Lee Ranaldo

In an interview with Guitar World, about his Between The Times and The Tides solo album, Lee Renaldo says about the A&L AMI Steel String Guitar, "These songs were all written in the last year and a half, primarily on acoustic guitars. One in particular is a cheap little parlor-size acoustic guitar by a company called Art & Lutherie, part of Godin Guitars, and it is a killer guitar. I did a project producing somebody, and they had one of these guitars and it recorded really well, which is kind of amazing. I think at that point, they were $150 or something. I think they cost more than that now, but it is a killer little guitar, the kind of guitar you can drag around with you and beat up and not worry too much about it. I started writing them all on that guitar and some other acoustics."

In this photo, Lee Ranaldo can be seen with his signature Jazzmaster.

Sonic Youth's website states, about the Epiphone Casino used by Lee Ranaldo:

"Used by Lee: 2002-2005 2002 -- F#F#AAEE (Shadow of a Doubt) 2003 -- F#F#AAEE (Shadow of a Doubt) 2004 -- F#F#AAEE (Shadow of a Doubt) 2005 -- F#F#AAEE (Shadow of a Doubt) NOTES:

New Epiphone Casino used for "Shadow" on the North American Murray Street tour and beyond. Headstock broke off eventually. Red body 2 pickups Rosewood fretboard 2 f-holes Bigsby trem bar 4 knobs 1 toggle"

Sonic Youth's website provides this photo of the Epiphone Dot used by Lee Ranaldo, and states:

"Used by Lee: 2006-2009 2006 -- F#F#AAEE (Shadow of a Doubt) 2009 -- F#F#AAEE (Shadow of a Doubt) NOTES:

A replacement for Lee's old Epiphone Casino, which broke. Red body 2 pickups Black pickguard Rosewood fretboard 1 toggle switch 4 knobs Bigsby style tremolo"

On Sonic Youth's website, about Lee Ranaldo's Jaguar, it says:

"Used by Lee: 1992-1999 1992 -- ?? (Burning Spear) 1995 -- GGDDD#D# (Brother James) 1996? -- GGDDD#D# (Brother James) 1997 -- GGDGGA (Female Mechanic Now On Duty) & GGDEGB (Hoarfrost) 1998 -- GGDEGB (Hoarfrost) 1999 -- GGDEGB (Hoarfrost) NOTES:

Another of Lee's Jaguars, stolen in July 1999. Lee was using this as early as December 1992. Gauges: .046 .046 .028 .028 .017 .017 (GDEb) Blonde finish Serial # -- L98539 2 Tele Deluxe humbuckers when it was stolen, looks like it had a Dimarzio or something circa '95. Rosewood fretboard Switches intact 2 knobs Trem bar Tortoise shell pickguard Clover sticker Used by Lee in "Diamond Sea" video Listed as "CLOVER" on '95/'99 set lists."

Though originally, a 1965 Jazzmaster, Lee modified this guitar heavily to make it the "Jazzblaster".

"Purchased immediately after the gear theft in July 1999, this was originally played by Thurston during the remainder of the July gigs, then used by Lee afterwards. This might be the guitar Lee referenced in Guitar World, a 1965 Fender Jazzmaster fitted with Telecaster Deluxe pickups. Either way, this is a Jazzblaster now! It's one of Lee's main guitars, though as of 2009 it had become a back-up for the Lee Ranaldo signature model."

-Sonic Youth Website

Along with the brand new pickups, Nic Close, the guitar tech for Sonic Youth, recalled how Lee had taken out most of the extra electronics in his Jazzmaster to strip to a volume control and toggle switch for the pickups. Nic Close, who was also interviewed as a Sonic Youth tech, mentioned another modification regarding the replacement of the original Jazzmaster bridge with a Fender Jaguar bridge to improve its functionality. Nic Close and Jim Vincent were interviewed by Chrissy Mauck of Fender.

