The Black Strat: The Inside Story of David Gilmour’s Legendary Guitar

The Black Strat!

The Black Strat: The Inside Story of David Gilmour’s Legendary Guitar

David Gilmour’s “Black Strat” is one of the most iconic guitars in rock history, forever tied to the ethereal soundscapes of Pink Floyd. Its legend was cemented when it sold for a world-record price at auction, making headlines and solidifying its place among the most revered instruments ever.
If guitars could tell stories, The Black Strat would have tales of innovation, heartbreak, triumph, and millions of fans. This unassuming black Fender Stratocaster has seen it all, from the highest highs of Pink Floyd’s fame to becoming the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. Here’s a closer look at the guitar that defined not only the sound of Pink Floyd but also became a symbol of rock music itself.

How It All Began

David Gilmour bought The Black Strat in 1970, shortly after joining Pink Floyd. He picked it up at Manny’s Music in New York City, a famous shop that had supplied gear to countless musicians. Originally, it was a 1969 Fender Stratocaster with a sunburst finish, but by the time Gilmour purchased it, the guitar had been repainted black—a look that would become synonymous with Gilmour himself.

The purchase wasn’t just out of preference; it was out of necessity. Gilmour’s previous guitar, a similar Strat, had been lost during a U.S. tour in 1968. The Black Strat stepped in to fill that void and quickly became his go-to instrument, an extension of his musical voice.

Shaping the Sound: The Modifications

What makes The Black Strat so special isn’t just its history, but how it evolved alongside Gilmour’s career. Over the years, the guitar underwent numerous modifications to meet the demands of Pink Floyd’s ever-expanding sound.

Neck Swaps: Gilmour frequently swapped the guitar’s neck between maple and rosewood throughout the 1970s. Each material gave the guitar a slightly different tone, allowing Gilmour to adapt the guitar to whatever musical context he needed—whether it was the gritty riffs of “Money” or the ethereal tones in “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.”

Pickup Experiments: The Black Strat wasn’t immune to experimentation. In 1973, Gilmour installed a Gibson PAF Humbucker between the bridge and middle positions, searching for a fatter, more aggressive sound. However, he eventually returned to a traditional single-coil setup, albeit with some hot-rodded elements. The bridge pickup was replaced first by a DiMarzio FS-1 and then later by a Seymour Duncan SSL-1, both of which offered a hotter output and greater versatility.

Kahler Tremolo System: Perhaps the most drastic modification was the installation of a Kahler Tremolo System in the 1980s. This modification required cutting out a chunk of the guitar’s body, allowing Gilmour to achieve more dramatic pitch bends. However, he eventually reverted to a traditional tremolo system, restoring some of the guitar’s original feel and character.

Final Setup: By the time Gilmour was done tinkering, the only potentially original part of The Black Strat was the bridge plate. Even the tuners had been replaced with more reliable Kluson models to handle the rigors of live performance.

The Black Strat on Classic Tracks

The Black Strat is far more than just a piece of gear; it’s an integral part of some of the most iconic tracks in rock history.

Although it started as a typical CBS-era Fender Stratocaster, the guitar was far from ordinary. Over the years, it became Gilmour’s primary instrument, the one that brought some of the most famous Pink Floyd solos to life, including “Comfortably Numb,” “Money,” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.”

“Comfortably Numb”: The soaring solos in “Comfortably Numb” are quintessential examples of The Black Strat’s tone—rich, sustaining, and filled with emotional depth. The guitar’s unique setup helped Gilmour deliver one of the most memorable guitar solos of all time.

“Money”: The funky, syncopated riff of “Money,” driven by a powerful bassline and a syncopated 7/4 time signature, also features The Black Strat in its famous solo. The cutting tone provided by the guitar’s custom pickups is unmistakable.

“Shine On You Crazy Diamond”: The haunting, echo-laden intro to “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” showcases the guitar’s ability to produce lush, ambient textures. Gilmour used The Black Strat’s tone to great effect, crafting a soundscape that’s both melancholic and expansive.

What made this guitar special wasn’t its stock parts, as the instrument underwent several modifications throughout its life. Gilmour swapped out necks, changed pickups, and even reconfigured its electronics over time. Yet, despite all these changes, the Black Strat retained a distinct character that Gilmour seemed to channel in a way that no other guitar could match.

