What Guitar Does Steve Lacy Use: The Musician’s Go-To Instrument Revealed

Steve Lacy, known for his seamless blend of R&B and indie rock, has become a noteworthy figure in the music industry not only for his vocals but also for his distinctive guitar playing.

He is commonly associated with the Fender brand, particularly favoring the Fender Stratocaster as his instrument of choice. It’s well-known that he utilizes various models, including the Squier Classic Vibe Strat ’60s and the American Professional II Stratocaster.

His approach to guitar playing is as unique as his gear selection, often opting for minimalist setups that still allow for a range of tonal expressions suited to his genre-blending music.

Lacy’s gear list extends beyond just guitars; it includes a curated selection of amplification and effects that complement his playing style during both studio recordings and live performances. He has also collaborated with notable guitar manufacturers, leading to the creation of instruments such as the Steve Lacy People Pleaser Stratocaster.

Key Takeaways

• Steve Lacy favors Fender guitars, especially the Stratocaster.
• His minimalist setup is integral to his unique sound.
• Lacy collaborates with manufacturers, influencing guitar design.

Steve Lacy’s Primary Guitars

Steve Lacy is renowned for his distinctive guitar work, which is largely attributed to his choice of instruments. The following guitars are staples in his repertoire, having contributed significantly to his soulful R&B sound.

Fender Stratocaster

The Fender Stratocaster has a storied history with Steve Lacy; he often employs models such as the Squier Classic Vibe Strat ’60s and the American Professional II Stratocaster. These guitars are known for their alder body and maple neck, providing the crisp, resonant tones characteristic of the classic Strat.

Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar

Steve Lacy incorporates the unique sound of the Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar into his music. The Rickenbacker 330 is celebrated for its jangly tone and sleek design, factors that undoubtedly influence Lacy’s sonic aesthetic.

Fender Precision Basses

While primarily a guitarist, Steve Lacy also extends his talents to the bass, using instruments such as the Limited Edition Adam Clayton Precision Bass. Fender Precision Basses are revered for their solid build and clear, punchy sound.

Signature Models

Fender honored Steve Lacy with his own signature guitar, the Fender Steve Lacy ‘People Pleaser’ Stratocaster. This signature model features a custom neck plate adorned with Steve Lacy artwork, signifying its exclusivity and connection to his personal brand.

Amplification and Effects

Steve Lacy’s distinctive sound is largely influenced by his choice of amplifiers and effects pedals, coupled with his unique utilization of a fuzz circuit. His approach to gear strikes a balance between the classic and the contemporary, ensuring his signature tone is always recognizable.

Amplifiers

Steve Lacy favors the Fender ’65 Twin Reverb amp, renowned for its clean sounds that provide a perfect canvas for his effects. This amplifier is a staple in his setup, both for its reliability and its warm, rich tone that complements his playing style.

Effects Pedals

Lacy employs a variety of effects pedals to shape his sound, with the Boss ME-80 guitar multiple effects unit being a central component of his pedalboard. This versatile multi-effects pedal allows him to access reverb, chorus, and compression, essential for achieving his desired tone. Additionally, he utilizes the Boss DD-7 Digital Delay to add depth and dimension to his playing.

Fuzz Circuit and Chaos Burst

A rather unique aspect of Steve Lacy’s rig is his guitar’s built-in fuzz circuit, often referred to as the Chaos Fuzz Circuit. This custom modification allows him direct control over the fuzz output volume, without the need for an external pedal. His guitar’s Chaos Burst Finish not only adds a visual flair but also signifies the chaotic yet controlled nature of the fuzz effect inherent in his music.

Studio and Live Equipment

Steve Lacy, a proficient musician known for his ability to produce rich, textured sounds, utilizes a variety of equipment both in the studio and while on tour. His gear selection reflects a blend of classic and modern technology, catering to his distinctive style.

Tour Gear

On tour, Steve Lacy is known to use the iconic Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar, acclaimed for its jangly, clear timbre that complements his musical arrangements.

Furthermore, Lacy’s onstage setup consistently includes high-quality amplifiers and effect pedals, ensuring his live performances are as dynamic as his studio work.

Recording Software

In the realm of recording, Steve Lacy often opts for accessible, user-friendly software. Initially gaining recognition for crafting songs using GarageBand, the musician has demonstrated that one does not need high-end software to produce professional-grade music. This approach highlights his skills as a producer, focusing on creativity and talent over expensive tools.

