What do you think the most iconic acoustic guitar is?

[pjroberts]

Originally Posted by AHill

I guess your criteria rules out Willie Nelson's "Trigger", cause it's not something everyone would like to own. But it sure is iconic and almost instantly recognizable, even when Willie isn't in the picture.

Trigger is the first one that comes to mind. It’s like the Mllineum Falcon of accoustic guitars.

[$ongWriter]

I thought of Chris Stapleton's Gibson...(and correct me if I'm wrong..but it looks like he's got a vintage jack in it!!!!!)

[RP]

Originally Posted by Goodallboy

I too thought the OP was focusing on a guitar/model, not a connection to an artist...

Originally Posted by David MacNeill

I think some of you are confusing “iconic” with “historically important” or “influential” or “memorable”.

Others of us are confused by the iconic status bestowed purely by association with a well-known performer. Maybe this will help....

Iconic
a : widely recognized and well-established an iconic brand name
b : widely known and acknowledged especially for distinctive excellence

The final word....

Originally Posted by fingerstile

I see that my original question caused some confusion. Sorry about that. I wasn't thinking in terms of models, though I see why you may have thought so.

I was thinking about particular guitars, ones that are iconic not merely through association with an artist but because the guitar itself is an incredible instrument.

Example: Dave Rawlings' Epiphone Olympic. That particular guitar, the very one played by David (not Olympics in general), has that magic fairy dust that I think would make it amazing no matter who owned it.

Guitars like that.

[gitarro]

Roy Rogers' 1930 OM45 Deluxe ...the very first one ever made...

http://www.christies.com/features/20...ers-180-3.aspx

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-r...52B08820090312

[Borderdon]

"Iconic" for what it is, not who played it, it has to be the redoubtable Martin D-28.

[menhir]

The first thought that leaped to mind was Trigger...

So that's my vote. Trigger.

The funny thing is that the second guitar that came to mind was Buck Owen's Red White and Blue.

I'm apparently thinking in more of a "general public" frame of mind rather than a guitarist's frame of mind. There are a lot of names dropped here that few people outside our arena would even recognize. I'm guessing anyone who watched Hee Haw, and it was a very popular show at the time, might recognize or remember Buck's guitar even though they had no idea, or ever cared to know, what make or model it was. If it weren't for the long enduring presence of Trigger, Buck's guitar would have likely have gotten my vote.

On a side note: When it comes to the electric guitars, the first one that came to mind was B.B.King's Lucille.

My take: If you want your guitar to be remembered
1) Become famous enough to be seen often in the media.
2a) Decorate your guitar in an eye catching manner and/or
2b) Give it a name.
3) Be seen playing that same guitar for a looooong time.

Well, I guess I've covered all the bases.

[RandyOK]

Personally I think Willie’s “Trigger”is it... but has anyone mentioned Django Reinhardts Selmer Maccaferri?

[semolinapilcher]

Originally Posted by fingerstile

I see that my original question caused some confusion. Sorry about that. I wasn't thinking in terms of models, though I see why you may have thought so.

I was thinking about particular guitars, ones that are iconic not merely through association with an artist but because the guitar itself is an incredible instrument.

Example: Dave Rawlings' Epiphone Olympic. That particular guitar, the very one played by David (not Olympics in general), has that magic fairy dust that I think would make it amazing no matter who owned it.

Guitars like that.

Sooooo interesting. My take on Dave's Epi is that yes, it's totally iconic, but not everyone (anyone?) else could really make it sing.

[jpd]

[JohnW63]

This was the opening question:

In the world of electric guitar, it's pretty easy to name the legends- Jimi's white Strat, Lucille, etc..

Just for fun I was wondering what you all thought might be the equivalents in the acoustic guitar world.

So, the topic IS about a specific guitar, not a generic model. Even in the guitar world, there have been quite a few choices, in this thread that vary widely. Some, I had never even thought about or even noticed. The performer, yes. What exactly they played ? Not much. I think you have to be a real fan to KNOW what instrument they play or played. That means what some think are iconic, and linked to that player are really only iconic to a smaller group.

I think the issue is that in electric guitars, the players stuck with what they like for a LONG time. In acoustic guitars, players move about, as they mucic changes and their sound needs to change. ( I think electric players just buy a new amp ! )

For example...James Taylor. Most of his early and more famous recordings were with a Gibson, not an Olson. So... how can his Olson be the iconic one ?

The first one that IS about the only guitar I have ever seen played by an artist exclusively is Trigger and Willie Nelson.

[David MacNeill]

Exhibits A, B, and C (actual icons from Logic and GarageBand):

DC2FC5A3-E9C2-48CA-B96A-F23F0AA235D2.jpg

52BA4F6A-8358-419B-A235-A65D7363B027.jpg

8A7718E9-5692-48A4-86C2-8AFB5E216BFB.jpg

All Martin D-28. I rest my case.

[Yrksman]

As mentioned earlier, Joan Baez’ 19 fret 1929 0-45. Ralph Bown built me one with exactly the same dimensions but minus the bling.

[EZK123]

Originally Posted by Yrksman

As mentioned earlier, Joan Baez’ 19 fret 1929 0-45. Ralph Bown built me one with exactly the same dimensions but minus the bling.

I would love to have one. I've contemplated a 0-15 as a close but not quite option. Zzounds has a couple in stock (limited edition). Just wish I had one nearby I could try out.

[Reidclifford]

Trigger
Chris Stapletons LG2
Dallas Greens 00-17
John Paul Whites 000-18
Neil Young D-35

[Michael Watts]

Sorry, I could have been clearer on that post... Ervin Somogyi designed and made that guitar, the first of its kind. Daniel Hecht designed the system of pedal-powered capos and as far as I know made and fitted it himself.