Buckethead, the enigmatic, masked guitarist, remains one of music’s most intriguing figures. While his persona is shrouded in mystery, one thing is undeniable: his mastery of the guitar. Fans and fellow musicians alike are captivated not only by his virtuosic playing but also by the distinctive instruments he wields. From customized Kramers in his early days to his signature Gibson Les Pauls, Buckethead’s guitar choices are as diverse and fascinating as his music. Let’s delve into the history of Buckethead’s guitars, uncovering the iconic instruments that have shaped his unique sound across decades.
In his formative years, Buckethead, who reportedly began playing guitar at age 12 in 1981, gravitated towards instruments that were emblematic of the era’s rock guitar scene. His earliest documented guitar is a Kramer, a brand synonymous with 1980s guitar virtuosity, largely thanks to endorsements from guitar heroes like Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen himself famously declared Kramer guitars as “the best guitar you can buy today,” a powerful statement that resonated throughout the guitar world. Buckethead’s Kramer can be seen in footage from February 1989’s “Secret Recipe” DVD and during Deli Creeps performances from late 1989 to 1991. He personalized his Kramer with an orange skull sticker and a Pittsburgh Steelers NFL logo, adding his individual touch to the instrument. Further solidifying its place in his early history, Buckethead was photographed holding this Kramer for the December 1989 issue of Guitar Player magazine. Adding to the mystique, there’s even earlier footage from 1988 that appears to feature Buckethead with a Kramer, a glimpse into his pre-Buckethead days that remains a point of fascination for fans. It’s highly probable that Buckethead utilized his modified Kramer in October 1988 when recording his initial demo cassettes, which were later released in 2008 as “From the Coop,” marking the genesis of his prolific musical journey.
As the Deli Creeps era progressed into 1991, Buckethead transitioned from his Kramer to a Midnight Blue Heartfield Talon 2. This guitar, first introduced in December 1990 with a retail price of $929.99, became his primary instrument during this period. Continuing his penchant for customization, Buckethead replaced the standard DiMarzio pickups on his Talon 2 with striking pink ones, creating a visually distinctive guitar. The Heartfield Talon 2 is prominently featured on the “Young Buckethead” DVD, capturing performances with the Deli Creeps and a memorable backyard solo where he debuted his song “I Love My Parents” for his family. This guitar marked a step forward in Buckethead’s evolving sound and stage presence.
The year 1991 also saw Buckethead’s talent recognized by musician Henry Kaiser, leading to a unique and generous gift. Buckethead made a guest appearance on Kaiser’s album “Hope You Like Our New Direction,” credited as Brian “Buckethead” Carroll. Kaiser, impressed by Buckethead’s exceptional guitar skills, famously predicted, “I’m sure he’ll be mega famous in a few years.” As a token of admiration, Kaiser gifted Buckethead a custom Steinberger GS guitar, now affectionately known as “Kaiser’s Gift.” While live performance footage of Buckethead playing this particular Steinberger seems to be scarce, it holds a significant place in his guitar history. “Kaiser’s Gift” is visible on the back cover and booklet of the 1992 album “Transmutation” and in clips from his “Secret Recipe” DVD. In 2002, it reappeared in promotional photos for his “Bermuda Triangle” album, showcasing its enduring presence in his career. That same year, Buckethead’s website hosted a contest where the grand prize was the “Kaiser’s Gift” Steinberger GS, eventually won by a fan who showcased the guitar on the now-inactive YouTube channel ‘Oriongenocide.’ This act of generosity and the guitar’s subsequent journey into a fan’s hands further adds to the lore surrounding Buckethead and his instruments.
By June 1994, according to an article in Guitar Player magazine, Buckethead’s guitar preference shifted towards a “Skull emblazoned, ESP Strat.” This black ESP Stratocaster, adorned with skull graphics, became a prominent instrument during this period. Buckethead can be seen playing the “Skulls ESP” in footage from the “Binge Clips” VHS, alongside Bill ‘Choptop’ Moseley. Intriguingly, this same model of ESP guitar was also used around the same time by Michael Wilton of the band Queensrÿche. This parallel use led ESP to eventually release a Michael Wilton signature series in 2004, highlighting the guitar’s appeal within the guitar community. Buckethead also played the “Skulls ESP” during a guest appearance with Bill Laswell’s band Painkiller in 1993, demonstrating its versatility across different musical projects.
Also in 1993, a mysterious emerald green guitar appeared in Buckethead’s hands. This unidentified guitar, which he seemingly never played live, sparked curiosity among fans. Its features, such as the body shape and two dots at the 24th fret, bear resemblance to Ibanez models. The truss rod on the headstock hints at Gibson’s exclusive designs, although the body deviates from typical Gibson shapes. While ESP guitars often feature the ESP logo at the 12th fret, this green guitar lacks this branding. In the early 2000s, Buckethead’s official website listed him as owning a Parker Fly guitar, which shares some visual similarities. However, Parker Fly guitars generally do not have fretboard dots, unless customized. The true identity of this green guitar remains an enigma, leaving fans to speculate whether it’s a modified model from one of these brands or a completely different instrument altogether.
