Some of you who’ve been watching the artist in the act, know that Ed Sheeran has a signature when it comes to the types of guitars he plays just like the music that he creates.
He usually plays small body, acoustic guitars which form an important aspect of his personality. Further, we shall analyze the question of what guitars does Ed Sheeran use throughout his life, showcasing the highlights of his instrument collection and the reasons for such choices for different periods in his life.
We will also explore how these guitars play a role in his overall personality, especially in music-making.
The Little Martin LX1 and LX1E: Ed Sheeran’s Favorite Acoustics
The best performance instrument that may be related to Ed Sheeran is the Martin LX1 and LX1E Little Martin. Ed has used these ¾ scale acoustic guitars probably since his first gigs.
Ed sneaked out with his $700 ¾ size Martin LX1 Acoustics. On the road, distance can be a problem for most of us, and hence traveling light is of utmost importance for Sheeran as a performing artist.
However, this is not the case with this guitar. Even with the dimensions, this guitar performs and gives a very good sounding ambiance that even matches Ed’s style of adding rhythm to his singing.
Sheeran also plays a Martin LX1E, which he says is an electric-acoustic one but has a Fishman Sonitone installed, enabling him to plug in without losing tonal fidelity.
The best thing about these guitars is their structural integrity, making them quite good in live shows and frequent flying. Different versions of the LX1, including custom ones like the ‘Divide’ and ‘Multiply’ signature editions, have also been utilized by Sheeran.
Sheeran by Lowden
In past years, Ed Sheeran’s musical journey opened up new horizons with Sheeran by Lowden guitars, particularly the Lowden WL-35. This “Wee Lowden” model maintains the same small dimension as the Little Martins but differs in sound.
It has Alpine Spruce as a top wood and Guatemalan Rosewood as a side, which produces quite a nice tonal balance that Sheeran seems to like.
Lowden and Sheeran have collaborated on several signature models, including the Sheeran by Lowden series. Sheeran imparts his touch to each of these guitars through the materials used and uses them on stage or in the recording studio, often with premium travel cases.
Martin 00-28VS Custom
Another attractive guitar in his collection is the Martin 00-28VS Custom owned by Ed Sheeran. This small body vintage guitar with narrow shoulders is quite bright, as it has a well-defined mid-range, which works well with Sheeran’s ballads.
Its body includes figured Koa, a warm and resonant wood, and its body design complements Sheeran’s style.
The 00-28VS is bigger than the LX1, but this doesn’t compromise the feeling of compactness, which is important in Sheeran’s highly active performances based on looping. This guitar is often used for songs requiring a mellow sound.
Electric Guitars: Ed’s Brief Exploration of Rock
While Ed Sheeran is known as an acoustic artist, he does have electric guitars and uses them occasionally, the most popular being the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster.
A guitar that has its high end cut out and has diversity, this Stratocaster suits his blues songs and solos. Some graffiti, including that of Crash, features on this guitar, making it a signature favorite for Sheeran.
He pairs this guitar with his Vox AC30 amplifier, exploring rock and blues tones in his performances.
Overview: Ed Sheeran’s Guitars in a Table
| Guitar Model | Body Type | Notable Features | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin LX1E Little Martin | ¾ Acoustic | Fishman Sonitone electronics | Live, Studio |
| Lowden WL-35 | Acoustic | Walnut, Spruce | Performed Live |
| Martin 00-28VS Custom | Acoustic | Figured Koa body, Custom-made design | Mellow Songs |
| Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster | Electric | Single-coil pickups, Clapton’s signature | Electric Performances |
| Sheeran by Lowden S-01 | Acoustic | Cedar top, Fingerstyle guitar | Signature Model |
Why Does Ed Sheeran Use Smaller Guitars?
One of the most common questions people ask is why Ed Sheeran prefers smaller guitars. There are several reasons for this:
- Ease of Carrying: Little instruments such as the Little Martin LX1E are easy to carry, perfect for Sheeran’s travel-heavy lifestyle.
- Clarity of Sound: Smaller guitars offer a more compact sound, complementing Sheeran’s use of loops and layers.
- Comfort: Sheeran’s long and percussion-driven performances require a guitar that’s comfortable to use over time.
- Versatility: Despite their size, these guitars can deliver a powerful sound suitable for various types of music.
What Strings and Accessories Does Ed Use?
Sheeran uses Elixir Nanoweb strings gauged 12-53 for his acoustics, with phosphor bronze. These are his go-to strings for tours and performances due to their strength and clarity. To enhance his sound, he also relies on loop stations, particularly the Boss RC-30 Loop Station.
Conclusion
In conclusion, What guitars does Ed Sheeran use are a key part of his signature sound. From the sturdy Martin LX1E to the intricate Lowden WL-35, each guitar complements a different aspect of his performance.
Whether you’re a budding songwriter or a fan, understanding his guitar choices provides deeper insight into his music-making process.
For a similar style, consider a ¾ sized guitar like the Martin LX1 or a Sheeran by Lowden to replicate the clear, warm tones characteristic of Ed Sheeran’s music.