Headphones and Monitoring

For monitoring, quality headphones are crucial in Steve Lacy’s equipment list, enabling him to accurately capture and mix his signature sound. While specific models are not detailed in available data, the use of professional-grade headphones is imperative in his process for both studio recording and live performances, ensuring the utmost sound clarity and precision.

Collaborations and Performances

Steve Lacy’s journey in music is marked by remarkable collaborations and electrifying live performances. He has worked closely with renowned artists across genres, primarily R&B, and left his imprint on the stage with his distinct guitar sounds.

Collaborations

Steve Lacy is recognized for his contributions to R&B music, particularly through his role as a guitarist for the band The Internet. Beyond his band, Lacy’s collaborations span a range of artists. He has joined forces with Kendrick Lamar, lending his guitar expertise to tracks that blend hip-hop and R&B elements.

Similarly, his work with Solange and Tyler, The Creator underscores his versatility and the high regard fellow artists hold for his musicianship. These partnerships highlight Lacy’s ability to adapt his guitar skills to complement various artists’ sounds.

Live Performances

When it comes to live performances, Steve Lacy is no stranger to the stage. His presence is commanding and his guitar play, compelling. Lacy has performed with The Internet, showcasing his finesse with the guitar and contributing to the band’s dynamic stage presence.

Moreover, he has shared the stage with Vampire Weekend, utilizing his guitar to enhance their indie rock vibe with his R&B rooted style. Lacy’s guitar of choice for performances has often been models similar to the Fender Jazzmaster, known for their rich, warm tones suitable for the R&B genre he often gravitates towards. His performances are a testament to his ability to both perform and captivate an audience, whether he’s in a supporting role or leading with his solo acts.

Steve Lacy’s Influence in Music

Steve Lacy’s contribution to the music industry transcends through his innovative work, earning him both critical acclaim and cultural significance. With a touch that shapes the modern sound landscape, his artistry reverberates in various aspects of the music realm.

Music Industry Impact

Steve Lacy has crafted a sound that has left an indelible mark in the industry. His album, Gemini Rights, is a testament to his influence, displaying his ability to merge genres into a cohesive, irresistible product. His work has earned him nominations at the Grammys, highlighting his stature as a groundbreaking musician. With tracks like “Bad Habit” resonating with a wide audience, Lacy’s impact on the industry is both measurable and profound.

Cultural Influence

The cultural footprint of Steve Lacy extends beyond his Grammy nominations. He is a vanguard, influencing a generation of music lovers and creators with his eclectic approach. “People Pleaser,” another standout track, exemplifies how his music often starts conversations about modern relationships, weaving his creativity into the cultural fabric.

Signature Style and Sound

Lacy’s signature instrument, the guitar, is central to his signature style and sound. His approach to guitar tone is unique, often leading to a texture that is undeniably his. By plugging directly into his iPhone using an iRig Pro audio interface, he crafts sounds that are innovative and inspiring, influencing not only the present but shaping the future of how music can be produced.

Ownership and Purchase Information

Steve Lacy is known for his distinctive musical style, partly defined by his choice of guitars. For enthusiasts looking to capture a piece of that style, purchasing a signature model guitar associated with Steve Lacy can be an exciting prospect.

Purchasing Steve Lacy Signature Models

Fender Guitars offers models that are synonymous with Steve Lacy’s sound. Those interested in buying a signature guitar can explore options like the Fender Duo-Sonic Electric Guitar, which has been identified as part of Lacy’s gear. When seeking to purchase these guitars, buyers should visit authorized Fender retailers or explore options on reputable online music stores to ensure they are getting authentic instruments.

Signature instrument models like the Fender Stratocaster XII and the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60’s Stratocaster also contribute to the diverse tones Lacy is famous for. The signature guitar models can often be found with detailed product specifications and purchase options directly from Fender or through trusted music equipment websites. Prices will vary based on the model and whether the instrument is new, used, or a special edition.

In purchasing these instruments, buyers should be aware that while the guitar itself contributes to the sound, much of what brings Lacy’s music to life is his unique playing style and technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Steve Lacy is known for his distinctive sounds and choice of gear, which contribute to his unique musical style. These questions delve into the specifics of the instruments he chooses for his craft.