From 1994 to late 1995, Buckethead appeared to replace his “Skulls ESP” with a seemingly plain black ESP. However, closer inspection suggests that this might actually be the same “Skulls ESP” with the skull graphics removed, possibly bleached or scrubbed off. This alteration could have been motivated by the realization that the same guitar model was also being used by Michael Wilton, leading Buckethead to differentiate his instrument. This subtle change reflects Buckethead’s evolving aesthetic and practical considerations regarding his gear.
Towards the end of 1995, Buckethead introduced one of his most cherished guitars into his rotation: the Ibanez X-Series Rocket Roll 550 Flying V. This guitar became a staple for Buckethead, used intermittently from late 1995 to 1999. The Rocket Roll 550 is visible in both DJ Qbert’s and Primus’s DVDs, and it featured prominently during his live performances in 1997 and 1998. Its distinctive Flying V shape and powerful sound made it a visually and sonically impactful instrument in his performances during this period.
In 1996, a white Stratocaster made a brief but notable appearance in Buckethead’s guitar arsenal. He can be seen playing this white Strat in Bootsy Collins’ music video for “If 6 Was 9,” a Jimi Hendrix cover in which Buckethead also performs. As a tribute to Hendrix, who famously played right-handed Stratocasters upside down and left-handed, Buckethead used a left-handed Stratocaster in the video, mirroring Hendrix’s iconic style.
While the white Stratocaster from the Bootsy Collins video remained a one-off, Buckethead did utilize a sunburst Stratocaster for a limited number of shows in mid-1997. This sunburst Strat, though not as frequently used as other models, represents another facet of his exploration with different guitar types during this period.
Also in 1997, Buckethead briefly employed an Angus Young-style Gibson SG. Similar to the sunburst Stratocaster, the Gibson SG’s usage appears to have been short-lived, possibly limited to a single performance. Unfortunately, no known footage of Buckethead playing this SG exists, with only audio recordings potentially documenting its use, making it one of the more elusive guitars in his history.
In early 1996, Buckethead debuted his purple ESP MV. This vibrant guitar quickly became a feature in Deli Creeps shows and some Giant Robot performances. However, the purple ESP MV’s lifespan was tragically short, lasting only about four months due to an unfortunate accident. In April 1996, during a two-night guest appearance with Henry Kaiser and guitarist Mike Keneally (performing as “The Mistakes”), disaster struck backstage on the second night. According to Keneally, Buckethead was proudly showing off his ESP MV, expressing excitement about using it for an upcoming project with the legendary Shawn Lane. Later that night, in an infamous moment, Buckethead broke the headstock off the brand new guitar. Keneally recounted that Buckethead was visibly distraught backstage, repeatedly shaking his head and uttering “no…no.” The irony of the band’s name, “The Mistakes,” was not lost on anyone, adding a touch of dark humor to the unfortunate incident.
Shortly after the purple ESP MV’s demise, Buckethead replaced it with a similar-looking ESP M2. This ESP M2 became his main guitar for the remainder of 1996 and throughout 1997, providing a reliable and familiar instrument after the unfortunate accident.
In 1998, continuing his tradition of personalization, Buckethead modified his ESP M2, transforming it into the iconic ESP “Air Jordan.” He adorned the guitar with stickers, tags, and colored pickups, giving it a unique and recognizable aesthetic. The “Air Jordan” became one of Buckethead’s most famous guitars. In the mid-2000s, the “Air Jordan” was donated to the Hard Rock Café in Hollywood, Florida. As of 2018, it was still on display at the Hard Rock. However, the resort underwent a significant remodeling into a guitar-shaped hotel and casino. The current status of Buckethead’s “Air Jordan” at the remodeled Hard Rock remains uncertain, leaving fans hopeful that this iconic instrument is still preserved.
In January 1999, Buckethead performed a series of shows with the band Ben Wa, contributing to their album “Devil Dub.” During these performances, he used what appears to be a green Stratocaster, a guitar he seemingly never used again after this brief period. This green Strat remains another relatively obscure instrument in his extensive guitar history, associated with a specific, short-lived project.
In mid-1999, Buckethead began playing the visually striking Jackson Coopwood Y2KV. This guitar became a prominent fixture during his 1999 tour with Primus, notably at the Ozzfest festival. It was also featured in “The Ballad of Buckethead” music video and on the cover and promotional materials for his classic album “Monsters & Robots.” The Jackson Coopwood is also believed to be the first guitar on which Buckethead had his signature killswitch installed. Prior to this, he achieved the killswitch effect by toggling the guitar’s on/off switch. Like the “Air Jordan” ESP, the Coopwood Jackson was also donated to a Hard Rock Café, this time in Palm Springs, California, in the mid-2000s. However, this Hard Rock Café closed in 2018 and was replaced by the Hotel Zoso. The fate of the Jackson Coopwood remains unknown, leaving fans to wonder if it was relocated to another Hard Rock venue or acquired by the Hotel Zoso.
