Doug Irwin Tiger Guitar commissioned by Jerry Garcia
The “Tiger” guitar, a masterpiece crafted by luthier Doug Irwin for Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, stands as a testament to both exceptional guitar craftsmanship and rock and roll history. Commissioned shortly after Garcia received Irwin’s “Wolf” guitar in 1973, “Tiger” was born from Garcia’s explicit instruction to Irwin: create the most extravagant instrument imaginable. This ambitious request resulted in a guitar that would not only become Garcia’s primary instrument for nearly a decade but also an enduring symbol of his innovative musical spirit.
The construction of “Tiger” was a labor of love and dedication, consuming approximately two thousand hours of meticulous work over six years. Irwin employed a neck-through design, utilizing a core of maple and padauk sandwiched between highly figured and visually striking exotic woods. Cocobolo forms the top and back, while quilted maple graces the back, creating a visually stunning and tonally rich instrument. Ornate brass binding elegantly outlines the body and headstock, further enhancing its luxurious aesthetic. Adding to its unique character is the iconic inlay of a tiger, meticulously crafted from mother-of-pearl, ebony, and brass, prominently featured on the guitar’s front.
Jerry Garcia first unveiled “Tiger” to the world on August 4, 1979, at the Oakland Civic Auditorium. From that moment forward, it became his near-exclusive stage and studio companion for a decade, solidifying its place in Grateful Dead lore. “Tiger” holds the distinction of being the last guitar Garcia played publicly with the Grateful Dead, during their final performance on July 9, 1995, making it a poignant artifact of his legendary career.
Technical Specifications of the “Tiger” Guitar
The “Tiger” guitar is not only visually breathtaking but also technically sophisticated, reflecting Doug Irwin’s mastery and Jerry Garcia’s specific performance needs.
- Body: Constructed with a cocobolo top and back, a central core of maple and padauk, and a quilted maple back layer. This multi-layered wood selection contributes to the guitar’s complex tonal character, offering warmth, sustain, and clarity.
- Neck: Features a three-piece flame maple and padauk neck, reinforced with brass binding for added stability and visual appeal. The neck-through-body design enhances sustain and resonance, crucial for Garcia’s improvisational style.
- Fingerboard: An ebony fingerboard provides a smooth and responsive playing surface. The 25-inch scale length is comfortable and contributes to the guitar’s balanced tone.
- Inlays: Mother-of-pearl inlays adorn the fingerboard, culminating in a distinctive “J. GARCIA” inlay at the fingerboard’s end. Brass binding further embellishes the neck and headstock.
- Headstock: The brass-bound headstock showcases a mother-of-pearl globe inlay and an ivory eagle logo, adding intricate detail.
- Pickups and Electronics: Equipped with two humbucking pickups and one single-coil pickup, offering a versatile range of tonal options. A five-way selector switch, two volume controls, and a tone control provide extensive sonic manipulation. Two coil tap switches further expand the tonal palette. An effects loop output and on/off switch, along with a unity-gain buffer, catered to Garcia’s complex effects setup.
- Hardware: Features brass pickup mounting brackets, bridge, tailpiece, tuners, knobs, and control surfaces, contributing to the guitar’s bright tonal character and opulent aesthetic.
Close-up detail of the Tiger Guitar's body, showing wood layers and brass binding
Detailed inlay on the back of Jerry Garcia's Tiger Guitar
Tiger Guitar base plate detail showcasing craftsmanship
Headstock of the Tiger Guitar with eagle inlay
The Legacy of “Tiger” and Jerry Garcia’s Sound
“Tiger” became more than just an instrument for Jerry Garcia; it was an extension of his musical voice. Its unique construction and versatile electronics allowed him to explore a vast sonic landscape, contributing to the Grateful Dead’s improvisational and eclectic sound. The guitar’s visual distinctiveness also made it instantly recognizable, further cementing its iconic status among fans.
Photographs of Jerry Garcia playing “Tiger” are readily recognizable to Grateful Dead enthusiasts, capturing moments of musical brilliance and the deep connection between the artist and his instrument.
Jerry Garcia performing with his Doug Irwin Tiger Guitar
Jerry Garcia in concert playing the Tiger Guitar
Jerry Garcia playing his iconic Tiger guitar live
Jerry Garcia with the Tiger guitar during a Grateful Dead performance
Jerry Garcia on stage with the Tiger guitar
The “Tiger” guitar remains an emblem of Jerry Garcia’s innovative approach to music and Doug Irwin’s unparalleled skill in guitar making. It is not just a guitar; it’s a piece of art, a symbol of an era, and a testament to the enduring power of music. Its legacy continues to inspire guitarists and music lovers worldwide, fascinated by the instrument that played a crucial role in shaping the sound of the Grateful Dead.
