Imho, Marriott was one of the greatest rock, blues and soul voices in the history of rock music. As a front man, he was peerless - his charisma, abandon in the moment and general showmanship was years ahead of anyone else. His guitar playing was feral, scorching and often chaotic - but always *right* for the song.
I am a fan - especially of the late era Small Faces (Ogdens etc). This period was interesting from a musical gear perspective, as he’d moved on from his early Gretsch guitars and then after experimenting with a (pink) Les Paul Special, he swapped said pink guitar for a battered sunburst Telecaster that had previously seen action on stages shared with the Who. It had also had holes in the headstock left behind by a previous experiments of multiple extra strings. Marriott loved it, and he started playing it (initially along with the White Gretsch) live and in the studio.
Clips of the guitar in use show that Marriott was having problems with the neck pickup - in one (mimed) TV performance, the neck pickup is pretty much rolling around inside the guitar.
Its not clear when or by whom it was modded, but it was later pictured and there were TV performances, where a Bill Lawrence pickup had been fitted to the Tele. Such as this one:
https://youtu.be/8jYgctXpajs
According to a few sources, Marriott kept the Tele as his main guitar up until the last gig at Ally Pally. This wasn’t a happy occasion, and Marriott reputedly smashed the Tele into the stage before storming off, never to work with the Small Faces again. He then moved onto Gibson’s and the famous Dwight juniors.
I always wanted a replica of Marriott’s Tele, but it had to have that Lawrence pickup - finding one has not been easy, at a sensible price. Eventually one came along, so I commissioned
@rexter Rexter Guitars to route out a gorgeous Tele body to suit it. Coupled with a Fender neck, relic bridge and a Mojo bridge pickup, the resultant guitar is *incredible*.
The Lawrence pickup is *huge* sounding. Dark, fat and jazzy, it has a massive output (even compared to the quite highly wound Broadcaster bridge unit). In fact, I’m 100% sure he used that guitar to record Song of a Baker - the solo is definitely that pickup.
Anyway, enormous thanks to Jon at Rexter guitars for another flawless body (and for being patient with my ramblings about Marriott and that guitar). It’s not quite finished as the pickups are out of phase (probably magnet oriented) and I want to swap the machine heads for more vintage inspired ones. Whether I change the control plate to one closer to Marriott’s remains to be seen - I prefer the Fender switch!
Pics for your delectation
Never Ever Bloody Anything Ever.
Comments
https://youtu.be/T45ppF7ji-s
i love stevie Marriott and saw him loads towards the end of his life.
imo one of the greatest soulful voices and boy could he play the blues!
He still had so much soul. His voice was fantastic
Loved his stuff and it's nice to see your tribute to him.
Paul Wellers greatest Inspiration.
Jerry Shirley's Book, 'The best seat in the House', is a good read for those who were into Humble Pie.
Jerry joined The Pie when he was only 17 years old.....
(formerly miserneil)
Was listening to Humble Pie Rockin the Filmore a couple of days back, still my all time fave live album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D91gtLbT0_o