Gibson Firebird Guitar

This is the Gibson Firebird Guitar I used on most of my sessions including the Motown Sessions. I purchased this guitar used in Detroit in 1964. I do not know how old it is. This guitar is my best all around session guitar. It was great on Motown back beats, fills and solos and the sound was bright enough to cut through the entire rhythm section. I also used it on my Under the Moonlight album in the 1990s.

Gibson 345 Guitar

I purchased this guitar when I was living and doing sessions in LA. I bought it used in 1974. I used it playing on sessions with Ringo Starr, Tom Jones, Marvin Gaye and others. I have removed the pickup covers to get a brighter sound. I also had it converted from stereo to mono and added a pickup phase switch. This guitar has great sustain and sings like a bird. I use it on my gigs.

Gibson Byrdland Guitar

I bought this guitar brand new in 1963. I used it on live funk/jazz gigs and on the live cuts on my Hair and Thangs Album. I still use it on some gigs. It has a great warm sound but can also sound funky.

Gibson 335 Guitar

I used this guitar with my Condor Unit, which is why there is a black cover between the two pickups.  (The Condor Unit could double octaves, sound like a harpsichord, oboe, bassoon, etc). I have  removed the pickup covers to get a brighter sound. One cold winter day, I slipped on the ice in front of Motown Hitsville and broke the head off of the neck of the guitar. Luckily I had my Firebird Guitar with me so I could still play the session. I had the guitar repaired and used this guitar on the Body Heat album by Quincy Jones, Don't Knock my Love in Muscle Shoals with Wilson Pickett, the solo on Smiling Faces by The Undisputed Truth, and What You See is What you Get by the Dramatics.

Hondo Acoustic Guitar

I bought this guitar for $300 in 1984. I used it on my Motor City Magic album. It has a great tone. I also use it to write songs and to practice.