Sonic Youth's website states, about Lee Ranaldo's Fender Musicmaster:

"NOTES:

Used by Lee in "100%" video, no other known appearances. Blue body 1 single coil Maple fretboard White pickguard 2 knobs"

On Sonic Youth's [website](http://www.sonicyouth.com/mustang/eq/gtr25.html, it says, about Lee Ranaldo's Mustang:

"Used by Lee/Jim: 1987-2009 1987 -- EADGBE (Beat on the Brat, Loudmouth, I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You, Today Yr Love, Tomorrow The World, Hotwire My Heart) 1988 -- EEEEF#F# (Cross the Breeze) (probably) 1989 -- EEEEF#F# (Cross the Breeze) 1990 -- EEEEF#F# (Cross the Breeze) 1999 -- DFCDFF (Nevermind, Small Flowers Crack Concrete, NYC Ghosts & Flowers) 2000 -- DFCDFF (NYC Ghosts & Flowers - JIM) 2001 -- DFCDFF (NYC Ghosts & Flowers - JIM) 2004 -- ?? (Eric's Trip - JIM) 2007 -- EEEEF#F# (Cross the Breeze - LEE) 2008 -- EEEEF#F# (Cross the Breeze - LEE) 2009 -- EEEEF#F# (Cross the Breeze - LEE) NOTES:

The first of several Mustangs acquired by Lee, modified w/ a humbucker between the 2 single coils. After the gear theft in July '99, Lee dug this out to use on the new "nyc ghosts" material, then replaced it with a Jazzmaster for the 2000 tour, allowing Jim to use the Mustang. Lee returned to this guitar for 'Cross the Breeze' on the Daydream Nation shows beginning in '07. Sunburst body 2 black single coils, 1 humbucker taped in Rosewood fretboard Pearl pickguard Switches removed 2 knobs Infinity logo on upper wing Mastery bridge added circa 2009 Used by Lee in "Sugar Kane" video Listed as "MUSTANG" on 2000 set lists."

Sonic Youth's website states:

"Used by Lee: 2001-2007 2001 -- EEBEBB (Sympathy for the Strawberry, The Empty Page) 2002 -- EEBEBB (Sympathy for the Strawberry, The Empty Page) 2003 -- EEBEBB (Sympathy for the Strawberry, The Empty Page, Peace Attack) 2004 -- EEBEBB (The Empty Page, Peace Attack) 2005 -- EEBEBB (The Empty Page, Peace Attack) 2007 -- EEBEBB (The Empty Page) NOTES:

A Fender Subsonic first used on some new tunes in October 2001 (though it could have been used earlier, for all I know). This gtr is traditionally tuned down to BEADGB (like a 6-string 7-string) but Lee uses a tuning specific to E's and B's. Green body (not as blue as the picture looks!) 2 single-coils, humbucker in bridge Rosewood fretboard White pickguard 3 knobs Apple sticker Gauges: .054 .054 .026 .026 .017 .017 Listed as "subsonic" on 2002 set lists."

Sonic Youth's website says, about Lee Ranaldo's Thinline Deluxe:

"Used by Lee: 1983-2009 198? (earlier?) -- EADECD/EADGBE 1983 -- EADECD/EADGBE (World Looks Red, Confusion is Sex, Shaking Hell, Making the Nature Scene, I Wanna Be Yr Dog, The Good and the Bad) 1985 -- D#D#C#C#GG (I Love Her All The Time) & EADECD/EADGBE (World Looks Red, Confusion is Sex, Making the Nature Scene, Burning Spear) 1986 -- F#F#GGAA (Tom Violence, White Kross, Burning Spear) & EADECD (World Looks Red) 1987 -- F#F#GGAA (Tom Violence, White Kross) 1989 -- EADECD (World Looks Red) & EADGBE (I Wanna Be Yr Dog) 1990 -- EEBBEF# (Dirty Boots) & F#F#GGAA (Tom Violence, White Kross) 1991 -- F#F#GGAA (Tom Violence, White Kross) 1992 -- F#F#GGAA (Tom Violence, White Kross, Drunken Butterfly) 1993 -- F#F#GGAA (Tom Violence, White Kross, Drunken Butterfly) 1995 -- F#F#GGAA (Tom Violence, White Kross) 1996 -- F#F#GGAA (Tom Violence, White Kross) 1999 -- F#F#GGAA (Tom Violence, White Kross) STOLEN 1999, RETURNED 2005 2006 -- D#A#D#BC#F# (Rats, Jams Run Free) 2007 -- D#A#D#BC#F# (Rats, Jams Run Free) 2008 -- D#A#D#BC#F# (Jams Run Free) 2009 -- D#A#D#BC#F# (Jams Run Free) NOTES:

Lee owned this early '70s Tele Deluxe for nearly 20 years, dating back to pre-Sonic Youth days. It was his primary "screwdriver guitar" in the early 80s, shuffled tunings in the late 80s and basically remained in F#GA until it was stolen on July 4th, 1999 in California. It was surprisingly returned to the band in 2005 along with his 'Target' Travis Bean, which was in considerably worse condition. The Tele was returned to playable condition and though 'Shaking Hell' and 'World Looks Red' became staples of the 'Rather Ripped' tour, this guitar was instead used in a new tuning for 2 Rather Ripped tunes. Gauges: .046 .046 .026 .026 .017 .017 (F#GA) Brown finish before theft, now blue F-hole 2 humbuckers Originally had a maple fretboard neck, which was replaced with a rosewood fretboard neck at some point between 1987 and 1989 Originally had no pickguard, pearl pickguard added in 1983, black pickguard added circa mid-80s 1 slider switch 2 knobs Circular sticker (unknown) Infinity sticker USA flag sticker Serial # -- 370090 Played by Lee in "Death Valley '69" & "Mildred Pierce" videos Listed as "F.HOLE" on '95 set lists. Listed as "TELE 2" on '99 set lists. Kurt Cobain borrowed this guitar to guest with Mudhoney on 'The Money Will Roll Right In' during their opening set for Sonic Youth in Castaic Lake on September 26th, 1992."

On Sonic Youth's website, about Lee Ranaldo's Fender Teleaster Deluxe, it is said:

"Used by Lee: 1992-2009 1992 -- GGBDGA (Sugar Kane, Genetic) & ? (100% on Letterman) 1993 -- GGBDGA (Sugar Kane, Genetic) 1995 -- EADECD (World Looks Red) 1999 -- EADECD (World Looks Red - on set, not played) 2000 -- F#F#GGAA (Tom Violence, White Kross) 2001 -- F#F#GGAA (Tom Violence, White Kross, She Is Not Alone?) 2002 -- F#F#GGAA (White Kross, Drunken Butterfly) & EBEEAB (Eric's Trip, Kissability) 2003 -- F#F#GGAA (White Kross, Drunken Butterfly) & EBEEAB (Eric's Trip, Kissability) 2004 -- F#F#GGAA (White Kross, Tom Violence, Drunken Butterfly) 2005 -- F#F#GGAA (White Kross, Tom Violence, Drunken Butterfly) 2006 -- EADECD (Shaking Hell, World Looks Red) 2007 -- EADECD (Shaking Hell, World Looks Red) 2008 -- EADECD (Shaking Hell, World Looks Red) 2009 -- EADECD (Shaking Hell, World Looks Red) NOTES:

The third of Lee's early 70s Tele Deluxes. Gauges: .042 .042 .036 .026 .017 .017 (GGBDGA) Brown body 2 humbuckers Maple fretboard 1 toggle switch 4 knobs Black pickguard Obscene fruit sticker "3" sticker Chord chart for some song (Shaking Hell? Sugar Kane?) taped to gtr String gauges for F#GA: .046 .046 .026 .026 .017 .017 Gauges for EADECD: .054 .042 .028 .028 .020 .02? Listed as "TELE3" on '99 set lists. Listed as "TELE" or "F#GA" on 2000 set lists. Listed as "tele 3" on 2002 set lists."

According to Sonic Youth's website, Lee Ranaldo used a Fender Electric XII:

"Used by Lee: 2000-2009 2000 -- CGCCGA#/C (Free City Rhymes, Renegade Princess) 2001 -- CGCCGA#/C (Free City Rhymes, Renegade Princess) 2003 -- EG#EG#EG# (Expressway) 2004 -- EG#EG#EG# (Paper Cup Exit, PCH, Expressway) 2005 -- EG#EG#EG# (Paper Cup Exit, PCH, Expressway) 2006 -- EG#EG#EG# (PCH, Expressway) ? 2007 -- EG#EG#EG# (Expressway) ? 2008 -- EG#EG#EG# (Expressway) ? 2009 -- EG#EG#EG# (Expressway, PCH) NOTES:

Purchased as a replacement for the Fender 12 stolen in July 1999. Strung up with 10 strings instead of 12 -- the bottom 2 weren't doubled up. Replaced by the Deimel 12-string in 2006, Lee seems to have returned to the Fender. Not sure specifically when the transition occurred. Sunburst body 12-string neck 3 jazz-style pickups Rosewood fretboard Tortoise shell pickguard 1 toggle switch 2 knobs Tuning written on tape on body. Listed as "12ST" on 2000 set lists. Listed as "Fender 12" on 2004 sets."