Its history isn’t just about the music—it’s about the stories. In 1970, Pink Floyd’s gear was stolen during a U.S. tour, and Gilmour had to buy a replacement Strat just six weeks after purchasing the first. Over time, the Black Strat would be modified and reworked until it became a unique blend of artistry and engineering, symbolic of Gilmour’s approach to guitar playing.

The guitar became a true workhorse, appearing on countless Pink Floyd albums and tours. It went through transformations, including having a black pickguard fitted and its electronics customized. The instrument’s sound, however, remained consistent with Gilmour’s vision, contributing to the iconic Floyd tone.

The Retirement and Resurrection

By the mid-1980s, The Black Strat had seen better days. After years of heavy use, Gilmour retired the guitar, putting it on display at the Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas, Texas. When it was returned to him in the late 1990s, the guitar was in rough shape—many parts were missing, and the guitar had suffered significant damage. Enter Phil Taylor, Gilmour’s long-time guitar technician, who undertook the meticulous task of restoring The Black Strat to its former glory.

Once restored, The Black Strat was back in action, appearing on Gilmour’s solo tours and Pink Floyd’s final performances, including their reunion at Live 8 in 2005. The guitar was also used during the recording of Gilmour’s solo album On an Island and Pink Floyd’s final studio album, The Endless River.

The Fender Custom Shop Replica

Recognizing the significance of The Black Strat, Fender’s Custom Shop worked closely with Gilmour and Taylor in 2008 to create a signature model. This wasn’t just a replica; it was a labor of love, designed to capture every detail of the original, right down to its unique wear and tear. The David Gilmour Signature Stratocaster became an instant hit among fans and collectors alike, offering them a chance to own a piece of rock history.

The Auction That Broke Records

In 2019, David Gilmour decided to auction off The Black Strat including other guitars of his as part of a charity event.

A Legacy That Endures

The Black Strat isn’t just a guitar; it’s a legend. It’s the instrument that helped create the soundtracks to countless lives and inspired generations of musicians. Whether it’s the ethereal notes of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” or the searing solos of “Comfortably Numb,” The Black Strat has left an indelible mark on music history.

David Gilmour’s relationship with The Black Strat is a testament to the bond between a musician and their instrument. Through decades of modifications, countless performances, and some of the most famous recordings in rock history, The Black Strat has proven that it’s not just the notes that make a guitar legendary; it’s the stories behind them.

In 2019, the guitar was sold at auction, raising over $3 million for Gilmour’s charitable endeavors. Its legacy, though, continues to grow as a symbol of creativity, craftsmanship, and the magical connection between an artist and their instrument.

Black Strat Specific Detail:
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the specific components of David Gilmour’s Black Strat, as it was configured at the time of its 2019 auction:

Body

Type: 1969 Fender Stratocaster.

Finish: Originally sunburst, repainted black before Gilmour purchased it.

Material: Alder, a common choice for Stratocasters, known for its balanced tone.

Neck

Type: 1983 Fender ’57 reissue “C” shape neck.

Fingerboard: Maple with a 7.25″ radius, which gives it a vintage feel.

Frets: 21 vintage-style frets.

Scale Length: 25.5 inches.

Nut Width: 1.65 inches (42 mm).

Other Details: Installed during the late 1990s restoration, this neck contributed to the guitar’s bright and snappy tone.

Pickups

The pickups in The Black Strat were a key part of its sound, and each had unique specifications:

Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-5

Type: Single-coil

DC Resistance: Approximately 12.9 kΩ

Inductance: 4.10 Henries

Magnet Type: Alnico V

Characteristics: This custom-wound pickup was known for its higher output, providing a hotter and more powerful tone, making it ideal for Gilmour’s soaring leads.

Middle Pickup: 1971 Fender single-coil

Type: Single-coil

DC Resistance: Approximately 5.6 kΩ

Inductance: ~2.75 Henries

Magnet Type: Alnico V

Characteristics: This pickup offered a vintage tone, with a balanced and clear sound typical of early 1970s Fender pickups.

