Mick Mars, one of the founding members and lead guitarist of the legendary rock band Mötley Crüe, is an iconic figure in the music world. Known for his unique style and heavy, sludgy sound, Mars has made an indelible mark on rock music, especially during the glam metal era of the 1980s. Over the years, his gear, particularly his choice of guitar, has been a subject of fascination for fans and musicians alike. In this article, we’ll explore what guitars Mick Mars uses, the evolution of his guitar gear over the years, and how these instruments have shaped his distinct sound.
Early Guitars: The Formative Years
Mick Mars’ journey with the guitar began long before he became a household name. As a young musician, Mars experimented with various guitars before settling on the ones that would become his trademark.
1. The Early Guitar Choices:
During his early years as a guitarist, Mars played several guitars, most notably, a Fender Stratocaster. The Stratocaster was a popular choice among many rock guitarists of the time due to its versatility and comfortable playability. It was not uncommon for musicians in the 1970s to gravitate toward this instrument, and Mick Mars was no exception. The Stratocaster helped Mars develop his characteristic playing style, characterized by fast, aggressive riffs, and intricate solos.
However, Mick Mars didn’t stick with the Stratocaster for long. As Mötley Crüe began to form and solidify their lineup, Mars started to experiment with different types of guitars, looking for an instrument that better fit the heavier, more aggressive sound that he was known for.
2. The Quest for the Right Sound:
In the early 1980s, Mars started to lean toward guitars that could deliver more sustain and thicker tones, ideal for the arena rock sound that Mötley Crüe would become known for. The quest for the right sound led him to a key discovery: the Gibson Les Paul.
The Gibson Les Paul: Mick Mars’ Signature Sound
While Mick Mars played a variety of guitars over the years, the Gibson Les Paul quickly became his go-to instrument, both in the studio and on stage. The Les Paul is a well-known guitar among rock musicians for its thick, powerful tone, and Mars embraced this guitar for its ability to deliver the heavy, distorted sound that was characteristic of Mötley Crüe’s music.
1. The Custom Gibson Les Paul:
Mars’ Les Paul of choice is a Gibson Les Paul Custom, which features a solid mahogany body, a carved maple top, and a set neck. This guitar is known for its sustain and depth of tone, two qualities that Mars has always favored. The Gibson Les Paul Custom is equipped with powerful humbucker pickups that give it a thick, crunchy sound perfect for heavy riffs and solos.
Mars is often seen using a black Gibson Les Paul Custom with gold hardware, which became one of his signature instruments during the 1980s. The deep, dark tone of the guitar allowed him to cut through the mix during live performances, and its visual appeal matched Mötley Crüe’s extravagant stage presence.
2. The Les Paul’s Role in Mötley Crüe’s Sound:
The Les Paul’s contribution to Mars’ sound cannot be overstated. Its heavy sustain and sharp attack became a cornerstone of the band’s identity. From the opening riff of “Shout at the Devil” to the classic solo in “Live Wire,” Mars’ Les Paul was integral to the creation of Mötley Crüe’s sound. The guitar’s aggressive tonal qualities allowed Mars to create lead lines and power chords that defined the glam metal era.
In addition to the standard Gibson Les Paul Custom, Mars also used other variations of the Les Paul throughout his career, including limited-edition models and custom-built guitars. These variations allowed him to tweak his sound and tone depending on the musical needs of each album or tour.
Mick Mars and His Signature Guitar: The “Mick Mars” Model
Mick Mars’ connection to the Gibson Les Paul became so intertwined that the company eventually honored him with a signature model. The Mick Mars Gibson Les Paul Custom was introduced in 2001 and is a reproduction of the iconic black guitar that he had been using for years.
1. Mick Mars Gibson Les Paul Custom Specs:
The Mick Mars Gibson Les Paul Custom signature model features several distinct specifications that make it unique to Mars’ playing style. These include:
Custom Wound Pickups: The Mick Mars Les Paul Custom features specially wound humbucker pickups designed to capture Mars’ signature sound. These pickups are designed to emphasize the mid-range frequencies and add clarity to the tone, even when the distortion is cranked up high.
Mahogany Body and Maple Top: Just like the original Les Paul, the Mick Mars signature model features a solid mahogany body with a carved maple top. This construction provides warmth and sustain, which are key to the Les Paul’s rich tone.
