David Gilmour
David Gilmour replaced Syd Barrett in Pink Floyd in 1968 and transformed into one of the most expressive guitarists in rock history. His playing is defined by space, melody and breathtaking sustain — every note carefully chosen and sustained well past where most guitarists would move on. His 2006 'On an Island' solo tour is among the greatest guitar concerts ever filmed.
Fender Stratocaster into a Hiwatt DR103 — clean, wide headroom platform. Big Muff Pi fuzz for creamy, singing lead tones. Long delays (Binson Echorec / HiWatt) for the spacious Pink Floyd atmosphere. Every note breathes with vibrato and controlled string bends.
Signal Chain Order
Guitars
Fender Stratocaster "The Black Strat"
1970–1986Built from multiple Strat parts — Black body, maple neck. Used on "Wish You Were Here", "Comfortably Numb". Now retired and auctioned in 2019 for £3.97m.
Full specs & buy →Fender Stratocaster "Red Strat"
2001–present0001 serial number NOS 1983 Strat. Primary guitar from 2001 onwards.
Full specs & buy →Martin D-35
1970s–presentAcoustic guitar used on "Wish You Were Here" and acoustic Pink Floyd material.
Fender David Gilmour Signature Stratocaster
NOS Black and White models with EMG SA pickups replicating his Black Strat configuration.
Full specs & buy →Amplifiers
Hiwatt DR103 100W
1970–presentMain clean amp. David Reeves's hand-wired British iron for massive clean headroom and presence.
Fender Bassman
1970sOften paired with Hiwatt in stereo.
Music Man HD-130
1977–1984Used alongside the Hiwatt from "Animals" through "The Wall" era.
Fender Twin Reverb
1980–presentUsed for acoustic and cleaner electric passages.
Effects Pedals
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
1972–presentThe defining Gilmour lead tone. Settings: Sustain at 3 o'clock, Tone at noon. Used on virtually every Pink Floyd solo from 'Echoes' onwards.
Binson Echorec
1968–1978Tube-driven delay with complex multi-tap rhythms. Unique to early Pink Floyd sound — "Run Like Hell" famously uses dotted eighth triplet timing.
Boss CE-2 Chorus
1978–1985Used from "The Wall" onwards. Subtle chorus adds warmth to his clean Strat tone.
Pedal guide →Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress
1975–1980Flanger — used on "Animals" and "The Wall".
MXR Phase 90
1975–1979Phaser used on "Have a Cigar" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond".
Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer
1980–1990Mild compression for sustain, not squash.
Sovtek Big Muff
1993–2003Russian Big Muff used on "Division Bell" tour — slightly darker than the original.
Pete Cornish P-2
1978–1984Custom overdrive/boost built by Pete Cornish. Used on "The Wall" sessions.
Key Albums & Tone
"Echoes" — Binson Echorec into Hiwatt, exploring the outer reaches of the instrument.
"Money" solo — Big Muff into Hiwatt. The quintessential Gilmour fuzz tone.
"Comfortably Numb" (on The Wall) and acoustic title track define opposite ends of his palette.
Electric Mistress flanger heavily featured — "Dogs" is the masterpiece.
"Comfortably Numb" first solo (sustain into chorus) and second solo (Big Muff fury) are his two finest moments.
Mature, spacious solo playing — refined but retains all the emotional weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar does David Gilmour use?
Fender Stratocaster "The Black Strat" and Fender Stratocaster "Red Strat". Built from multiple Strat parts — Black body, maple neck. Used on "Wish You Were Here", "Comfortably Numb". Now retired and auctioned in 2019 for £3.97m.
What amp does David Gilmour use?
Hiwatt DR103 100W and Fender Bassman. Main clean amp. David Reeves's hand-wired British iron for massive clean headroom and presence.
What pedals does David Gilmour use?
David Gilmour uses Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi, Binson Echorec, Boss CE-2 Chorus and more.
What is David Gilmour's signature sound?
Fender Stratocaster into a Hiwatt DR103 — clean, wide headroom platform. Big Muff Pi fuzz for creamy, singing lead tones. Long delays (Binson Echorec / HiWatt) for the spacious Pink Floyd atmosphere. Every note breathes with vibrato and controlled string bends.