What Guitar Does Prince Play
Purple rain. Electric body language. A furious pick attack. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what guitar does prince play.
Prince built a sonic identity around a few specific instruments. Most people associate him with a single white Stratocaster. That assumption only covers part of the story. He wielded many guitars, but three models defined his career.
The Symbol Guitar: A Purple Masterpiece
The Hohner Madcat holds legendary status. Prince commissioned this custom instrument in the mid-1980s. He called it the "Symbol" guitar because he refused to write his name on it. The Hohner company actually built this model for him.
This guitar features a bold, angular design. The body shape is asymmetric. The color is a deep, royal purple with gold hardware.
The pickups deliver a snarling midrange. Prince used this axe for live performances and studio sessions. The Hohner Symbol models remain highly sought-after collector items today. You can find detailed specs and history on Guitar World.
The White Stratocaster: A Fender Icon
Fender Stratocasters fueled his sound. The famous white guitar appeared in the Purple Rain film. This particular instrument has a modernist profile with a slim "C"-shaped neck.
Prince modified his Stratocasters extensively. He often swapped out the stock pickups for aftermarket units. His right-hand technique was aggressive. He would dig into the strings with force. This created a biting, glassy tone.
The control knob wore down from constant adjustment. He preferred the neck pickup for warmth. But he would flip to the bridge for screaming leads. The white Strat became a cultural symbol.
Other Guitars in the Vault
Prince did not limit himself to Fender and Hohner. He played various electric and acoustic guitars throughout his career.
He owned a cherry red Gibson Les Paul. The Les Paul added a thick, saturated crunch to his heavier tracks. He also favored Guild acoustic guitars for intimate moments. These acoustic models provided a warm, resonant strum.
His collection included rare and custom builds. He constantly swapped gear to chase new sounds. Every instrument had a specific purpose in his rig.