Share What Guitar Did Steve Cropper Play?

Okay, so you’re curious about what guitar Steve Cropper played. That’s a great question!

Steve Cropper is known for his signature sound, and a big part of that comes from his choice of guitars. On early Stax recordings, Cropper is known to have used a 1956 Fender Esquire, later switching to a blonde Fender Telecaster. The Esquire and Telecaster have distinct characteristics that make them perfect for the kind of rhythm guitar work Cropper was known for.

The Esquire is a single-pickup guitar, which gives it a raw and punchy tone. The Telecaster has two pickups, offering more tonal versatility. Both guitars are known for their bright, clear sound, which cuts through a mix and delivers that signature “Stax” sound. Cropper’s guitar playing was so influential that the Beatles themselves were big fans of his work. They even cited his work with Otis Redding as an inspiration.

Let’s talk a bit more about the details of Cropper’s guitar choices:

The Fender Esquire: The Esquire is a stripped-down version of the Telecaster, with only a single pickup. This makes it a simple and direct guitar, perfect for playing rhythm parts with a strong, powerful sound. Cropper likely favored the Esquire for its clarity and punch, which were perfect for the Stax sound.
The Blonde Fender Telecaster: Cropper’s transition to the Telecaster gave him a wider range of tonal options. With its two pickups, the Telecaster could be used to create a more varied sound, from crisp and clear to warm and full. Cropper’s iconic Telecaster was a blonde model with a maple neck, which gave it that distinct bright sound.

Beyond the guitars themselves, Cropper’s use of effects played a crucial role in shaping his sound. He was known for using a simple combination of effects, including tremolo and distortion. These effects helped to create a unique and memorable sound that would become synonymous with his style.

So there you have it. Steve Cropper’s choice of guitars, the Fender Esquire and the Fender Telecaster, helped him create some of the most iconic rhythm guitar parts in music history. His playing style and his guitar choices have inspired generations of guitarists, and he continues to be a major influence in the world of music.