ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC GUITARS
THE RICHARD FORTUS COLLECTION
AN AURAL ARSENAL FROM ONE OF ROCK'S MOST IN-DEMAND GUITARISTS, ONLY AT THE CHICAGO MUSIC EXCHANGE!
For some guitarists, one is enough. Richard Fortus, however, is not one of those guitarists.
The go-to guy for Guns N' Roses, Thin Lizzy, The Psychedelic Furs, Rihanna, *NSYNC, The Dead Daisies, and more, Fortus is more than just the consummate rock star; he's a prodigious collector, with a massive stockpile of instruments spanning styles from throughout the 20th century and beyond.
The Chicago Music Exchange is proud to offer just a slice in the Richard Fortus Collection, acoustic and electric guitars owned by the artist himself, each accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, as well as a brief description or anecdote.
Carefully curated and amassed over decades touring and playing with the world's biggest acts, the Richard Fortus Collection is like no other. Extensive, exceptional, and only at the Chicago Music Exchange!
STAY IN TUNE!
Stay tuned for more updates! Subscribe to our email list above, give us a call at (773) 525-7773 and follow us on Instagram, our YouTube, and the Soundboard Blog for more on this one-of-a-kind collection. You will not want to miss it!
SHOP RICHARD FORTUS GUITAR COLLECTION
QUOTES FROM THE MAN HIMSELF
1964 Epiphone Casino
- "Incredible sounding Casino. Probably the best I've ever played of any 330 or Casino. Small neck and the perfect guitar for controllable feedback"
1964 Fender Jaguar
- "A well played and very loved Jag. Plays and sounds fantastic and used on many recordings over the years."
CONTACT US TODAY!
Help us, help you! Send us an email or give us a call and we can help find the perfect gear to add to your own collection from this amazing haul!
MORE ABOUT THIS GEAR
1951 Fender Nocaster Body w/1960 Neck Stripped 1960s
"This guitar has been with me since I was about 20 years old. I toured with it with the Furs and with Love Spit Love. I've used this on so many recordings and written so many songs on this. The pickups and body are from '51 and the clay dot neck is amazing feeling. I bought this from my first manager, who played in the Blues Magoos and 1910 Fruitgum Company. He bought it off a homeless guy in the East Village that had it in the snow with no case. It's a magical instrument."
READ MORE
1952 Gibson ES-295
"This guitar was given to Dr. John by John Campbell while they were working on an album together for Etta James. When Mac died, his widow called John Campbell's widow to see if she wanted the guitar back. She had no use for it, but told her it should go to me. So I bought it from her. It has John's gris gris stick and other talisman items with it."
READ MORE
1960s Kapa Continental
"If you don't know these, they are awesome guitars. Those that know, know. Made in the US in the 60's with Hofner pickups. Very similar to a Jazzmaster but the pickups are a little rounder sounding. Most of the parts came from Europe and were assembled in the Maryland area. The bridge is awesome and were actually made by Kapa."
READ MORE
Unbranded Harp Guitar
"I bought this in this little violin shop in Prague. Fell in love with it. No idea who made it."
READ MORE
1964 Epiphone Wilshire
"I always loved these and this is an exceptional one. Great sounding mini's and a super playable neck. I've used this on many sessions over the years."
READ MORE
James Trussart Shiny DeVille
"I used this on 'Street Of Dreams' and a few other 'Chinese Democracy' songs and was with me on the road for many years."
READ MORE
Godin Multiac Nylon Duet
"I used this with Enrique Iglesias. I tried many electric nylons and this was by far the best. Bumblefoot used this live on 'If The World'"
View More
G-Sharp Fortus Signature Model Baritone
"I designed this guitar with G-Sharp and have used this for all of the Not In This Lifetime tour. We experimented quite a bit with different woods and pickups and ended up with Lollar gold foils. Sounds massive through a big amp"
READ MORE
Fender Artist Justin Meldal-Johnsen Mustang Bass
"I learned about the magic of the Mustang bass from Darryl Jones and Charley Drayton. It's the secret weapon of bass in the studio. Fender did a great job with this RI model. It records really, really well."
READ MORE
1983 B.C. Rich Mockingbird Supreme
"Matt Touchard found this for me. Matt is the world's foremost authority on B.C. Rich and is writing a book on them. This guitar was photographed and will be in the book. I'd been looking for a Mockingbird for a while and had played quite a few. This ticked all of my Joe Perry boxes. The koa, the stringers, the Bill Lawrence (which really gives the koa some edge and adds the definition the koa needs). Slash told me that he thought it was the best looking Mockingbird he'd seen."
READ MORE
1998 Ampeg Dan Armstrong Reissue Lucite
"I used this guitar when I was with the Psychedelic Furs and it can be seen in the Live From HOB DVD. The humbucking pickup was custom wound for me by Arcane Inc. and really sounds great in this guitar. Used on many recordings, mainly for slide."
READ MORERelated Posts
Introducing | Divided By 13 Amplifiers
Shop Divided By 13 Amplifiers now at Chicago Music Exchange! Crafted in collaboration with Two-Rock Amplification, these boutique amps blend classic American and British voicings with modern innovation for studio-quality tone at any volume. From sparkling cleans and rich overdrive to vintage warmth and punchy British grit, Divided By 13 amps offer premium components, expert craftsmanship, and legendary versatility. Find your perfect tone—shop online or visit our showroom today!
View Details
Marshall Amplifiers | 2025 Gear Arrivals
Marshall Amplifiers has defined Rock and Roll sound for decades, and the 2025 lineup takes this legacy to new heights with powerful amplifiers and pedals. Featuring iconic models like the 1959 Modified 100w Amp Head, JCM800 Modified 100w Amp Head, and Studio 900 series, these releases offer unmatched tonal versatility and performance. Whether you're recording, performing, or creating your signature sound, Marshall's 2025 gear blends vintage tones with modern enhancements for clarity and power. Discover the latest Marshall innovation, including the JVM, JCM900, and DSL Pedals, available for order at Chicago Music Exchange now!
View Details
Martin Guitar | 2025 Acoustic Arrivals
Martin Guitar's iconic Standard Series gets a stunning refresh for 2025, combining vintage-inspired design with modern advancements. New models like the 000-17, D-17, and OM-45 showcase remarkable craftsmanship, tonal clarity, and elegant aesthetics. Updates like Golden Era Sitka spruce bracing, a GE Modified Low Oval Neck, and enhanced comfort features redefine playability while preserving Martin's timeless legacy. Explore the 2025 Martin Standard Series at Chicago Music Exchange and experience the evolution of acoustic excellence.
View Details