Neck Pickup: 1971 Fender single-coil

Type: Single-coil

DC Resistance: Approximately 5.6 kΩ

Inductance: ~2.75 Henries

Magnet Type: Alnico V

Characteristics: Similar to the middle pickup, this pickup provided warm, round tones, perfect for Gilmour’s clean, melodic playing.

Electronics

Pickup Selector: 5-way switch, allowing various combinations of pickups for different tonal possibilities.

Volume and Tone Controls: Standard Stratocaster setup with one master volume and two tone knobs. The tone controls were adjusted to Gilmour’s preferences for optimal sound shaping.

Pickguard

Type: Black 11-hole single-ply pickguard, installed in the mid-1970s and part of the guitar’s most recognized aesthetic.

Bridge/Tremolo System

Type: Fender synchronized tremolo bridge.

Tremolo Arm: Shortened arm, measuring approximately 4.25 inches, customized for Gilmour’s use to provide greater control during bends and vibrato.

Tuners

Type: Kluson tuners, replaced early in the guitar’s life to improve tuning stability.

Jack Plate

Type: Standard 1/4″ input jack.

Note: The guitar had previously been fitted with an XLR jack to reduce noise, which was later removed.

Condition

Overall: The guitar showed significant wear and tear from decades of use, including scratches, dings, and areas where the finish had worn through to the wood. These elements, rather than detracting from its value, added to the guitar’s character and historical significance.

David Gilmour’s Gear: The Amps, Pedals, and Effects That Defined Pink Floyd’s Sound

David Gilmour’s guitar sound is as iconic as the music of Pink Floyd itself. It’s atmospheric, soaring, and incredibly detailed—a perfect match for the band’s expansive and often otherworldly soundscapes. But what gear did Gilmour use to create those legendary tones? Here’s a rundown of the amps, pedals, and effects that were key to his sound.

Amps: The Backbone of Gilmour’s Tone

Hiwatt Custom 100 DR103: If there’s one amp that’s synonymous with Gilmour, it’s the Hiwatt DR103. Known for its massive headroom and clean tone, this amp was Gilmour’s go-to for much of his work with Pink Floyd. It’s what powered the crystalline chords on The Dark Side of the Moon and the epic solos on The Wall. The Hiwatt’s ability to stay clean even at high volumes made it perfect for handling Gilmour’s extensive pedalboard.

Alembic F-2B Preamp: In the studio, Gilmour often used this tube preamp, which is based on the classic Fender Showman circuit. It added warmth and richness to his tone, especially when used to drive his effects chain. You can hear its influence on many of the band’s mid-70s records.

Fender Twin Reverb: For those sparkling clean tones, Gilmour also relied on the Fender Twin Reverb. This amp’s bright, clear sound was ideal for the clean passages in tracks like “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” where every note needed to ring out with perfect clarity.

Pedals and Effects: The Secret Sauce

Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi: The Big Muff is the pedal behind those massive, singing lead tones that define solos like “Comfortably Numb.” Gilmour’s use of the Big Muff is legendary, giving him that thick, sustaining distortion that cuts through any mix.

Binson Echorec: This echo unit wasn’t just an effect; it was practically an instrument in itself. Gilmour used the Echorec to create those lush, multi-layered delays that became a hallmark of Pink Floyd’s sound. Think of the rhythmic echoes on “Time”—that’s the Echorec at work.

Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress: This flanger was a big part of Gilmour’s setup, especially during the late 70s and early 80s. You can hear its sweeping, jet-like sounds on tracks like “Run Like Hell,” adding depth and movement to the guitar parts.

Uni-Vibe: The Uni-Vibe’s swirling, chorus-like effect was another key to Gilmour’s sound, especially on live versions of songs like “Breathe.” It added a subtle, pulsing texture that made his clean tones even more hypnotic.

Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face: Before the Big Muff, there was the Fuzz Face. Gilmour used this classic fuzz pedal on earlier Pink Floyd records, helping to define the band’s early, more experimental sound.

MXR Phase 90: This simple phaser was often used by Gilmour to add a touch of modulation to his solos, giving them a bit of extra depth and movement.

Rack Gear and Custom Pedalboards

Pete Cornish Custom Pedalboards: By the late 70s, Gilmour’s rig had become so complex that he started working with Pete Cornish, who built custom pedalboards to organize and maintain his growing collection of effects. Cornish’s boards helped Gilmour achieve a consistent sound whether he was in the studio or on stage.

