Alex Turner, the frontman of the Arctic Monkeys and a prominent figure in the contemporary rock scene, has an extensive and diverse guitar collection that has evolved over the years. His choice of guitars has not only shaped the sound of the Arctic Monkeys but has also left an indelible mark on modern rock music. This article delves deep into the guitars that Alex Turner has used throughout his career, exploring their unique features, the periods in which they were prominently used, and how they contributed to the band’s sonic evolution.
Early Days and the Fender Bronco
The Introduction of the Fender Bronco
In the early days of the Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner was often seen wielding a Fender Bronco. The Fender Bronco, a compact and affordable solid-body electric guitar, was an ideal choice for a budding band on the rise. Turner likely opted for this guitar due to its simplicity and the raw, punchy sound it could produce. The Bronco features a single-coil pickup, which offers a bright and articulate tone, perfect for the garage-rock-inspired sound that the Arctic Monkeys were cultivating in their early years.
Role in Shaping the Early Sound
During the recording of their debut album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,” and in early live performances, the Fender Bronco was a staple. Its sound contributed to the band’s energetic and straightforward approach to rock music. The simplicity of the guitar’s design allowed Turner to focus on his songwriting and the delivery of his distinct vocals, while still providing a solid foundation for the band’s sound. The Bronco’s small body also made it easy for Turner to move around on stage, adding to the band’s dynamic live performances.
The Fender Jazzmaster: A Game-Changer
Adoption during the “Favourite Worst Nightmare” Era
Around the time of the “Favourite Worst Nightmare” album, Alex Turner made a significant shift in his guitar choice and began using the Fender Jazzmaster. This was a pivotal moment in the band’s musical development. The Jazzmaster, with its unique offset body shape and distinctive sound, offered Turner a new palette of sonic possibilities. The guitar’s design, which was initially aimed at jazz musicians but has since been adopted by various genres, provided a warmer and more complex tone compared to the Fender Bronco.
Unique Features of the Jazzmaster
The Jazzmaster has a floating tremolo system that allows for subtle pitch variations, adding a unique dimension to the sound. The pickups, with their wide and flat coil winding, produce a tone that is both warm and articulate. The instrument also features a unique pickup circuit with a rhythm and lead switch. Turner typically used the lead circuit, which gave him more control over the tone and volume. The Jazzmaster’s thicker rosewood fingerboard, as seen on Turner’s likely 1959 model, provided a smooth playing surface and contributed to the guitar’s overall rich sound.
Impact on the Band’s Sound
The Fender Jazzmaster became the centerpiece of the Arctic Monkeys’ sound during the recording of their third album, “Humbug.” Under the influence of Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, who produced the album, Turner’s use of the Jazzmaster helped the band achieve a heavier, more stoner-rock-influenced sound. The guitar’s ability to produce sustained, distorted riffs was crucial in creating the album’s darker and more intense atmosphere. The Jazzmaster remained a mainstay in Turner’s arsenal for several years, influencing the band’s sound through subsequent albums like “Suck It and See” and “AM.”
The Gibson Les Paul Custom
Source and Initial Use
The Gibson Les Paul Custom that Alex Turner used originally belonged to his bandmate Jamie Cook. Cook played it live during the “Favourite Worst Nightmare” tour. Turner, however, took a liking to the guitar and started using it in the studio for the albums “Suck It and See” and “AM.” The Les Paul Custom is known for its elegance and high-quality construction, with a mahogany body and neck, and a beautiful ebony finish.
Sound Characteristics
The Gibson Les Paul Custom offers a warm, thick, and rich tone. The combination of its mahogany body and humbucker pickups produces a sound that is full-bodied and has a lot of sustain. The humbuckers, compared to the single-coil pickups of some of Turner’s other guitars, are less prone to interference and produce a more focused sound. This made the Les Paul Custom an ideal choice for Turner when he wanted a more polished and powerful sound, especially in the studio.
Use in Live Performances and Recordings
During the “Suck It and See” and “AM” eras, Turner was frequently seen using the Gibson Les Paul Custom in live performances. The guitar’s sound was well-suited for the more radio-friendly and polished rock sound that the Arctic Monkeys were exploring during this time. On tracks like “Do I Wanna Know?” and “R U Mine?” from the “AM” album, the Les Paul Custom added a level of depth and punch to the sound, helping the songs become huge commercial successes. However, after these tours, Turner stopped using it regularly, and it was mainly Jamie Cook who played it during some songs in later tours.