On Sonic Youth's website it says, about Ranaldo's Fernandes Native Pro:

"Used by Lee: 2000 2000 -- DDDDAA (Schizophrenia) NOTES:

The Native Pro is a Sustainer model guitar endorsed by Lee in the late 90s. Black body 2 humbuckers Fender vibrato tailpiece added Rosewood fretboard 1 toggle switch 3 knobs White pickguard Trem bar"

Sonic Youth's website says, about Lee Ranaldo's Fernandes Stratocaster:

"Used by Lee: 1989-2009 1989 -- AAEEAA (Silver Rocket, Candle) 1990 -- AAEEAA (Silver Rocket) & BBEEAA (Cinderella's Big Score) 1992 -- AAEEAA (Silver Rocket, Theresa's Sound-World, Youth Against Fascism, Burning Spear, On The Strip) 1993 -- AAEEAA (Candle, Theresa's Sound-World) 1995 -- AAEEAA (Silver Rocket, Candle) 2002 -- AAEEAA (Silver Rocket, Candle) 2003 -- AAEEAA (Candle) 2004 -- AAEEAA (Silver Rocket) 2006 -- AAEEAA (Silver Rocket, Candle) 2007 -- AAEEAA (Silver Rocket, Candle) 2008 -- AAEEAA (Silver Rocket, Candle) 2009 -- AAEEAA (Silver Rocket) NOTES:

A mid-80s Fernandes Strat copy used exclusively for AAEEAA up until 1996, then returned to when "Candle" and "Silver Rocket" re-entered the set in 2002. Gauges: .046 .046 .028 .028 .017 .017 Purple body 3 single coil pickups Rosewood fretboard White pickguard 3 knobs "Larissa" photo duct taped behind tailpiece (circa '89) Played by Lee in "Candle" "Mildred Pierce" & "Cinderella's Big Score" videos Listed as "pink fern." on 2002 set lists."

Sonic Youth's website says, about Lee Ranaldo's Les Paul Custom:

"Used by Lee:

2006 -- D#D#A#D#GG (Incinerate, Rapture?, Pink Steam) & DD#A#D#GC (Sleepin' Around) 2007 -- D#D#A#D#GG (Incinerate, Rapture?, Pink Steam) 2008 -- D#D#A#D#GG (Incinerate, Rapture?, Pink Steam) 2009 -- D#D#A#D#GG (Pink Steam) NOTES:

For Sonic Youth's performance on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", Thurston had to borrow a Les Paul because his maroon one was unavailable. He liked it so much, he bought his own, which he began using on the west coast tour that started 2 days later. However, he continued using the maroon one more frequently. A few years later, Lee adopted it as one of his main 'Rather Ripped' guitars. Dark tobacco sunburst finish 2 humbuckers Rosewood fretboard 1 toggle switch 4 knobs Black pick guard"

On Sonic Youth's website it says, about Lee Ranaldo's Les Paul Deluxe:

"Used by Lee: 1991-1999 1991 -- D#D#C#C#G#G# (I Love Her All The Time) 1993 -- GGCGCD (Bull in the Heather, Starfield Road, In The Mind of The Bourgeois Reader, Self-Obsessed & Sexxee) 1994 -- GGCGCD (Bull in the Heather, Starfield Road, Self-Obsessed & Sexxee) 1995 -- GGCGCD (Bull in the Heather, Starfield Road, Self-Obsessed & Sexxee, Washing Machine, No Queen Blues, Unwind) 1996 -- GGCGCD (Bull in the Heather, Starfield Road, Self-Obsessed & Sexxee, Washing Machine, No Queen Blues, Unwind) 1999 -- GGCGCD (Bull in the Heather, Starfield Road) NOTES:

Lee began using this mid-70s Gibson Les Paul Custom extensively on the early '91 tour w/ Neil Young & Crazy Horse. Its neck broke 3 or 4 times during the tour and had to be repaired by Neil's tech. This guitar was used in a new tuning on a large portion of "Experimental Jet Set..." and it remained in that tuning until its theft in July 1999. Gauges: .056 .056 .028 .024 .020 .020 (GGCGCD) Red sparkle finish 2 single coils, 1 humbucker Rosewood fretboard 1 toggle switch 4 knobs 2 coil taps Serial # -- 512510 Listed as "L.P." on '95 set lists. Listed as "LES PAUL" on '99 set lists."