TC Electronic 2290 Digital Delay: In the 80s and 90s, Gilmour added this high-end digital delay to his setup. The 2290 offered pristine, clear repeats and allowed for complex delay patterns that added a new dimension to his sound.

Lexicon PCM 70: This rack unit was another studio staple, providing rich, ambient reverb and delay effects. It’s part of what gave Gilmour’s later recordings their expansive, cinematic quality.

Wrapping It All Up

David Gilmour’s gear was as much a part of his artistry as his playing. From the robust clean tones of his Hiwatt amps to the swirling effects of his pedalboard, each piece of equipment was carefully chosen to craft the ethereal, powerful sound that became Pink Floyd’s signature. Gilmour’s approach to his gear was meticulous, and his ability to harness the technology of his time made him not just a great guitarist, but a true innovator in the world of rock music.

The other gear

David Gilmour also owned and used a vast array of instruments throughout his career. Here are some of the most notable ones, each contributing to the iconic sound that defined so many Pink Floyd albums:

1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop

This guitar, fitted with P-90 pickups, was used extensively during the recording of The Wall. Gilmour played it on tracks like “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” and “Comfortably Numb,” where its warm, rich tones complemented his lead work. The Les Paul’s distinctive sound is part of what makes these solos stand out.

Fender Telecaster

Custom 1959 Telecaster: Gilmour acquired this guitar in the early 1970s, and it became one of his main instruments for slide guitar. The maple-necked Telecaster was famously used on the solo for “Run Like Hell” from The Wall and the rhythm parts of “Dogs” from Animals.

1955 Esquire: Another Telecaster variant that Gilmour used is a 1955 Fender Esquire. It’s known for its distinctive single-pickup setup and was notably used during the recording of “Dogs.” Its sharp, biting tone gave an edge to many of Gilmour’s recordings.

Martin D-35 Acoustic

Gilmour’s 1969 Martin D-35 was his go-to acoustic guitar for many of Pink Floyd’s recordings. It features prominently on tracks like “Wish You Were Here” and “Goodbye Blue Sky.” The D-35’s balanced tone and resonance made it ideal for the delicate, fingerpicked parts that Gilmour often played.

Fender Stratocasters

Candy Apple Red Stratocaster: This guitar was fitted with EMG pickups and was often used during the 1980s and 1990s, especially for live performances. The EMG pickups gave the guitar a cleaner, more powerful tone, which suited the more modern sound Gilmour was going for during this period.

#0001 Stratocaster: This guitar is part of the Fender Stratocaster’s early history, and while not the actual first Stratocaster made, it is one of the earliest, marked with the serial number #0001. Gilmour acquired this guitar later in his career, and it’s noted for its vintage vibe and exceptional build quality.

Bill Lewis Custom 24-Fret Guitar

This custom guitar, made by Canadian luthier Bill Lewis, features 24 frets, which is unusual for a guitar used by Gilmour, who typically preferred the 21-fret design of vintage Fender Stratocasters. The Lewis guitar was used during the recording of The Dark Side of the Moon, particularly on the song “Money,” where the extended fret range allowed Gilmour to achieve higher notes that were integral to the solo.

Ovation 1619-4 Steel-String Acoustic

Gilmour used this acoustic guitar for live performances in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Ovation’s unique bowl-back design helped project a louder, more resonant sound, making it ideal for stage use.

Gibson J-200 Acoustic

This large-bodied acoustic guitar was used by Gilmour during the recording of Pink Floyd’s Final Cut and A Momentary Lapse of Reason albums. Its deep, rich tones can be heard on tracks like “The Final Cut” and “On the Turning Away.”

Gretsch Duo Jet

Gilmour used a Gretsch Duo Jet, notably during the recording sessions for The Division Bell. This guitar, with its distinct humbucker pickups and chambered body, added a different texture to Gilmour’s sound.

These instruments, each with their unique characteristics, contributed to the vast array of tones and textures that David Gilmour brought to Pink Floyd’s music. His careful selection of guitars, combined with his signature playing style, helped create the timeless soundscapes that continue to influence musicians around the world.