Lindsey Buckingham, best known as the lead guitarist and one of the vocalists of Fleetwood Mac, is a musician with a unique playing style and an unmistakable sound. His mastery of the guitar, combined with his fingerpicking technique, has made him one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Buckingham has favored a variety of guitars over the years, ranging from classic vintage models to custom-built instruments tailored to his specific needs.
This article explores the guitars that Lindsey Buckingham has used throughout his career, from his early days with Fleetwood Mac to his solo projects. We will also delve into how his choice of guitars has influenced his tone and playing style.
Lindsey Buckingham’s Early Guitars
Before joining Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Buckingham experimented with various guitars. In his early career, he played standard acoustic and electric guitars, but he quickly developed a preference for certain models that complemented his distinctive fingerpicking technique.
One of the earliest guitars associated with Buckingham was a Gibson Les Paul Custom. While he never used this guitar extensively in his career, it was one of his initial introductions to electric guitars. However, his playing style evolved in a way that required a different type of instrument—one that could better handle his intricate fingerpicking and dynamic playing.
The Turner Model 1 – Buckingham’s Signature Guitar
Perhaps the most iconic guitar that Lindsey Buckingham played is the Turner Model 1. This guitar, designed by luthier Rick Turner, became his signature instrument and played a key role in shaping his sound.
Why Did Buckingham Choose the Turner Model 1?
During the mid-1970s, Lindsey Buckingham was looking for a guitar that could provide a warm, resonant tone while maintaining clarity and articulation. The Turner Model 1 met these requirements perfectly.
Some of the key features of this guitar include:
Semi-Hollow Construction – The Turner Model 1 is built with a chambered body, which gives it an acoustic-like resonance while maintaining the sustain of a solid-body guitar.
Magnetic and Piezo Pickups – This guitar is equipped with both magnetic and piezo pickups, allowing Buckingham to blend electric and acoustic tones seamlessly.
Thin Neck Profile – The guitar’s neck is designed for ease of playability, which suited Buckingham’s fast and intricate fingerpicking technique.
Onboard Electronics – The Turner Model 1 includes built-in preamp controls that allow Buckingham to shape his tone directly from the guitar.
The Turner Model 1 became his go-to guitar for both studio recordings and live performances, particularly during the late 1970s and 1980s. Songs like Big Love, Go Your Own Way, and Tusk prominently feature the distinct tone of this guitar.
Gibson Les Paul Custom – A Rock Classic
Although Lindsey Buckingham is best known for using the Turner Model 1, he also played the Gibson Les Paul Custom during certain periods of his career. This guitar was particularly used in his early Fleetwood Mac years when he needed a heavier, more powerful sound.
The Gibson Les Paul Custom is known for its:
Mahogany Body and Maple Top – This combination provides a warm, thick tone with excellent sustain.
Humbucker Pickups – These pickups deliver a fat, rich sound with minimal noise, making them ideal for rock and blues.
Sturdy Construction – The Les Paul Custom is a heavy and solid guitar, which contributes to its full-bodied tone.
While Buckingham didn’t use this guitar as often as others, it did make appearances in some of Fleetwood Mac’s earlier recordings.
Fender Telecaster – A Classic Choice
Another guitar that Lindsey Buckingham has been seen playing is the Fender Telecaster. Known for its bright, cutting tone and twangy character, the Telecaster has been a favorite among many legendary guitarists.
Buckingham used the Telecaster in select live performances and studio sessions where he needed a crisp, articulate tone. The Telecaster’s single-coil pickups provided a contrast to the warmer, more resonant tones of the Turner Model 1.
The Telecaster’s key features that suited Buckingham’s playing include:
Single-Coil Pickups – These pickups produce clear, biting tones that work well for lead playing.
Lightweight Design – The Telecaster is comfortable to play for long performances.
Simple Electronics – Its straightforward controls allow for easy tone adjustments.
While not his primary guitar, the Telecaster was an important part of his arsenal for achieving specific sounds.
Gibson Chet Atkins Acoustic-Electric
Lindsey Buckingham has always incorporated acoustic textures into his music, and one of the guitars that allowed him to do so effectively was the Gibson Chet Atkins Acoustic-Electric.
This guitar provided the best of both worlds—an acoustic guitar’s natural resonance combined with an electric guitar’s ease of amplification. Buckingham used this model for live performances of acoustic-driven songs like Never Going Back Again.
Some of the standout features of this guitar include:
Thin Body Design – Unlike traditional acoustic guitars, the Chet Atkins model had a slimmer body, making it comfortable to play on stage.
Built-in Electronics – This allowed Buckingham to amplify the guitar without feedback issues.
Smooth Playability – The guitar’s neck and action were designed to feel more like an electric guitar, which suited Buckingham’s style.
Lindsey Buckingham’s Custom Rick Turner Guitars
Beyond the standard Turner Model 1, Rick Turner has designed several custom guitars for Lindsey Buckingham. These unique instruments were modified to meet his exact specifications.
Some modifications included:
Alternative Wood Choices – Buckingham experimented with different woods to shape his tone.
Enhanced Electronics – Some models had customized pickup configurations for more tonal variety.
Unique Aesthetics – Many of his custom Turners featured exotic finishes and design elements that made them stand out visually.
Rick Turner and Buckingham maintained a close working relationship, ensuring that his guitars were always optimized for performance and recording.
How Lindsey Buckingham’s Guitar Choice Shaped His Sound
Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar choices were heavily influenced by his unique fingerpicking technique. Unlike most rock guitarists who rely on picks, Buckingham developed a percussive, intricate picking style using his fingers. This required guitars that responded well to subtle dynamics and articulation.
His preference for guitars with a semi-hollow or chambered body allowed him to blend acoustic and electric tones effortlessly. The Turner Model 1, in particular, played a critical role in his ability to create lush, expressive sounds that defined Fleetwood Mac’s music.
Additionally, Buckingham’s use of hybrid guitar designs—such as the Chet Atkins Acoustic-Electric and custom Rick Turner guitars—demonstrated his willingness to push sonic boundaries.
Conclusion
Lindsey Buckingham’s choice of guitars has been instrumental in shaping his legendary sound. While the Turner Model 1 remains his most iconic instrument, he has also used Gibson Les Pauls, Fender Telecasters, and various acoustic models to achieve his distinct tone.
Each guitar he played contributed to his expressive, percussive, and melodic playing style, making him one of the most innovative guitarists in rock history. Whether performing intricate fingerpicking passages or delivering powerful solos, Buckingham’s guitars have always been an extension of his musical vision.
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