Sonic Youth's website reads:

"Used by Thurston/Kim/Lee: 1999-2004 1999 -- CGGDDD (THURSTON) & FGCFAF# (Nevermind, Small Flowers Crack Concrete, Side2Side, StreamXSonik Subway, NYC Ghosts & Flowers, Lightnin' - THURSTON) 2000 -- FGCFAF# (Nevermind, Side2Side, NYC Ghosts & Flowers, Lightnin' - THURSTON) 2001 -- FGCFAF# (Nevermind, Side2Side, NYC Ghosts & Flowers, Lightnin' - THURSTON) 2002 -- FGCFAF# (Nevermind - THURSTON) 2004 -- EBEEAB (Eric's Trip - LEE) NOTES:

Purchased immediately after the gear theft in July 1999, this was originally played by Kim during the remainder of the July gigs, then used by Thurston during songwriting for "nyc ghosts & flowers". In July of 2000, he replaced it with a "real" Les Paul, but seems to have continued using the Maroon one instead. Apparently Lee began using this guitar in 2004. This was still in Lee's box of reserve guitars at the 07/28/09 show, with GGCGCD on the back of the headstock, so it was possibly used for 'Bull' as well. Maroon body 2 pickups Rosewood fretboard 1 toggle switch 4 knobs Black pickguard Rectangular sticker Gauges for FGCFAF# = .064 .062 .036 .028 .020 .017 Listed as "MAROON" on 2000 set lists."

Sonic Youth's website states:

"Used by Kim/Lee/Jim: 1999-2005 1999 -- GGDDGG (LEE) & DGDDBB (Free City Rhymes, Renegade Princess - KIM) 2000 -- DGDDBB (Free City Rhymes, Renegade Princess - KIM) 2001 -- DGDDBB (Free City Rhymes - KIM) 2005 -- GGDEGB (Unma it is said:

de Bed, Paper Cup Exit, I Love You Golden Blue, Peace Attack, Rain on Tin, Mote - JIM) NOTES:

Purchased immediately after the gear theft in July 1999, this was originally played by Lee during the remainder of the July gigs, then used by Kim for "nyc ghosts" material. Jim later replaced his Tele Deluxe for GGDEGB with this guitar in 2005. Mustard yellow body 2 pickups Rosewood fretboard 1 toggle switch, taped up 4 knobs Black pickguard Listed as "MUSTARD" on 2000 set lists."

The Gibson Marauder used by Lee Ranaldo is talked about on Sonic Youth's website:

"Used by Lee/Thurston: 1985-1986 1985 -- F#F#F#F#EB (?? - Lee) & EG#EG#EG# (Expressway - THURSTON) 1986 -- EG#EG#EG# (Expressway - THURSTON) NOTES:

I'd originally thought this was just Thurston's 'Expressway' guitar, but apparently Lee used it on the April '85 tour of Europe, and probably traded it over to Thurston around the time 'Expressway' was written in June. It was stolen just before the 11/22/86 show in NYC. In September 2006, the original 'Expressway' guitar mysteriously reappeared in the hands of a Sonic tech -- completely stripped and beaten up. Yellow body Humbucker in neck, slanted single coil in bridge Rosewood fretboard 1 toggle switch 2 knobs"

Sonic Youth's website states, about Lee Ranaldo's Gibson RD Artist:

"Used by Lee/Thurston: 1993-1999 1993 -- EG#EG#EG# (PCH - Lee) 1994? -- EG#EG#EG# (PCH - Lee) 1995 -- EG#EG#EG# (PCH, Expressway - Lee) 1996? -- EG#EG#EG# (PCH, Expressway - Lee) 1999 -- EG#EG#EG# (Expressway - Thurston) NOTES:

The RD Artist had onboard electronics for sound modulation, which were removed. This guitar was stolen in July 1999. I've never actually seen Thurston using this but set lists from February '99 indicate it was his "Expressway" and "PCH" guitar (the latter of which was not played). Reddish body 2 humbuckers Rosewood fretboard Black pickguard Controls removed Serial # -- 71218092 Listed as "RD-1" on '95 set lists. Listed as "GIBSON RD" on '99 set lists."

