What Acoustic Guitars Do the Pros Use?

Imagine that you’re a mega-successful musician at the top of your game. You’re touring the world, playing on TV, winning awards, living in a mega-mansion, driving a selection of supercars, and everyone is listening to your music.

With all the money that you could ever want, you have one very difficult decision… what acoustic guitar do you play? You probably have a selection, but what brands and models do you choose for the all-important recording sessions and live performances? Well, it’s time to find out…

Let’s start with Gibson and the truly iconic…

Gibson J-200 (SJ-200 and Super Jumbo 200)

The ‘King of the Flat-Tops’ is a monster of a guitar, both in terms of overall size and sound. Formally known as the SJ-200 or Super Jumbo, if you want volume and low end, you can’t beat it.

Its rich, full sound and iconic design have made it a very popular choice amongst rockstar guitarists both live and in the studio. 

History

Gibson started production of its premium flat-top, the Super Jumbo, in its Kalamazoo Factory in Michigan in 1937, and changed its name to the Super Jumbo 200 in 1939.

It was named because of its super-large flat-top body (measuring 16 and 7/8″ inches), and featured a double-braced red spruce top, its back and sides were rosewood, and it was only available in a sunburst finish. In 1947, Gibson changed the design, opting for maple back and sides instead of rosewood.

In 1955 it became the J-200, and in the early 1960s, the design changed again with a different bridge design and bracing which dramatically changed the projection and tone of the guitar. From the 1980s to the modern day, Gibson has produced many variants, a number of which use the original designs of the 1930s through to the 1950s.

Let’s now find out who uses or has used the mighty J-200…

Pete Townshend

The Who’s guitarist is most often seen with a 1968 Gibson J-200 which he used to write and record practically everything the band released between 1968 and 1989 including classics such as Behind Blue Eyes and Pinball Wizard.

David Gilmour

Pink Floyd’s guitar maestro, David Gilmour used a 1986 Gibson J-200 Celebrity (one of 90 produced to celebrate the company’s 90th anniversary) extensively during the recording of the album ‘The Division Bell’ as well as for the legendary live performance of ‘Wish You Were Here’ at the 2005 Live 8 concert in Hyde Park, London. 

Emmylou Harris

Celebrated country and folk artist, Emmylou Harris, has used various models of Gibson J-200 throughout her illustrious career. She now mainly uses a Gibson L-200, her signature model which is slightly smaller in size.

John McLaughlin

John calls the J-200 “the greatest steel string acoustic guitar ever built” and has used it extensively throughout his career.

George Harrison

Better known for his use of the Gibson J-160E, Beatle George Harrison also used the J-200 when he needed more power and projection.

Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s iconic Gibson SJ-200 was a gift from George Harrison in 1965. He extensively used it for live performances including the 1965 Newport Folk Festival and the 1969 Isle of Wight Music Festival.

It can be seen pictured on the cover of his 1969 release Nashville Skyline.

Elvis Presley

Not especially noted as a guitarist I admit, but along with guitarist, Scotty Moore, their influence on generations of musicians is undeniable.

He is the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and what guitar would any king play? The King of the Flat-tops, of course, the J-200. Often used as a fashion prop, more than actually being played, the sight of Elvis with his 1956 Gibson J-200N made a lot of guitarists at the time regard the Jumbo as their all-time dream acoustic, guaranteeing its place in musical history.

Sticking with Gibson, let’s move on to more manageable Jumbos, such as the…

Gibson J-185, J-180, and J-160

These are slightly smaller in size than the J-200 which means they produce a little less of the lower frequencies. This could be seen as a disadvantage, and it would be for a singer-songwriter performing a live solo set. However, it is a far better option for recording because you usually end up removing the lower frequencies because they clash with the kick drum and bass guitar.

Their clear, punchy sound makes any of these smaller jumbos a superb option for studio work and for live acoustic performers who play with a full band in various genres, from country and folk to blues and rock. They also appeal to musicians with smaller frames and female musicians because they are a little easier to handle than their big brother, the J-200.

History

Introduced in 1951, the Gibson J-185 is regarded by many as the finest-sounding post-WWII Gibson flat-top. Although it is similar to the J-200 in many ways, it’s a very different instrument.

Initially, the J-185’s body was wider, but by 1955, it was reduced to 16″ wide, an inch smaller than the J-200. Its lighter-weight construction using thinner wood than that on the J-200, makes it very responsive. Plus, its slightly shorter scale length changes how the guitar sounds and feels compared to its big brother.