To complement his Jackson Coopwood, Buckethead also commissioned a custom Jackson Double Neck guitar. This unique instrument featured a bass neck on one side and a guitar neck on the other. He was seen playing the double neck on one occasion during a December 2000 show with Faith No More’s Mike Patton. Years later, in March 2016, Buckethead listed the double neck guitar for sale at $16,500. It remains unclear whether the guitar was actually sold, as no buyer has publicly come forward, suggesting it might still be in Buckethead’s possession.
Another Jackson guitar that entered Buckethead’s collection in 1999 was the iconic Jackson KV2 KFC Custom. With its distinctive KFC bucket graphic, this guitar became one of his most visually recognizable instruments. Buckethead used the KFC Custom extensively from 2000 to 2002, including reunion shows with Maximum Bob, solo performances, Bonnaroo with Les Claypool, and, most famously, during the majority of his shows with Guns N’ Roses. Travis Dickerson, Buckethead’s long-time producer, has stated that both the KFC Custom and the Coopwood guitars were used during recording sessions, including for the albums “Cobra Strike” and “Chicken Noodles.” Dickerson also mentioned that Buckethead used his brother’s 1969 Les Paul and his own Black Telecaster during these recording periods, indicating a broader range of guitars used in the studio.
In addition to the KFC Custom, Buckethead also played a Yamaha AES920 during some Guns N’ Roses shows. A photograph exists that appears to show Buckethead with the Yamaha backstage during his GNR days. The exact source and date of this photo are uncertain, with its earliest online appearance traced back to 2007. The Yamaha AES920 represents a less commonly seen guitar in his GNR-era collection, adding another layer to his diverse instrument choices.
Another rarely seen guitar that Buckethead brought out during his Guns N’ Roses tenure was a sunburst Les Paul with no fret markings. This guitar was used during GnR’s performance at the 2002 VMA awards. Buckethead’s website has also previously mentioned his ownership of a 1959 Les Paul Custom, stating that he “used on several Bill Laswell projects.” These Les Paul guitars, while not as frequently seen as his white Gibsons, hint at his appreciation for classic guitar designs and their application in specific musical contexts.
On January 1st, 2001, at the inaugural show of the “new” Guns N’ Roses, Buckethead debuted what would become his most iconic and enduring guitar: a white Gibson Les Paul. This white Gibson Les Paul became Buckethead’s primary instrument, used almost exclusively until 2009. In 2008, he occasionally substituted it with a black headstock version featuring two square killswitches, hinting at evolving preferences and modifications. Then, in November 2009, Gibson officially released the 27-inch scale Buckethead Les Paul signature series, complete with red arcade-style killswitches. These signature guitars became Buckethead’s main touring instruments until 2012. In June 2011, Gibson also launched the Buckethead Les Paul Studio guitar, which Buckethead has used on tour from 2016 to the present day. Many guitarists who have tested and compared the Signature and Studio models generally agree that, aside from neck color and price differences, they sound remarkably similar. Of all his guitars, the Gibson Les Paul, in its various iterations, has been Buckethead’s longest-serving instrument, and it is highly likely that he has used it to record the majority of his albums from the early 2000s to the present.
Beyond electric guitars, Buckethead’s acoustic instruments also deserve mention. His acoustic guitar of choice in the 1990s was a Gibson Chet Atkins with nylon strings. He used this model on tour in the late 90s and likely for recording his classic album “Colma.” He also revisited this model in the late 2000s for several performances. Another acoustic guitar in his collection is a Takamine EAN40C, purchased while touring Japan in early 1999. A Crafter D8 acoustic guitar was used for practice sets and was auctioned off for $1700 after his 2008 tour. Lastly, a Yamaha CPX Compass Series acoustic guitar was used on tour in 2005 and famously featured in the “Guitar One” lesson DVD. These acoustic guitars represent a quieter, more introspective side of Buckethead’s musical output.
In the realm of bass guitars, Buckethead primarily uses one notable instrument: a 1996 Vigier Excess Bass. He has played this bass for well over a decade, starting in the late 1990s. Remarkably, the same piece of tape remains stuck to the body, a testament to its consistent use and perhaps a touch of Buckethead’s practical approach to his gear.
Finally, while not a guitar, the banjo occasionally enters Buckethead’s musical landscape. He has been known to play the banjo during live shows and even released a somewhat haunting banjo album titled “Spinal Cracker.” The specific banjo models he uses remain less documented, appealing to banjo enthusiasts to identify them based on visual cues.
Throughout his prolific career, Buckethead has utilized a vast and diverse collection of guitars, each contributing to his evolving sound and stage persona. From the early Kramers and ESPs to his signature Gibson Les Pauls and foray into acoustic and bass instruments, his guitar choices reflect a journey of sonic exploration and artistic expression. While certain guitars like the KFC KV2 and Air Jordan have achieved iconic status among fans, each instrument in Buckethead’s collection tells a part of the story of this enigmatic and extraordinary guitarist.