Sonic Youth's website says, about Lee Ranaldo's Gibson SG:

"Used by Lee: 1990-1992 1990 -- EBEEAB (Eric's Trip) 1991 -- EBEEAB (Eric's Trip) 1992 -- GGDDD#D# (Orange Rolls, Angel's Spit) Used by Jim: 2004

2004 -- GGDDD#D# (Dripping Dream, Stones, Skip Tracer, Nature Scene, Brother James, Bull in the Heather, White Kross, 100%, Mote, etc) NOTES:

A Gibson SG used briefly by Lee for "Eric's Trip" until he replaced it with the competition Mustang. This is probably the same one featured as a prop for Kim in the "Addicted to Love" video, but I'm not sure. May have also been used for "I Love Her All The Time" (and "Nic Fit"?) in 1992 or 1993... (in D#C#G# tuning) Red body 1 humbucker taped in neck, stock SG p/u in bridge Rosewood fretboard 4 knobs? Bigsby vibrato"

On Sonic Youth's website, a Hagstrom Viking Deluxe AM is listed among Lee Ranaldo's gear, and it says:

"Used by Lee: 1985 1985 -- ?? NOTES:

A sunburst Hagstrom Viking can be seen at Lee's feet in a picture from the March/April 1985 Europe tour. I've never seen this elsewhere and can't even guess what it might have been used for. Sunburst body 2 pickups Rosewood fretboard Black pickguard 2 f-holes"

Sonic Youth's website states:

"Used by Lee: 1987-1990 1987 -- EADGBE (I Wanna Be Yr Dog) 1988 -- GGC#DGG (The Wonder, Hyperstation) (probably) 1989 -- GGC#DGG (The Wonder, Hyperstation) 1990 -- F#F#GGAA (White Kross) & F#F#F#F#EB (Kool Thing) NOTES:

The first Les Paul used in the band, an old Harmony copy soon replaced by a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (not sure what happened to this one). May still have been used for Kool Thing towards the very beginning of the Neil Young tour. Sunburst finish 2 humbuckers Rosewood fretboard 1 toggle switch 4 knobs 1 toggle White pickguard Return to the Sonic"

On Sonic Youth's website it says:

"Used by Lee: 1996 1996 -- DAADDA (Junkie's Promise) NOTES:

It's been confirmed that this odd guitar, manufactured for Lee by Tim Knight of Guitar Castle in Salem, Oregon, was used on Junkie's Promise. This guitar was touring with the Sensational Fix exhibit. Gauges: .048 .036 .026 .017 .017 .014 Red body 2 single coils Rosewood fretboard 2 switches for each pickup 2 knobs Silver pickguard Torn flower sticker"

Sonic Youth's website says:

"Used by Lee: 1985-1987 1985 -- EG#EG#EG# (Expressway, Inhuman) 1986 -- EG#EG#EG# (Expressway) 1987 -- EG#EG#EG# (Expressway) NOTES:

This 12-string is a copy of the Vox Mark VII. If you'd like to see pictures of one up close (not Lee's), check out this site. Blue teardrop shaped body 3 single coils Rosewood fretboard White pickguard 3 knobs Trem bar"

"A bearded Lee did endorsements for both the Fernandes Sustainer models: Native Pro and Vertigo Pro. Lee had them add a Jazzmaster style vibrato to both guitars, and he used the Vertigo on the 1999 tour (referring to it as a 'Fernandes Jazzmaster'). It was stolen in July 1999." - Sonic Youth's Site.

"After exchanging the Viper with Thurston, Lee used this guitar for F#F#F#F#EB on the American EVOL tours, and later for "PCH". While the neck had me fooled into thinking this was a Fender, I suspect that was exactly the intention behind Hondo's "Fame" logo. It's finally been identified, though!"- Chris Lawrence.