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Description

The Doug Irwin "Tiger" Guitar is a legendary piece of craftsmanship that has captivated musicians and collectors alike. Known for its beautiful artistry and remarkable sound quality, this solid body electric guitar is a tribute to the rich history of rock music. Originally crafted for Jerry Garcia, the "Tiger" guitar is celebrated for its distinctive design and superb tonal versatility.

The body of the guitar is made from a combination of exotic woods, which contribute to its unique sound profile and visual appeal. Its intricate inlays and custom hardware make it a standout piece in any collection. The guitar is equipped with a trio of high-output humbucking pickups that provide a wide array of tonal options, from warm, mellow tones to bright, cutting leads. The custom onboard effects loop allows for seamless integration of effects, giving players the power to expand their sonic possibilities on stage or in the studio.

This instrument is perfect for guitarists who are looking for a reliable and versatile guitar with a deep connection to music history. Whether you're a collector or a performer, the Doug Irwin "Tiger" Guitar offers a unique blend of style and substance that few instruments can match.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar design
  • Exotic wood construction for unique sound and appearance
  • Three high-output humbucking pickups
  • Custom onboard effects loop for enhanced versatility
  • Intricate inlays and custom hardware
  • Originally designed for legendary guitarist Jerry Garcia

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Doug Irwin "Tiger" Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • Tiger guitar features a super flat 16" neck radius with 24 frets on a 25.5" scale length.

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  • The Eastwood Tiger includes a middle humbucker and Alembic-style preamp, offering instant Jerry Garcia tones.

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Comparisons

  • The neck profile of a Tiger replica by Phiga is noted as a deep/chunky C, but it's unclear if this matches the original.

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  • An owner noted that Eastwood's Tiger guitar offers better value than Phred with upgrades, due to included hardware and electronics.

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User experience

  • Owners of Phiga replicas report high satisfaction, with one stating it was only sold to make way for a custom build.

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  • One buyer noted the Eastwood Tiger's chunky neck, which may not suit fans of slim necks.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some users reported buzzing on high strings; replacing the brass nut resolved the issue.

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Build quality

  • The Eastwood Tiger features a solid maple-walnut-maple body with a through-neck and ebony fretboard.

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Critic Reviews

Jerry Garcia’s Tiger and Rosebud: A Look at the Last Guitars He Played Onstage | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

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Artist usage

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See how Jerry Garcia uses Doug Irwin "Tiger" Guitar

Jerry Garcia

Guitarist, Singer

Grateful Dead

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Verified via Photo

Jerry Garcia had Alembic Guitars' Doug Irwin custom build a new guitar to use in 1979 after his Travis Bean guitar. He named the guitar 'Tiger' for the unique mother-of-pearl inlay of a Japanese-style drawing of a Tiger. More details can be read on this page.

See how Derek Trucks uses Doug Irwin "Tiger" Guitar

Derek Trucks

Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

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Verified via Instagram

Derek Trucks is confirmed to use the Doug Irwin "Tiger" Guitar, as evidenced by an Instagram post by farmer_doug1, which features a video of Trucks playing the instrument. The post, captioned "Derek Trucks playing Jerry Garcia’s guitar that was purchased for $11.5M yesterday," was made during a Tedeschi Trucks Band performance at the Beacon Theatre on March 13, 2026.

Genre Usage

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