THE GUITARS OF BOB DYLAN

Robert Allen Zimmerman—better known by his stage name Bob Dylan—has reinvented his sound countless times over the past six decades but none was more notable than his performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
He had just released a little single called "Like a Rolling Stone" which featured a rock and roll sound which caused a bit of a stir among the die-hard folk fans Dylan had amassed. The album Bringing It All Back Home marked a change in Dylan's sound, the A-side featured Dylan backed by an electric band while the B-side highlighted the solo acoustic folk sound his fans had come to know and love.

By the time the 1965 Newport Folk Festival came around, leading members of the folk movement were already criticizing Dylan for moving away from political songwriting in favor of performing with his new electric band. When it came time for his performance at the festival, Dylan had already made the fateful decision to leave behind his Martin acoustic and hit the stage with a 1965 Fender Stratocaster. The rest of the evening is now mired in rumor and mysticism.
Most people believe that Dylan was "booed" that night because he arrived on stage with an electric guitar and a full band backing him up but the story is up for debate. Many say it was because is set was too short—lasting only 15 minutes initially. Others say it was due to the poor sound quality being projected by the festivals sound system.
We're pretty damn glad that Bob Dylan picked up an electric guitar and showed the world he was just as much of a rocker as he was a storyteller. 

MARTIN ACOUSTICS

In his early days, Dylan could often be seen with C.F. Martin 00 and 000 style acoustics, almost always in natural finishes (he wasn't too keen on sunburst). The modern day Martin 00-15m and 000-18 Retro certainly bring back the look and sound of the '60s folk movement with features like built-in electronics that make them the perfect choice for todays folk troubadours.

SHOP VINTAGE MARTIN

Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Martin 00-21 Natural 1974 Acoustic Guitars / Concert

Martin 00-21 Natural 1974

$4,495.00
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-41 Natural 1975 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought

Martin D-41 Natural 1975

$4,695.00
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Martin D-35 Natural 1973 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought

Martin D-35 Natural 1973

$2,795.00
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium
Martin 000-18 Natural 1946 Acoustic Guitars / OM and Auditorium

Martin 000-18 Natural 1946

$6,495.00

GIBSON ACOUSTICS

Certain Gibson acoustic models found their way into Bob's repertoire as well such as the J-50, Hummingbird, J-180, and others. Here are some of our favorite vintage and modern options!

Gibson Hummingbird Aqua Blue - CME Quick Riff

The proof is in the pudding that musicians are still all about Gibson acoustics, we're always picking them up for inspiration or simply because they are our favorite guitar that day. Dylan used a variety of Gibson acoustics, but they all do pretty well with time.


SHOP VINTAGE GIBSON ACOUSTIC

Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951 Acoustic Guitars / Concert

Gibson CF-100E Blonde 1951

$7,828.00
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo
Gibson J-200 Natural 1959 Acoustic Guitars / Jumbo

Gibson J-200 Natural 1959

$14,245.00
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop
Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955 Acoustic Guitars / Archtop

Gibson L-7C Sunburst 1955

$4,050.00
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought
Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954 Acoustic Guitars / Dreadnought

Gibson J-45 Sunburst 1954

$7,195.00

FENDER ELECTRICS

By the mid '60s the rock and roll revolution was in full swing and the Fender guitar was at the center of it. After Newport, it was not uncommon to see Dylan using Fender guitars in and out of the studio. These included Stratocasters, Jaguars, Telecasters, and even Fender's less popular—but ultra cool—models like the Electric XII and Bass VI. We've got a wide selection of vintage and new Fender electrics to fit any price range!

History of the Stratocaster (Pre-CBS) | CME Gear Demo

Let's take a little trip through the beginning of the Stratocaster to what some would consider the death and rebirth through the acquisition and the return to form by route of CBS. Dylan definitely had a heavy influence and hand in the beginning of this iconic model though he did meander through many of Leo Fender's creations through the year. The Strat remains an icon.


This post barely scratches the surface of Dylan's wide range of guitars. After 60 years worth of tours, albums, and hits, the fans have gotten over the "going electric" phase. Just goes to show it's not the guitar—it's the person who plays it.

SHOP VINTAGE FENDER ELECTRIC

Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Fender Stratocaster Sonic Blue Refin 1960

$14,995.00
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Bronco White 1977 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Fender Bronco White 1977

$2,195.00
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Fender Telecaster Custom Natural 1979

$3,995.00
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Fender Telecaster Blonde 1975

$4,603.00

Related Posts

UDO Audio | Super 6 Polyphonic Synthesizer Price Drops

UDO Audio | Super 6 Polyphonic Synthesizer Price Drops

The new UDO Super 6 is a 12-voice polyphonic, binaural analog-hybrid synthesizer with a unique wavetable core, giving you supreme tonal flexibility for authentic vintage analog tone—plus modern features that...

Read more
Chicago Synth Exchange | Synth 101

Chicago Synth Exchange | Synth 101

Now introducing the Chicago Synth Exchange - Synth 101 Soundboard Blog! In addition, to our ongoing Synth 101 series of in-store seminars hosted by our resident Synth expert, Roland Chira, which...

Read more
Gamechanger Audio | Motor Synth MKII

Gamechanger Audio | Motor Synth MKII

Further proving the brand’s namesake claim, the new Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth MKII offers electronic music makers the world’s first analog synthesizer that lets you see being generated using electro-mechanical...

Read more