Johnny Cash

While discussing the nuances of choosing vocals mikes in this R / E / P forum thread, producer J.J. Blair mentioned his use of the U47 on Cash.

I will choose a U47 typically for a male singer who has any texture in his voice, if it's not "airy." If I use my C12 or Manley Gold on those singers, I can't add compression without bringing out that throat texture in an unflattering way.

I'll name drop here, simply because you know these voices: I used a U47 on Johnny Cash, because it captures perfectly that granite resonance in his voice. On Rod Stewart, who has texture, but lets a lot of air pass through his throat, I used the C12 to capture that air. His texture was more crackle, where John was gravel.

While discussing recording Bob Dylan in this Mix Online interview, producer Bob Johnston also mentions using a U47 on Cash anecdotally.

I always used three microphones on Dylan, 'cause his head spun around so much. I used a big [Neumann] U47 on him, same as I used on Johnny Cash later.

It was also mentioned by Johnston in this May 2010 Sound on Sound "Classic Tracks" interview about the recording of Bob Dylan's "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands".

"What I used on his vocals — and what I used on Johnny Cash, Patti Paige [sic], Marty Robbins and many others — was a [Neumann] U47 microphone with a power pack,” Johnston explains. "It was the old one and nothing was better."

Johnny Cash can be seen using the Martin D-28 guitar in this photo, which is also confirmed by Martin's official website.

Johnny Cash used Fender Malibu acoustic guitar in perform of "Ring Of Fire" from 1968 at the Ryman Auditorium (Grand Ole Opry).

Johnny Cash, the legendary "Man in Black," was known for his deep connection to Martin guitars, including the Martin D-42JC. This signature series guitar is distinct not only for its black finish, which aligns with Cash's iconic style, but also for its unique features, such as the custom fretboard inlays and a three-piece back, similar to the D-35. The D-42JC is a hybrid model that stands out from traditional D-42s, embodying both style and substance in tribute to Cash's musical legacy. A user-uploaded photo on Hubimg showcases Johnny Cash with this distinctive instrument, highlighting its significance in his collection.

Johnny Cash had a special connection with the Martin D-35 Acoustic guitar, highlighted on the Martin Guitar website, which offers a signature edition in his honor.

In this photo, we can see Cash with the Martin F9.

In the image, Johnny Cash is seen playing a Fender Telecaster while performing with Waylon Jennings.

Johnny Cash can be seen playing his Gibson J-200 in this image.

Music Radar writes in this article "The guitar: Generally a Martin man who favoured D-28s, Cash had his fair share of Gibsons, and also had a custom Martin D-35."

According to Uber Pro Audio, Cash used these medium strings on his acoustics.

In this video we can see Johnny using his Guild D60CSBE guitar, at 0:24 into the video you can see it better. The very same guitar is hanging in his museum as you can see in the picture.

Mentioned in this Facebook post by SugarHill Recording Studios.

RCA released the 77 DX in 1954. This gem of a mic has a very dynamic frequency response depending on the angle in which it is positioned. It has recorded countless legends including Al Green, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash and more!! It is still widely used today especially for recording Brass instruments. Come try it for yourself.

In their description of the "Johnny Cash Capo", a newer Cash inspired product of Dunlop, they are saying that Cash used a "trusty" Victor.

he used this guitar in the johnny cash show

The Jim Dunlop Johnny Cash Capo is named in honor of Johnny Cash, highlighting its connection to the legendary musician.

Used for vocals, as stated anecdotally by producer David Ferguson in this May 4, 2016 Mix Online interview about Sturgill Simpson's A Sailor's Guide to Earth.

Also in Simpson’s vocal chain: the same UA 6176 pre that Ferguson used with Johnny Cash, and a rented Fairchild 660.

A 1984 DY56BB with serial number 53444, which belonged to Cash before he sold it on November 26, 1985 to a certain Virginia Hallett, was auctioned via Heritage Auctions on October 6, 2006 as Lot #22288 of Music/Entertainment Memorabilia Signature Auction #634.

November 26, 1985 note of sale

11-26-85

Sold to Virginia Hallett my blue Alvarez guitar w/case for the sum of $500.00.

John Cash

Auction description

Johnny Cash Used Guitar. This gorgeous blue Alvarez guitar originally belonged to Country music legend Johnny Cash. It was purchased by Cash family friend Virginia Hallet in 1985 at a Christmas showing and sale held by June Carter Cash, who owned a matching guitar that was sold at auction two years ago. In Excellent condition, the guitar includes a copy of a handwritten letter of provenance from Johnny himself.

Cash can be seen wearing Ace guitar straps in photographs from his November 8, 1966 performance at Folsom Prison (taken for Sacramento Union: here and here), in photographs from the January 13, 1968 performances that became At Folsom Prison (taken by Michael Ochs and Dan Poush: here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here), and throughout the concert movie for At Saint Quentin (February 4, 1969) starting at 1:43.

A 1987 photograph by renowned photographer and Cash family friend Alan Messer, featured on the cover of Johnny Cash's "Songwriter" album, depicts Johnny Cash with a unique 1976 Gallagher G-70 guitar. This instrument, custom-ordered and gifted to him by a close family member, is reputed to be the first black-topped guitar built by Gallagher. It was kept at his cabin in Hendersonville, TN, throughout the 70's, 80's, & early 90's and was used extensively in creating his music during that time period. The photo serves as evidence of Cash's use of this particular Gallagher Dreadnought guitar.