Guitarists can get a little funny about the tools of their trade. Most of the big names have done considerable cannibalizing and DIY luthiering to uncover the magic sweet spot of a “Rickenbastard” (Lemmy) or a “Frankenstein” (John Entwistle).
Many fall in love with their “First Wife” (Stevie Ray Vaughan), “Cloud” (Prince), “Cherry” (Amy Winehouse; rarely spoken of in public). There are many, many “Blackies” and “Old Blackies”, which is a bit dull, but perhaps less dull than Peter Green’s “Greeny”.
Willie Nelson’s “Trigger” honours Roy Rogers’ horse (which, sadly, had had to give up guitar when his hoofs grew in). Tom Morello’s “Black Sparticus Heart Attack” is a play on Mick Jones’ (The Clash) “Heart Attack Machine.” Seasick Steve made his own one-string to honour Bo Diddley, Eric Bibb is in rapture over Booker White’s 1930s Resophonic National, and Neil Young’s “This Old Guitar” was Hank Williams’ once.
Notice none of them went around smashing their perfectly good guitars like Pete Townsend was wont to do. Or seeing if they’d float, as Darrell Scott did once with his Gibson Hummingbird.
Here’s some songs about a few of them: