Slash's Main Guitar: The 1959 Gibson Les Paul
Slash is most famous for playing a 1959 Gibson Les Paul, a vintage model that became as iconic as his top hat and curly hair. This particular guitar, which he acquired in the mid-1980s, defined the sound of Guns N' Roses' heaviest albums and remains his signature instrument. The 1959 Les Paul is a single-cutaway solid-body electric guitar with a thick, warm tone that cuts through a mix without sounding thin — exactly what made Slash's solos on "Sweet Child o' Mine" and "November Rain" so recognizable.
The 1959 model year is prized by collectors and professionals because Gibson made changes to the Les Paul design in 1960 that altered the tone. Slash's particular guitar has a mahogany body with a maple top, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. The weight and wood density of a 1959 contribute to its sustain and resonance, qualities that suit Slash's blues-influenced lead style. He has used this same guitar across decades of recording and touring, making it the most documented instrument in his career.
Key Takeaways
- Slash's primary guitar is a 1959 Gibson Les Paul, which he has played on most Guns N' Roses recordings and tours since the mid-1980s.
- He also owns and performs with a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Custom, a variant with a black finish and slightly different electronics that he used on some studio tracks.
- Slash has used Fender Stratocasters and other guitars in the studio and live, but the 1959 Les Paul remains his most recognizable instrument.
- Gibson later released a Slash signature model Les Paul that replicates the tone and appearance of his original guitar at a lower price point.
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul Custom
In addition to his standard 1959 Les Paul, Slash owns a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Custom, which has a black finish instead of the traditional sunburst. The Custom variant features a different pickup configuration and slightly different wiring than the standard model, giving it a slightly different tonal character. He has used this guitar on select studio recordings and live performances, though it is less documented than his primary instrument.
The Les Paul Custom was introduced in 1954 and became popular among rock and metal players who wanted a more aggressive look and slightly different sonic properties. Slash's Custom has appeared in promotional photos and on some album artwork, but his sunburst 1959 remains the guitar most people associate with his playing.
Other Guitars in Slash's Collection
Slash has used Fender Stratocasters in the studio and occasionally live, particularly for songs that call for a brighter, more articulate tone. The Stratocaster's three-pickup design and tremolo system give it a different character than the Les Paul, and Slash has incorporated Strat tones into some of his solo work and guest appearances. However, the Stratocaster has never been his primary stage guitar.
He has also played Gibson SGs and other single-cutaway models during his career, though these appearances are less frequent. Slash's approach to guitar selection has always been practical: he chooses the instrument that fits the song and the sound he wants to achieve, but he returns to the 1959 Les Paul as his default because its tone and playability suit his style.
The Gibson Slash Signature Model
Gibson released an official Slash signature model Les Paul designed to replicate the tone and appearance of his original 1959. The signature model features a mahogany body with a maple top, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, matching the specs of his vintage guitar. Gibson also installed custom pickups voiced to match the tone of Slash's original instrument, making the signature model a more affordable alternative for players who want his sound without the five-figure price tag of a genuine 1959.
The signature model comes in several finishes, including the iconic sunburst that matches Slash's primary guitar. It has been available in different iterations over the years, with Gibson updating the design and hardware based on feedback from players. The signature model is a legitimate option for guitarists who want to approximate Slash's tone without investing in vintage equipment.
Why the 1959 Les Paul Defines Slash's Sound
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul's thick, warm tone is the foundation of Slash's playing style. The guitar's weight and wood density create natural sustain, allowing his solos to ring out without artificial effects. Combined with his preference for tube amplifiers — particularly Marshall stacks — the 1959 Les Paul produces the thick, singing tone that made Guns N' Roses' music distinctive in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Slash's technique also shapes his sound: he uses a thick pick, bends strings aggressively, and relies on vibrato to add expression to his notes. The 1959 Les Paul responds well to this approach because its solid construction and high-mass hardware support the string tension and vibration that his playing demands. A lighter guitar or one with different electronics would not produce the same results, which is why he has stuck with the same model for over three decades.
Amplifiers and Effects That Shaped His Tone
Slash's guitar sound is not the result of the instrument alone. He has historically used Marshall amplifiers, particularly Marshall JCM800 and JMP models, which are known for their thick, overdriven tone when pushed hard. These amps, combined with a 1959 Les Paul, create the heavy, sustaining sound that defined Guns N' Roses' music. The amp's natural breakup and headroom allow Slash to control the amount of distortion through his playing dynamics rather than relying entirely on pedals.
Slash has used various effects pedals throughout his career, including overdrive, delay, and wah-wah units, but his core tone comes from the guitar and amp combination. The effects enhance his playing rather than define it, which is why his sound remains recognizable whether he is playing through a full rig or a smaller setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Slash's original 1959 Les Paul worth?
A genuine 1959 Gibson Les Paul in good condition typically sells for $250,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on its history and condition. Slash's guitar is one of the most famous examples because of its use on major recordings, but its exact value has never been publicly disclosed. Vintage guitars of this caliber are often insured rather than sold.
Can I buy a guitar exactly like Slash's?
Gibson's Slash signature model Les Paul replicates the appearance and tone of his original guitar and costs between $2,000 and $4,000 depending on the finish and year of manufacture. It will not sound identical to a genuine 1959 because the wood and aging process are different, but it captures the essential character of his tone. A used 1959 Les Paul from any year costs significantly more and requires knowledge of vintage guitar condition and authenticity.
Does Slash ever play guitars other than Les Pauls?
Yes, Slash has used Fender Stratocasters and Gibson SGs in the studio and occasionally live, particularly for songs that need a brighter tone. However, the 1959 Les Paul remains his primary instrument and the one most associated with his playing. His choice of guitar depends on the song and the sound required rather than personal preference alone.
What pickups does Slash's guitar have?
Slash's original 1959 Les Paul has vintage Gibson pickups from that era, which have a warm, slightly compressed tone compared to modern pickups. The exact specifications of his pickups are not publicly documented, but they contribute to the thick, singing quality of his tone. Gibson's signature model uses custom pickups designed to match his original guitar's sound.
Why did Slash choose the Les Paul over other guitars?
Slash has stated that he chose the 1959 Les Paul because of its tone, weight, and playability. The guitar's thick, warm sound suited the blues-influenced rock style he wanted to play, and its solid construction supported his aggressive bending and vibrato technique. Once he established his sound with the 1959, he stuck with it because it became inseparable from his identity as a player.