The Vox Starstream XII
Acquisition and First Use
The Vox Starstream XII was an important addition to Alex Turner’s guitar collection. It was used to record the hit song “Do I Wanna Know?” and has been a regular sight in many of his live performances. The story of its acquisition is quite interesting. Producer James Ford revealed that Turner found the guitar towards the end of the recording of “Suck It and See.” It was initially bought as a bit of a joke due to its built-in effects, but it ended up becoming an inspirational instrument.
Unique Design and Sound
The Vox Starstream XII is an extended-range guitar with 12 strings, which gives it a lush and full sound. The built-in effects, such as chorus and reverb, add to its sonic versatility. The 12-string configuration creates a thicker, more textured sound compared to a standard 6-string guitar. This was particularly effective in creating the dreamy and atmospheric sound of “Do I Wanna Know?” The guitar’s unique design also made it stand out on stage, adding to Turner’s visual presence during performances.
Performances with the Vox Starstream XII
Alex Turner has been seen using the Vox Starstream XII in many notable performances, including at Austin City Limits in 2013 and at the Red Bull Sound Space at KROQ. It was also used for a live performance of “Crying Lightning” at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in 2018 and for some live performances of “Cornerstone” in 2022. Its consistent use in these high-profile performances shows how integral it has become to Turner’s live sound, especially for songs that require a more textured and ambient sound.
The Gretsch G6128T-1962 Duo Jet
Gift and Significance
The Gretsch G6128T-1962 Duo Jet was a gift from Alex Turner’s former girlfriend, Arielle Vandenberg, around 2011-2012. This guitar has a special place in Turner’s collection not only for its sentimental value but also for its unique sound. The Gretsch Duo Jet is known for its bright, twangy sound, which is characteristic of Gretsch guitars.
Sound and Use in the Arctic Monkeys’ Repertoire
Turner primarily uses the Gretsch G6128T for the song “R U Mine?” He recorded the song with this guitar to achieve a more gritty and raw tone. The guitar’s single-coil pickups, along with its hollow body design, produce a sound that has a lot of bite and character. The twangy sound of the Gretsch adds a distinct edge to the song, making it stand out in the band’s catalog. Although mainly associated with “R U Mine?,” Turner has also used it on rare occasions for other songs like “Arabella” and “Mad Sounds” in live performances.
Other Guitars in Turner’s Arsenal
Fender Stratocasters
Alex Turner has been seen using Fender Stratocasters on various occasions. He has both a Mexican-made Stratocaster (identified by its 21 frets and 6-screw bridge) and a USA Stratocaster (with 22 frets). The Stratocaster’s versatility, with its three single-coil pickups and smooth tremolo system, allows Turner to achieve a wide range of sounds. The Stratocaster’s bright and articulate tone can be heard on some of the band’s more pop-leaning tracks, adding a touch of classic Fender sound to their music.
Ovation Viper
The Ovation Viper, an electric guitar made by Ovation from 1977 to the early 1980s, has also been part of Turner’s collection. He used it during the “Humbug” tour and with The Last Shadow Puppets during the “Everything You’ve Come to Expect” tour. The Ovation Viper features two single-coil pickups, a single volume knob, a single tone knob, and a three-way selector switch. Ovation’s pickups were designed to have a higher output than regular single coils and were well-shielded, resulting in a clear and powerful sound. When playing with The Last Shadow Puppets, Turner often tuned the guitar a whole step down to D tuning, which gave the songs a different sonic character.
Gibson J-45
For acoustic performances, such as in his live acoustic session for Spin magazine, Alex Turner has used a Gibson J-45 standard acoustic-electric guitar. The Gibson J-45 is a classic steel-string acoustic guitar known for its warm and balanced sound. Its mahogany back and sides, along with a spruce top, produce a rich, full-bodied tone that is well-suited for Turner’s acoustic renditions of the Arctic Monkeys’ songs or his solo work. The J-45’s ability to project clearly and maintain a warm sound even when strummed vigorously makes it an ideal choice for live acoustic performances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alex Turner’s choice of guitars has been a crucial element in the development of the Arctic Monkeys’ sound. From the simple yet effective Fender Bronco in their early days to the more complex and versatile instruments like the Fender Jazzmaster and Gibson Les Paul Custom, each guitar has played a significant role in shaping the band’s music. His use of guitars such as the Vox Starstream XII and Gretsch G6128T – 1962 Duo Jet has added unique sonic elements to their hit songs. Moreover, his collection also includes guitars like the Fender Stratocasters, Ovation Viper, and Gibson J-45, which have been used in different contexts, both in the studio and during live performances. Turner’s diverse guitar arsenal not only reflects his musical evolution but also showcases his willingness to experiment with different sounds to create the iconic music that the Arctic Monkeys are known for.
