Steve Marriott - Guitars

Guitars

• Gretsch 6120 (various models) – during the Small Faces, Marriott used the original brown Gretsch 6120 (various models). Most Small Faces tracks would have been recorded with this guitar. Marriott also used a brown model at the beginning of Humble Pie.
• Fender Telecaster – used towards the end of the Small Faces (1968). Marriott fattened its sound by replacing the neck pick-up with a P90. Interestingly, Eddie Cochran replaced his neck pick-up on his Gretsch with a P90 too. Marriott's Telecaster ended its days with the Small Faces at Alexandra Palace, breaking in two as it was thrown down in disgust during the gig on New Year's Eve when Marriott announced his decision to leave the band.
• Gibson Les Paul Junior – apparently given to Marriott by a fan. Like the Telecaster, Marriott modified it in a whimsical way by removing the original scratch plate and replacing it with the white scratch plate from his Dwight.
• Epiphone Dwight – used during Humble Pie's early days, and can be heard on the band's song "I Don't Need No Doctor". The Dwight was also victim to a rather strange modification, the apparently home-made black scratch plate extended along to the controls and jack socket. The Dwight is probably the most famous Humble Pie guitar icon, and it was stolen in the UK (whereabouts still unknown).
• Gibson Les Paul Custom – Marriott was pictured using a Les Paul in the Small Faces. It was used almost exclusively at Humble Pie performances from 1973 onwards and was possibly still being used right at the end of the band's life. Steve’s son Toby now owns this guitar, and played it at his father's Memorial Concert in 2001.
• Gibson ES-175 – Marriott was seen using a one-pickup Gibson ES-175 on the French television show "Surprise Party" on 31 December 1968. He used it on the songs "Song of a Baker" and "Rollin' Over".
• Ovation & Ibanez – Marriott advertised an Ovation Electric in the trade and music press in the mid 1970s (he was never seen actually playing one).
• Fender Esquire – used on the Small Faces II reunion. It appeared on the Small Faces II tour and disappeared as quickly after the split. There is video footage of Steve playing a Sunburst Fender Stratocaster during the Blackberries period of Humble Pie.
• Gibson ES335 – Manon Piercey bought Marriott this guitar around 1985. His decision to play in three-piece bands in the future reflects the confidence that he had in his guitar playing. After the acquisition of this guitar, he seemed never to play any other, adding to the rumours that this was in fact his only guitar. Toby has this guitar now and the pick-up covers are removed.