Guitars are often seen as instruments of passion and creativity, but some have gained reputations far darker than the music they produce. These instruments are said to be cursed, bringing misfortune, madness, or worse to those who dare to play them. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, the stories behind these guitars are enough to give any musician pause. In this article, we’ll explore five of the most infamous cursed guitars, where eerie coincidences and tragic fates have left their mark on rock history.

1. The 1954 Les Paul Goldtop: The Curse of Paul Kossoff

The 1954 Les Paul Goldtop was once owned by Paul Kossoff, the talented but troubled guitarist of the band Free. Kossoff’s guitar playing was legendary, but his life was marred by addiction and personal demons. After his untimely death at the age of 25, the guitar passed through several owners, each of whom reported a series of strange occurrences. Some claimed the guitar brought them bad luck, while others spoke of hearing eerie sounds emanating from the instrument when no one was playing it.

The curse seemed to culminate in the tragic death of one of its later owners, who was killed in a car crash while transporting the guitar. To this day, the Les Paul Goldtop is considered cursed, and many believe it carries the tortured spirit of Kossoff, bringing misfortune to those who dare to play it.

2. Robert Johnson’s Gibson L-1: The Unholy’s Bargain

The legend of Robert Johnson, the bluesman who allegedly sold his soul to the unholy at the crossroads, is one of the most enduring myths in music history. People believe that Johnson cursed his Gibson L-1 guitar, imbuing it with the dark power of the deal he struck. The curse supposedly brings bad luck and misfortune to anyone who tries to play it, with some claiming that the guitar itself is possessed by malevolent forces.

Johnson’s untimely death at the age of 27 only added to the guitar’s sinister reputation. The Gibson L-1 is now an iconic symbol of the blues, but many believe it carries with it a curse that haunts those who try to master its strings. The guitar is often cited as one of the most haunted instruments in music history.

3. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Number One” Stratocaster: The Instrument of Doom

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s beloved “Number One” Stratocaster, also known as “First Wife,” was with him throughout his career, delivering some of the most electrifying blues performances ever recorded. However, the guitar’s history is not without its dark moments. Vaughan, who was highly superstitious, believed the guitar was both his greatest asset and a potential curse. He often spoke of the instrument having a mind of its own, sometimes refusing to stay in tune or breaking strings at critical moments.

Vaughan’s tragic death in a helicopter crash in 1990 fueled rumors that the guitar was cursed. While “Number One” remains a legendary instrument, its association with Vaughan’s untimely death has led some to believe it may have played a role in the guitarist’s fate. If you believe in such things…

4. The “Unlucky” Stratocaster of Gary Moore

Gary Moore, the Irish rock and blues guitarist, was known for his intense playing style and soulful tone. One of his favorite guitars, a 1961 Fender Stratocaster, became the subject of much speculation after Moore claimed it was cursed. According to Moore, the guitar had a habit of “fighting” him during performances, going out of tune or refusing to play smoothly. Despite its incredible sound, Moore became convinced the guitar was cursed, bringing him nothing but frustration.

The Stratocaster’s curse seemed to follow Moore throughout his career, with the guitar allegedly contributing to several onstage mishaps. Moore’s death in 2011 only added to the mystique of the guitar, leading many to believe it carried a curse that ultimately contributed to his downfall.

5. The Curse of the Bass of Doom: Jaco Pastorius’ Fabled Fender Jazz Bass

Jaco Pastorius, the legendary bassist known for his groundbreaking work with Weather Report and his solo career, played a Fender Jazz Bass that he famously nicknamed the “Bass of Doom.” Pastorius was a virtuoso, but his life was marred by mental illness and substance abuse. After his tragic death at the age of 35, the Bass of Doom was lost, only to resurface years later in a pawn shop.

The instrument’s journey after Pastorius’ death is filled with tales of misfortune. Those who came into contact with the bass often experienced bad luck, and the bass itself was rumored to have a dark energy attached to it. Some even claim that the bass is cursed, carrying with it the tortured soul of Pastorius, who never found peace in life. The Bass of Doom is now a legendary instrument, but its dark legacy continues to haunt those who play it.

Conclusion:

These cursed guitars remind us that music is not always a force for good. Whether these stories are true or merely the result of overactive imaginations, the legends surrounding these instruments add a layer of mystery and intrigue to the world of music. While many of these guitars are cherished for their sound and history, the curses attached to them serve as a cautionary tale for those who believe that some instruments may carry more than just melodies—they may carry the weight of dark forces as well.

And with that, beware the strings you strum—these cursed guitars might just strike back! Happy Halloween… if you dare! Mwahahaha! 🎃👻