Let’s move on to players who use or have used these wonderful slightly smaller Gibson jumbos…

David Gilmour

Also known for using the J-200, David used an Everly Brothers J-180 signature on the band’s iconic album ‘The Wall’.

George Harrison and John Lennon

You’re the guitarist in the biggest band on the planet, money is by no means an issue, what guitar do you play? Well for Beatles George Harrison and John Lenon, it was the Gibson J-160E. 

It was used by various members of the band on songs such as  ‘Michelle’, ‘Love Me Do’, ‘Please Please Me’, ‘P.S. I Love You’, ‘And I Love Her’, ‘I’m Only Sleeping’ ‘Girl’, and ‘Yellow Submarine’.

Billie Joe Armstrong

In terms of acoustics, Green Day’s frontman and guitarist is most often seen with his signature Gibson Billie Joe Armstrong J-180, based on the Everly Brothers J-180.

The Everly Brothers

Moving nicely along, we have another signature model, as used by the chart-topping 60s vocal duo, the Gibson Everly Brothers J-180.

Jeff Tweedy

Wilco lead singer, Jeff Tweedy often uses a J-185 for fingerpicking live as well as in the studio.

Richard Ashcroft

The Verve’s frontman uses a natural finish J-185 extensively for his live performances.

Cat Stevens

And to finish, another signature model, the Gibson Cat Stevens J-180 is a great option for fans of the iconic singer-songwriter.

And now for Gibson’s workhorse dreadnaught, the…

Gibson J-45 (and J-50)

More affordable and less fancy than the J-200, J-185, etc., the Gibson J-45 is a favorite among a huge number of rock, pop, and folk musicians, especially those who fingerpick. Its exceptional playability and rich, balanced sound have made it a guitar legend in its own right.

History

Introduced in 1942, the J-45 has probably had more design changes than any of the other Gibson acoustics. I’m not going to list them all, or you’ll be reading this for a long time, but a lot of them have been to keep the price affordable, which has not always been good for the tone of the instrument. Nevertheless, regardless of the changes over time, the guitar has gone down in musical history because of the iconic players who have chosen it as their acoustic of choice, including…

Bob Dylan

In 1961 folk and rock icon, Bob Dylan acquired a 1940s Gibson J-50 (a J-45 with a natural finish) and used it extensively across his diverse career. You can also see him holding it on the cover of his legendary album, ‘Bob Dylan’.

James Taylor

Although now a very proud Olson Guitars user, James Taylor recorded a large number of his most popular songs including Fire and Rain using either 60s J-45s or J-50s.

Tom Morello

Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave’s electric guitar wizard, Tom Morello, uses a J-45 named ‘Black Spartacus’ for live performances as The Nightwatchman and in the studio.

Buddy Holly

The acoustic of choice for one of the pioneers of rock and roll, Buddy Holly’s Gibson J-45 (with its hand-crafted leather cover) helped shape how music would sound for generations of musicians.

Other Notable Gibson J-45 and J-50 Players

Lightnin’ Hopkins (J-50), Tony Iommi (J-50), and Elliott Smith.

And now for another of the company’s dreadnaughts, the…

Gibson Hummingbird

Keith Richards and Mick Jagger

The Rolling Stones are big fans of the Gibson Hummingbird and have used them extensively across their long and illustrious career. From the iconic writing and recording sessions of songs like ‘Sympathy for the Devil’​ and ‘Paint It Black’ to live acoustic sessions on their later tours, Hummingbirds are a constant.

Sheryl Crow

Although most associated with the Gibson Country Western, Sheryl is also often seen playing her vintage Hummingbird.

Michelle Branch 

Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Michelle Branch is a firm lover of the Gibson Hummingbird, both for live performances and in the studio.

Other Notable Gibson Hummingbird Players

KT Tunstall, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, Chris Cornell, Gillian Welsh and Ryan Adams.

Let’s finish with…

Gibson Parlour Guitars and Smaller Acoustics

Robert Johnson

The legendary delta blues guitarist was hardly ever seen without his trusty Gibson L-1 or his Gibson Kalamazoo KG-14.

Chris Stapleton

Another fan of smaller acoustics is Chris Stapleton who often uses a 1950s Gibson LG-2 for live concerts.

David Rawlings

Gillian Welsh’s partner in musical crime, David Rawlings is a bonafide bluegrass, folk, and Americana guitar legend. He uses a 1935 Epiphone Olympic for all recording and live performances.

