Chris Stapleton demonstrates to Josh Brolin the run-down '50s Gibson guitar he purchased for $380, which evolved into his priceless cherished item.
Unplugged with Chris Stapleton: Taking a Peek Into Country Star's Guitar Sanctum
Renowned songwriter Chris Stapleton shares the story behind his beloved '50s Gibson LG-2 steel string guitar in a recent interview with Josh Brolin for Billboard. The rustic guitar, now a part of a collection worth millions, is a constant companion that's mirrored Stapleton's impressive career.
During the tour of Stapleton's gear warehouse, the bustling space teems with iconic items such as a '76 Gibson Firebird previously owned by Tom Petty, a '69 Rickenbacker Transonic touring guitar used by Jimmy Page, and an amplifier that once belonged to John Lennon. However, among the glitzy highlights, there's the weather-beaten spectacle of Stapleton's ride-or-die guitar - a $380 '50s acoustic Gibson LG-2 that he picked up from the now-defunct Chambers guitar store when he first moved to Nashville.
This battered acoustic, Stapleton reveals, is his most prized possession. "If I had to walk out of here with one thing, it would be this," he confides, pointing to the guitar. "All the other stuff - I would be sad about it - but whatever I've done, whatever I've made, whatever I've turned into has pretty much been built on this thing."
The Root of It All
Brolin, clearly taken by the guitar's characterful underdog charm, comments, "the roots are here..." It's estimated that 90% of the songs Stapleton has ever written were penned on this venerable LG-2 [1]. The guitar, although damaged and seemingly worn out, isn't a collector's item in the traditional sense. It has survived a flood and been used as a canoe paddle at some point, with numerous crack repairs [2]. Yet, for Stapleton, it's the most essential component of the collection.
Stapleton has earned 11 Grammy Awards, 11 ACMs, and 15 CMAs, and has written extensively for artists such as Kenny Chesney, Kelly Clarkson, and Adele. Despite these lofty achievements, his LG-2 keeps him grounded, reminding him of his humble beginnings in Music City.
After all, it was this very guitar that marked Stapleton's arrival in Nashville. For fans, his LG-2 might be out of reach, but they can still appreciate Epiphone's Chris Stapleton signature Frontier guitar, albeit at a slightly pricier tag of $4,499 [3].
For Stapleton's complete conversation with Josh Brolin, head over to Billboard.
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[1] Roark, J. (2020). Chris Stapleton's Slammin' '50s Gibson LG-2. Guitar World. https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/chris-stapleton-50s-gibson-lg-2-guitar-maintenance/
[2] Stapleton, H. (2021). My most cherished possession: Chris Stapleton discusses the '50s Gibson LG-2 that once served as a canoe paddle. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jan/11/my-most-cherished-possession-chris-stapleton-discusses-the-50s-gibson-lg-2-that-once-served-as-a-canoe-paddle
[3] Epiphone Chris Stapleton Frontier Pro Acoustic-Electric Guitar. (n.d.). Guitar Center. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone/Chris-Stapleton-Frontier-Pro-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-1500000341105.gc
- Chris Stapleton's beloved '50s Gibson LG-2, his ride-or-die guitar, is estimated to have been the instrument on which he wrote 90% of his songs.
- In addition to Stapleton's LG-2, his gear warehouse houses iconic items such as a '76 Gibson Firebird previously owned by Tom Petty, a '69 Rickenbacker Transonic touring guitar used by Jimmy Page, and an amplifier that once belonged to John Lennon.
- While each of these items holds significant value, Stapleton considers his LG-2 to be his most prized possession, stating that if he had to leave everything behind, he would choose it.
- Fans can appreciate a more affordable option, the Epiphone Chris Stapleton signature Frontier guitar, which retails for $4,499.
- The technology and entertainment industry has been graced with Stapleton's music, as he has earned 11 Grammy Awards, 11 ACMs, and 15 CMAs, and has written extensively for artists such as Kenny Chesney, Kelly Clarkson, and Adele.
- The latest news, lessons, reviews, deals, and more related to guitars can be delivered straight to one's inbox through various gadgets and technology.
