Legendary Instruments – How Musicians Shape Identity Through Design

When an instrument becomes an extension of an artist, it can become as legendary as the musician who plays it. Whether through aesthetics, the music itself or the identity of the musician, different variables coincide to elevate the instrument. That combination allows the musician’s identity to shine through, connecting them in a way that is transcendent in nature. 

Some musicians have fewer attachments to their instruments and resort to the spectacle of smashing guitars. Some of those artists include The Who as well as Guinness World Record-holder Matthew Bellamy, who broke a shocking 140 guitars over the span of his tour. Though shattered to pieces, these instruments gain their own fame and legendary notoriety, yet perhaps not as much as their owners.

Regardless of whether the instrument stays in one piece, it is still an integral part of the musician’s innovative process and identity. Through this evolution of identity, instruments become more than a vessel for creation. Part of that manifests in the instrument’s visuals. Whether covered in stickers preaching political activism or carvings of names, various music artists bring their inner world into the physical world through their instruments.

Willie Nelson and His Beloved Guitar, “Trigger”

Other musicians treasure their instruments and will play the same instrument for most of their careers. Willie Nelson, a country and folk legend, became famous and recorded his most famous albums with the guitar he named ‘Trigger’. Nelson tells Rolling Stones Magazine in February of 2015, “[Trigger] has the best sound of any guitar I have ever played.”

Nelson is known as one of the most iconic country musicians of all time, proving time and time again that he knows his way around the guitar. His beloved guitar, “Trigger,” has been in his possession since 1969, and he has refused to let it leave his side since. As the years have ticked by, the guitar has aged alongside Nelson, garnering its own signs of a well-lived life. The guitar is littered with various autographs of Nelson’s friends and other musicians. Some deep scars and lines decorate the body of the guitar that perhaps mirror the wrinkles that accompany old age. Where a pickguard would have been, or right above the guitar’s saddle, is a gaping hole that exposes the inner workings of the instrument. That hole stretches a few inches wide but has not swayed Nelson from coveting this guitar as his one and only. Somehow, the instrument seems to sing the same as it did in 1969, proving that a love of music stands the test of time.

 

Harry Styles’ Political Activism Through Visuals

Harry Styles is a singer/songwriter with a lengthy discography of music and participation in activism. Styles often uses his platform, whether to help LGBTQIA+ fans come out at his concerts or to make a statement about politics. During his concerts, he is known to proudly fly the pride flag as well as emphasize fan signs that mention various issues, such as Black Lives Matter and ending gun violence. One of his own trademark phrases, seen in a song name and in various campaigns, is “Treat People With Kindness.” That phrase alone informs how Styles navigates his role as a public figure with various social media posts outlining the causes he supports, as well as speaking out about current events.

That activism carries over to his musical identity as well through his beloved Fender Telecaster, which has become the canvas for numerous political statements. During the 2018 Dallas show of ‘Live on Tour,’ Styles debuted an “End Gun Violence” sticker surrounding the tone and volume knobs of his guitar. A few weeks later, Styles added a Black Lives Matter sticker to his beloved guitar, sticking it near the former statement. And further along the tour, a pride flag sticker completed the collection of activism-based decorations. These stickers are more than a nice aesthetic; they cement Styles’s personal beliefs and causes right alongside his music. 

Styles has displayed art on other guitars as well, showing his range of creative expression. On an acoustic guitar used for his slower and more emotional songs, there is a beautiful depiction of a night sky. It seems to be reminiscent of a desert landscape, donning cacti and a fox underneath the moon and stars. This guitar is another signature for Styles and makes its appearance alongside other instruments in his possession.

Credit: PRESS

Blu DeTiger’s Signature Blue Bass

Prolific bassist and musician, Blu DeTiger, has made her way to the top with her finger-picking skills and iconic instruments. DeTiger is known for adding smooth and engaging bass lines to many A-list musicians’ work, such as Olivia Rodrigo and FLETCHER. She has her own works as well with EPs, singles and an album. She is known for her raw talent, but also her bass guitar as well. In a collaboration with Fender, DeTiger created her own signature bass that is a bright, sparkly blue, accompanied by a chrome pick board.

The bass makes a statement and is sure to turn heads. It was not only designed by DeTiger but also used by her, showing her dedication to her musical and creative work. This bass is available for purchase, ensuring that anyone can play tunes on the same instrument she uses. This collaboration is historical as well, given that she is the first woman to have a Fender signature bass. Whether slapping nasty bass lines or catching the light in her chrome pick board, DeTiger will surely continue to be a star.

Jimi Hendrix’s Floral Sacrifice

Jimi Hendrix was known to make his guitar talk and sing in harmony with his own awe-inspiring vocals. His riffs are known famously and fondly for their complexity. Hendrix is known to have had loads of guitars throughout his lifetime, as well as sacrificing a few during shows by smashing them on the stage or burning them. One of those guitars includes a 1964/65 Stratocaster that he decorated himself using nail polish to give it a floral design. Though beautiful, Hendrix decided this guitar would be set on fire. At his Monterey Pop show, he performed the song “Wild Thing” before setting the instrument ablaze and smashing it into pieces.

A fragment of that guitar has been displayed in The MET museum as well as other exhibits across the country. The sacrifice of the guitar represented a sense of rebellion and ascendence of musical prowess, further marking Hendrix as a musical icon. The guitar has been replicated by major guitar companies, allowing fans to play their very own version of the iconic instrument.

Nicko McBrain’s Copper Homage to Eddie the Head

Nicko McBrain is the brains behind the drums of the iconic band, Iron Maiden. He has used numerous drum kits throughout his career, donning turquoise, yellow and black toms as well as shiny cymbals and intricate bass drums. One of his most notable kits was produced for the band’s The Future Past Tour in 2023. The kit has drum shells made of black oak veneer that provide a shiny and reflective finish, as well as featuring numerous designs of their mascot, Eddie the Head, on each tom. Each piece of the drum has copper hardware that further elevates the instrument and gives it a novelty flair. The bass drum is the most eye-catching aspect with a large, rainbow decal right in the middle of Eddie the Head from their “Senjutsu” album. This kit is sure to intimidate and remains an iconic aspect of the band’s visual appeal.

How to Curate Your Identity

These musicians have found their identity through instrument design in their own ways. Whether just entering the music industry or having been a professional for a while, finding ways to engage authentically and authentically with identity is vital. If the above examples didn’t spark any inspiration, here are a few more suggestions to get the wheels turning. Stickers of any kind, whether political or purely decorative, can add fun pops of colour and detail to an instrument. Painting guitars is popular among various musicians and can ensure the guitar becomes a one-of-a-kind piece. Others stain their guitars a whole new colour by sanding down previous varnish and changing the wood to a new hue. For a simpler customization, try adding a colourful strap or case to your collection. No matter the addition, personalizing an instrument bonds the musician to the piece, ensuring authenticity and unique expression.