Luther Dickinson

Currently with the North Mississippi Allstars but better known to most for his work with The Black Crowes, Luther Dickinson uses a Gibson LG-1 on stage and in the studio, especially for playing slide.

That’s it for Gibson, let’s move on to our next iconic brand, Martin, and the legendary…

Martin D-28

Introduced in 1931, the D-28 is one of the most used guitars by professional guitarists due to its booming projection, high-quality construction, and full-bodied tone.

Let’s find out who uses them…

Bob Dylan 

During the late 60s, Bob Dylan acquired a 1963 Martin D-28 which he used to write and record with as well as on tour until the late 70s including using it at the famous Concert for Bangladesh. In 1977, he sold it to his tech, Larry Cragg, who sold it at auction a few years ago for $396,000!

He also used a Martin HD-28 for his 1995 MTV Unplugged performance.

Neil Young

Neil is a huge fan of Martin acoustics and normally uses either a D-28, a D-18, or a D-45 for the majority of his recordings and live acoustic shows​.

Hank Williams Sr. 

Highly influential country musician, Hank Williams Sr. was usually seen performing with his 1941 Martin D-28.

Slash

Slash used a D-28 extensively on Guns N’ Roses’ 1991 mega album ‘Use Your Illusion’, as well as on his album, 2010’s ‘Slash’.

Jerry Garcia

Grateful Dead’s frontman and guitarist, Jerry Garcia, used his 1943 Martin D-28 on the majority of the band’s recordings and during live performances​. It was used on the classics ‘Friend of the Devil’, ’Ripple’, and ‘Dire Wolf’. His number two was a vintage Martin D-45 which he used for ‘Bird Song’ and ‘Black Peter’.

Michael Hedges

Easily one of the most innovative and influential acoustic players of all time, Michael Hedges regular guitar partner was a 1971 Martin D-28 named ‘Barbara’, which was perfect for his percussive, unconventional guitar technique.

Elvis Presley

Probably most famous for his Gibson J-200s, the King of Rock and Roll used a D-28 during his live appearances in the mid-50s​.

And finally the 12-string version – the Martin D12-28

David Gilmour

Although a fan of the 6-string D-28, Gilmours most famous acoustic intro, ‘Wish You Were Here’ was played on a 1971 Martin D-12/28. The solos on the song were played on his ‘Desert Island’ guitar, a 1969 Martin D-35.

Johnny Marr

Also a fan of the D12-28, Johnny used it to record The Smiths classics ‘Unhappy Birthday’ and ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’. He also used a regular 1972 D-28 for Bigmouth, as well as on ‘Well I Wonder’, ‘I Know It’s Over’, and ‘There Is A Light’.

Other Notable Martin D-28 Players

Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Page, Chris Cornell, Nick Drake, and Paul McCartney.

Next, let’s take a look at who played other guitars within Martin’s extensive range…

Eric Clapton

Known for his long-time love of Martin guitars, he has used a variety of their acoustics throughout his career. His favorite seems to be his vintage 1939 Martin 000-42, which he played on his MTV Unplugged session. His signature model, the Martin 000-28EC (EC for Eric Clapton) is also often used live and for sessions.

John Mayer

Moving on to another fan of smaller-bodied Martin guitars, John Mayer also loves the OM-28, but the OM-28JM (yes you’ve guessed it, the JM stands for John Mayer).

Martin have also released a number of other John Mayer signature models, usually in limited numbers, such as the Martin D-45 JM Dreadnought, the 0042JM-C Crossroads Cocobolo, and the OMJM John Mayer Signature Orchestra Model.

Johnny Cash

Johnny’s favorite guitar, which he used more than any other after getting it was a specially made Martin D-35, the first guitar that the company had ever produced with a polished black finish.

Bob Dylan

In 1975, Dylan chose a Martin 00-21, as opposed to his regular D-28 to record Blood on the Tracks, and then used it for an acoustic tour with The Band.

Kurt Cobain

Kurt used his 1959 Martin D-18E for most of Nirvana’s acoustic songs as well as the historic MTV Unplugged concert in 1993. It was sold at auction in 2022 to Australian businessman and owner of RØDE Microphones, Peter Freedman, for a staggering $6,010,000, making it the most expensive guitar ever sold!

Ed Sheeran

Singer-songwriter, looping specialist, and all-round nice guy, Ed Sheeran, uses a Martin LX1E for most of his live performances and in the studio.