Slim Neck Profile: Mick Mars is known for his fast playing style, and the neck profile of his signature model is slimmer than traditional Les Paul necks. This feature allows for easier playability and faster runs across the fretboard.
Classic Gold Hardware: Mars’ guitar has the signature gold hardware, which adds a touch of elegance to the instrument while maintaining its rock-and-roll edge.
This signature model is a tribute to Mars’ years of using the Gibson Les Paul Custom as his main guitar, and it’s a highly coveted instrument for collectors and musicians alike.
The Influence of Mick Mars’ Guitars on Rock Music
Mick Mars’ guitar choices have influenced countless guitarists in rock and metal. His preference for the Gibson Les Paul was significant in the glam metal genre, where many guitarists gravitated toward bright, treble-heavy tones. Mars’ deep, powerful sound became a signature of Mötley Crüe, and his use of the Les Paul helped shape the sound of the genre.
1. A Heavy, Yet Melodic Tone:
Mars’ ability to play heavy riffs while maintaining a melodic sensibility has made his style unique. He combines the raw power of heavy rock with the musicality of melody-driven guitar solos. The sustain and tonal warmth of his Gibson Les Paul allowed him to strike this balance, something that became a hallmark of Mötley Crüe’s music.
2. Inspiration for Future Generations:
Many guitarists cite Mick Mars as an inspiration for their own playing. His use of the Gibson Les Paul and his technical skill has left a legacy that continues to influence musicians to this day. His unique sound paved the way for the sound of 80s glam metal and beyond.
Mick Mars’ Other Guitar Choices
While the Gibson Les Paul was certainly his guitar of choice for the majority of his career, Mick Mars has been known to play other guitars as well, especially during the later years of Mötley Crüe.
1. Fender Stratocaster:
Despite his affinity for the Les Paul, Mick Mars has occasionally been seen playing a Fender Stratocaster. While the Stratocaster has a brighter, more cutting sound compared to the Les Paul, it still allows Mars to achieve some of the fiery, cutting tones that are characteristic of his style. The Fender Stratocaster is more versatile for certain styles and was used in some of Mötley Crüe’s lighter songs.
2. Charvel Guitars:
In the late 80s and early 90s, Mick Mars also became associated with Charvel guitars. These guitars were known for their faster necks and more modern feel, and Mars used them in some of the band’s recordings. Charvel guitars were often favored by guitarists looking for high-performance instruments, and Mars was no exception.
3. Custom Guitars:
In addition to playing Gibson and Fender guitars, Mick Mars also had several custom guitars built for him. These custom instruments often reflected his personal preferences for comfort and tone. Mars worked with various luthiers to create guitars that could match his playing style, and many of these guitars are one-of-a-kind pieces.
Mick Mars’ Tone: The Gear Behind the Sound
Mick Mars’ guitar sound is not only defined by his choice of instrument but also by the gear he uses to amplify and shape his tone. Throughout his career, Mars has paired his guitars with various amplifiers and pedals to get the sound he desires.
1. Amplifiers:
In the early days of Mötley Crüe, Mick Mars used Marshall amplifiers, which are known for their raw, powerful sound. The distinctive overdrive and high gain of Marshall amps became a signature part of Mars’ tone. The thick, aggressive sound of a cranked-up Marshall amp matched the intensity of Mötley Crüe’s music, helping to create a powerful live performance.
2. Effects Pedals:
Mars is also known for using various effects pedals, particularly distortion and delay pedals. These effects help to shape his signature sound and add an extra layer of depth to his solos. His preference for analog over digital effects helped him maintain the warm, thick tone that he is known for.
Conclusion
Mick Mars’ choice of guitars, particularly his beloved Gibson Les Paul, has helped define the sound of one of rock music’s most iconic bands. His powerful riffs, melodic solos, and unmistakable tone have left an enduring legacy in the world of music. Whether playing on a Les Paul Custom or a Fender Stratocaster, Mick Mars has consistently used his guitars to create the signature sound of Mötley Crüe, influencing countless musicians along the way.
As a guitarist, Mick Mars continues to inspire future generations. His gear choices, tone, and style have solidified him as one of rock’s most respected and influential guitarists.
