Martin LX1E Little Martin
Body and Construction: The Martin LX1E is a compact guitar with a smaller body size. It is made of high-quality materials, typically featuring a solid Sitka spruce top. This type of top helps in producing a rich and resonant sound. The back and sides are often made of HPL (High-Pressure Laminate), which gives the guitar durability while still maintaining a good tonal quality.
Sound Characteristics: It has a bright and clear tone. The smaller body size makes it ideal for fingerpicking styles, which Ed Sheeran often employs. The strings on this guitar are set up in a way that allows for easy playing and smooth transitions between chords. The sound projects well, making it suitable for both intimate performances and larger gigs when amplified.
Amplification: It comes equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup system. This pickup allows for a natural and accurate amplification of the guitar’s sound. It can be plugged into an amplifier or a PA system, enabling Sheeran to perform in various settings without sacrificing the quality of his guitar tone.
Martin LXK2 Little Martin Koa
Unique Aesthetic: The Martin LXK2 stands out with its Koa wood construction. Koa gives the guitar a beautiful and distinct appearance, with its rich colors and grain patterns. The top is also Sitka spruce, which pairs well with the Koa back and sides to create a balanced sound.
Tonal Qualities: The Koa wood contributes to a warm and mellow tone. It has a slightly different tonal character compared to the standard LX1E. The combination of the spruce top and Koa body results in a guitar that can handle a variety of musical genres. It has good sustain, allowing notes to ring out and blend well in Ed Sheeran’s complex fingerpicking arrangements.
Portability and Comfort: Like the LX1E, it is a small-bodied guitar, making it highly portable. This is convenient for Sheeran, who is often on tour and needs a guitar that he can easily carry around. The neck is comfortable to play, enabling him to perform for long periods without straining his fingers or hands.
Gibson Chet Atkins SST
Design and Build: The Gibson Chet Atkins SST is a unique guitar with a semi-hollow body design. It has a laminated maple top, back, and sides, which gives it a distinct look and sound. The guitar is known for its sleek and stylish appearance, with chrome hardware that adds to its overall aesthetic.
Sound Signature: It produces a warm and smooth sound. The semi-hollow body design allows for a certain amount of resonance and sustain. The pickups on this guitar are carefully crafted to capture the nuances of the strings’ vibrations. Ed Sheeran uses this guitar to add a different flavor to his music, especially when he wants a more jazzy or bluesy tone.
Playability: The neck of the Gibson Chet Atkins SST is comfortable and has a good action. This means that the strings are at an optimal height from the fretboard, making it easy to press down the strings and play chords and melodies. The fretboard is smooth, allowing for fast and accurate finger movements.
Fender Stratocaster
Iconic Design: The Fender Stratocaster is one of the most recognizable guitars in the world. It has a solid body, usually made of alder or ash wood. The double-cutaway design gives it a sleek and modern look. The pickguard and the various finishes available make it a customizable instrument.
Tonal Versatility: It is equipped with three single-coil pickups. These pickups can be combined in different ways using the selector switch, allowing for a wide range of tonal options. From bright and twangy sounds to more mellow and warm tones, the Stratocaster can adapt to different musical styles. Ed Sheeran may use it to add a bit of a rock or pop edge to his music, especially when he is performing more upbeat songs.
Build Quality and Durability: Fender is known for its high-quality craftsmanship. The Stratocaster is built to last, with a sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of touring and frequent playing. The hardware, such as the tuners and bridge, is reliable and helps in maintaining the guitar’s tuning stability.
Taylor GS Mini
Compact and Lightweight: The Taylor GS Mini is a popular choice for its portability. It has a smaller body size compared to full-sized Taylor guitars but still manages to produce a surprisingly full sound. The body is made of a combination of woods, often featuring a solid spruce top and laminate back and sides.
Sound Quality: It has a well-balanced tone, with good clarity and projection. The strings are usually of high quality, which enhances the overall sound. The guitar is suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking. Ed Sheeran might choose this guitar when he needs a lightweight option for traveling or for more casual performances where a full-sized guitar might be too cumbersome.
Comfort and Ease of Use: The neck of the Taylor GS Mini is designed to be comfortable, with a playable fretboard. The smaller body makes it easier to hold, especially for those with smaller frames or for extended playing sessions. It also has good intonation, ensuring that the notes played are in tune across the fretboard.
Custom Guitars
Personalized Features: Ed Sheeran also has custom-made guitars. These guitars are designed to his specific preferences. They may have unique inlays on the fretboard, custom finishes, or modified electronics. For example, he might have a guitar with a special pickup configuration that gives him a sound that he can’t get from off-the-shelf models.
Tailored Sound: The custom guitars are built to enhance his particular playing style. The body shape, wood selection, and other components are carefully chosen to create a sound that complements his music. These guitars often have a one-of-a-kind feel and tone, which helps him stand out in his performances and recordings.
Conclusion
Related topics
- WHAT IS A CAPO FOR GUITAR? ALL YOU MUST LEARN
- DO PROFESSIONAL GUITARISTS USE CAPOS? [REVEALED!]
- WHAT GUITAR DOES PETE TOWNSHEND PLAY? REVEALED!
