Spike Lee requested Prince to sign his guitar - the response took him by surprise
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In the world of music, few artists have had as profound an impact on guitar playing as Prince. From his electrifying solos to his unique taste in instruments, Prince's legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide. Let's delve into some fascinating stories behind a few of his iconic guitars.
At the White House in June 2015, Prince played the Vox HDC-77 semi-hollow guitar for President Barack Obama. This guitar, after captivating the President, found a new home when Prince gifted it to Donna Grantis, a member of his band during the 3rdeyegirl era. The Vox HDC-77 was later auctioned with a price tag of $350,000.
During the same era, Prince forged a guitar tandem with Grantis, and their collaboration was evident in many performances, including Grantis playing the Purple Rain guitar solo with Prince watching. It's worth noting that Prince had a penchant for eye-catching guitars, such as the Cloud guitars and a Sadowsky-made Telecaster.
Another iconic guitar in Prince's arsenal was the Auerswald Symbol electric guitar. This model, with its maple body, locking tremolo, active single coil in the neck, and EMG humbucker in the bridge, was the one he played throughout the '90s. One of these guitars was sent to Spike Lee and can be seen in the videos for Endorphinmachine and Gold. Interestingly, the White model of the Auerswald Symbol was featured in the promo for Prince's 19th studio album, Emancipation.
The Auerswald Symbol guitar sent to Spike Lee was built by luthier Jerry Auerswald. However, the story behind how it came to be in Spike Lee's hands is a bit more intriguing. Initially, Spike Lee asked Prince for one of his signature guitars, but he was not met with a warm response. However, Prince later sent Lee an Auerswald Symbol electric guitar, which some suggest was an "act of revenge." This act is said to be due to Prince feeling snubbed by Rolling Stone, as an unreleased documentary suggests that his While My Guitar Gently Weeps solo at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was an act of revenge.
In conclusion, Prince's guitar collection and the stories behind them are as captivating as his music. From his collaboration with Donna Grantis to the intriguing story of the Auerswald Symbol guitar sent to Spike Lee, these instruments serve as a testament to Prince's unique talent and enduring legacy.
- Prince's unique taste in instruments extended to eye-catching guitars like the Cloud guitars and a Sadowsky-made Telecaster.
- At a performance, Donna Grantis, a member of Prince's band during the 3rdeyegirl era, played the Purple Rain guitar solo with Prince watching.
- One of Prince's Auerswald Symbol electric guitars was sent to Spike Lee, an act some suggest was an "act of revenge".
- The Vox HDC-77 guitar, gifted by Prince to Donna Grantis, was later auctioned with a price tag of $350,000.
- The Prince's collection of guitars and the stories behind them reflect his unique talent and enduring legacy in the world of music and pop-culture.