Ricky Skaggs

Bluegrass and country music guitarist and singer, Ricky Skaggs, is best known for his love of the Bourgeois D150, and especially the Bourgeois Ricky Skaggs Limited Edition signature. However, he also uses his 1959 Martin D28 and his 1942 Martin 000-21 Herringbone while recording.

Jake Bugg

British singer-songwriter, Jake Bugg, usually plays his dream guitar, a Martin 000-15SM for his live acoustic sets.

Doc Watson

Highly influential folk and bluegrass guitarist, Doc Watson used a Martin D-18 for the majority of his early recordings and live shows.

And now to…

Taylor Guitars

Again due to the extensive range of Taylor guitars, I’ll get straight to the notable musicians who use them, including…

Taylor Swift

Starting with the appropriately named Taylor Swift, who uses a variety of guitars from the brand including the Taylor 814ce, the Taylor Presentation Series PS-14CE Grand Auditorium, and the Baby Taylor for warming up and practicing.

Tony Iommi

Legendary Black Sabbath guitarist, Tony Iommi, chooses Taylor guitars for his lighter musical moments favoring the Taylor 815L.

Jason Mraz

Mraz has played a number of Taylors over the years, including the 714ce and the NS72ce. He can now usually be seen playing his Taylor JMSM Jason Mraz Signature.

Alan Parsons

“Dark Side of the Moon” recording engineer and all-round tone guru, Alan Parsons, plays a Taylor K24CE.

Moving away from an all-wood construction let’s find out what pros have used Ovation guitars during their careers…

Al Di Meola 

Jazz fusion guitar supremo, Al Di Meola has used various Ovation guitars for live performances during his career. He now normally uses Godin Multiac guitars.

Glen Campbell 

Campbell has been a huge fan of Ovation guitars for decades and regularly used one on his TV show, ‘The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour’.

Melissa Etheridge 

Acoustic rock legend Melissa Etheridge is usually seen with her signature Ovation Melissa Etheridge 12-String, although she also uses standard 6-string guitars from the company.

David Gilmour

David’s back again, (well it’s understandable really, he is one of the greatest guitarists ever), this time with a 1976 Ovation Custom Legend which was taken on every Pink Floyd tour from 1977 onwards and used to write the Pink Floyd classic ‘Comfortably Numb’.

Yngwie Malmsteen 

Electric guitar virtuoso, Yngwie Malmsteen, is most often seen with his nylon-strung Ovation Viper CV68 during acoustic interludes in concerts or for smaller acoustic performances.

Paul Simon

Paul Simon has played just about every brand of acoustic over the years, and during the early 80s he chose his Ovation Custom Legend 1619-5 for live performances, including ‘Concert in Central Park’.

And now to…

Takamine Guitars

Bruce Springsteen

The Boss is frequently seen with a Takamine P6N during his stripped-down acoustic performances.

David Bowie

Bowie used a Takamine FP 400SC extensively on his 90s Sound and Vision world tour.

That’s the big boys covered, let’s finish with some…

Boutique Guitar Makers and more Unusual Guitar Brands

Tommy Emmanuel

Acoustic guitar supremo, Tommy Emmanuel, exclusively uses guitars crafted by the Australian guitar manufacturer, Maton. His main recording and touring guitars are the Maton Tommy Emmanuel signature.

Maton guitars are also used by Josh Homme, Keith Urban, Eric Johnson, Niel Finn, and Vance Joy.

Jimmy Page

Unusually for a session musician, Jimmy Page’s acoustic collection during the recording of Led Zeppelin’s classic albums was a lot smaller than you would imagine. 

His guitar of choice for most of Zeppelin’s acoustic tracks including Stairway to Heaven was a Harmony H1260 Sovereign. He did buy a Martin-28 in 1970, but the Harmony remained his favorite.

David Bowie

Bowie used a Hagstrom 12-String Acoustic to write ‘Space Oddity’ as well as many of his Ziggy Stardust era hits. However, he used a Harptone 12-string for touring the album.

Wrapping It Up

I hope this lengthy answer to the question “What acoustic guitars do professional guitarists play?” has been informative and given you the info you need. I also hope that I have included your favorite guitarists, apologies if I left them out, there are so many that could and possibly should have been included.

As you’ve noticed a lot of these superstar guitarists come up more than once in the different sections due to their vast guitar collections, but don’t let that get you down. Any of the guitars mentioned in this article are a great investment, sound superb, and will serve you well for years to come, regardless of how ‘professional’ you are. 

So, go for the sound you like, the look you like, and practice, practice, practice. Who knows, in a few years you could be featured in the latest update of “What Acoustics do Guitar Pros use?’