds, including the world's largest collection of Gretsch electric guitars -- the roughly 375 instruments are now on display in the company's museum in Savannah, Ga.

During a recent live taping of his weekly radio show, Vinyl Tap, Bachman demonstrated some of his classic collection and while he admits no single guitarist really needs hundreds, a serious player does require certain "tools in his tool belt."

Here are Randy Bachman's picks for the five essential electric guitars.

1. Fender Telecaster

You can throw it off your roof on to your driveway and it won't break. You can go down pick it up and it will still be in tune. It's an amazing guitar.

2. Fender Stratocaster

When Leo Fender reshaped the Telecaster -- he made it thinner and added an extra pick up -- it became the Stratocaster. This versatile guitar can make you sound like Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Mark Knopfler, or Curtis Mayfield.

3. Gibson Les Paul

Plug a Gibson Les Paul into a Marshall amp, turn it up, and you get that classic rock and roll sound heard on records like 'All Right Now' (Free), and 'Sunshine of Your Love' (Cream).

4. Rickenbacker 12-String

After seeing George Harrison playing one, Roger McGuinn took this guitar and invented folk rock. When I want to sound like the Byrds or George Harrison, I grab my Rickenbacker.

5. Gretsch Country Gentleman

My first guitar was a Danelectro. I ordered it from the Sears catalogue and paid $34.95. But I really wanted to sound like Scotty Moore who was backing up Elvis Presley. So, I saved up money from playing gigs, babysitting, washing cars and selling women's shoes to buy a Gretsch. For twangy Chet Atkins-style country licks, you need a Gretsch.


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PREFAB H8R

AGREED, just cannot beat the TELE, STRAT ,Les Paul ( SG!), RIC 360-12, Gretsch and MARTIN for delivering THE SOUND!

March 16 2010 at 3:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ken

I think you might want to include a Martin in there for songwriting and experimenting. My Choice is the D18V. I also prefer the Gibson SG Standard over the Les Paul due to the weight differential. If its good enough for Angus Young, its OK for me.

February 18 2010 at 11:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Maxx James

Happy to read that the 1, 2, 3 guitars on the list are also the guitars I have and continue to use and swear by. I couldn't agree more with Mr. Bachman. MJ

February 17 2010 at 4:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Blabber

See his mastery here on YouTube. Legend. And criminally overlooked.

February 17 2010 at 5:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply