David Gilmour’s tone is one of the most iconic in rock history — spacious, expressive, and unmistakably his. Over decades with Pink Floyd and his solo work, Gilmour has wielded a range of guitars, each contributing to his signature sound. From his legendary black Strat to lesser-known acoustics, each instrument played a vital role in crafting some of the most atmospheric and emotional guitar parts ever recorded.
The Black Strat – Fender Stratocaster (Black, 1969)
No guitar is more closely associated with Gilmour than his black Fender Stratocaster, originally a 1969 model that he modified extensively over the years. It became his main guitar from the mid-’70s until well into the 2000s.
Used on:
- “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” (intro solo and main themes)
- “Comfortably Numb” (both solos)
- “Time” (guitar solos)
- “Echoes” (live versions post-1975)
The Black Strat featured custom pickups, a shortened tremolo arm, and later, EMG DG20 active electronics. It was auctioned in 2019 for a record $3.9 million, with proceeds going to climate change charities.
The 1955 Fender Esquire
Gilmour acquired this blonde Esquire in the early ’70s, and it became a secret weapon for many of his slide and solo tones.
Used on:
- “Run Like Hell” (rhythmic chug and delay-soaked textures)
- “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” (funky rhythm parts)
- “Hey You” (riff and slide work)
Although it only had one pickup, Gilmour used various switching tricks and effects to make it incredibly versatile.
Fender Telecasters
David used Telecasters both in the studio and live, including a custom double-bound 1960s Telecaster and a 1959 model he used extensively during The Wall sessions.
Used on:
- “Dogs” (intro and rhythm parts)
- “Run Like Hell” (live)
- The Final Cut (various tracks)
Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with P-90s
Though more of a Strat guy, Gilmour occasionally used Gibsons, including a ’50s Les Paul Goldtop fitted with P-90 pickups.
Used on:
- “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” (solo, disputed but possible)
- The Wall live shows (selected solos and fills)
Acoustic Guitars – Martin D-35 & Gibson J-200
Gilmour used several acoustic models across his career. The Martin D-35 was his go-to for many intimate moments.
Used on:
- “Wish You Were Here” (intro and verses – Martin D-35)
- “Goodbye Blue Sky” (Gibson J-200)
- “Mother” (Martin D-35 and Ovation Classical)
Lap Steel and Slide Guitars
Gilmour’s atmospheric slide work often came from lap steel guitars, particularly a Jedson lap steel.
Used on:
- “Breathe” and “The Great Gig in the Sky” (Dark Side of the Moon)
- “High Hopes” (live versions)
- “One of These Days” (opening slide bass and guitar)
He later adopted a custom-built lap steel by Bill Asher, which he used during solo tours and for Live at Pompeii.
Gretsch Duo Jet and Gibson 12-Strings
While not mainstays, these instruments added texture to certain studio tracks.
Used on:
- Gretsch Duo Jet: On an Island sessions
- Gibson 12-string: “Wish You Were Here” layering
Modern Era – Fender Custom Shop and Signature Models
Fender built several custom Strats for Gilmour, including the 1983 Candy Apple Red model used extensively on A Momentary Lapse of Reason and The Division Bell tours.
In 2008, Fender released the David Gilmour Signature Stratocaster, modeled after the Black Strat and available in both Relic and NOS versions.
Final Thoughts
David Gilmour’s gear choices are deeply connected to his musical storytelling. His ability to extract emotion from every note isn’t just about effects or amps—it’s about his connection with each instrument. Whether wringing melancholic bends from a Strat or crafting eerie slide textures on a lap steel, Gilmour’s guitars are as much characters in the Pink Floyd narrative as the lyrics themselves.
