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George Lynch has carved out a unique space in the guitar world not just through his innovative playing with Dokken and Lynch Mob, but through his carefully curated collection of gear that produces one of rock’s most distinctive tones. His approach combines vintage equipment with modern innovations, creating a sound that’s both timeless and cutting-edge.
George Lynch is one of the most influential guitarists of the 80s rock era, known for his lightning-fast technique and distinctive tone that has inspired countless players. As one of the best guitarists of all time, his gear choices reflect his commitment to quality and innovation.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every aspect of George Lynch’s equipment collection, from his legendary ESP signature guitars to his vintage Marshall amplifiers and carefully selected effects pedals. Whether you’re looking to replicate his sound or simply appreciate the craftsmanship behind his tone, this detailed breakdown reveals the secrets behind the Lynch sound.
George Lynch’s guitar collection represents decades of collaboration with top manufacturers and his own innovative designs. From his early days with custom-built instruments to his signature models with ESP and his own Mr Scary Guitars company, each guitar reflects his specific playing needs and artistic vision.
Lynch’s relationship with ESP Guitars began in the late 1980s and has produced some of the most recognizable signature models in rock history. The ESP Kamikaze, with its distinctive Japanese-inspired graphics, became his visual trademark during Dokken’s peak years. This guitar featured a maple neck-through construction with an alder body, Seymour Duncan pickups, and Floyd Rose tremolo system – perfect for Lynch’s dive bombs and aggressive whammy bar techniques.
The ESP Tiger followed in 1989, featuring another bold graphic design but with slightly different specifications. Based on the ESP M-II platform, the Tiger included an ebony fretboard with mother-of-pearl shark tooth inlays, and Seymour Duncan JB and ’59 pickups that provided the perfect balance of aggression and articulation. These guitars weren’t just visually striking – they were designed to withstand Lynch’s punishing playing style while delivering the precise tone he required.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, ESP continued to produce variations of these models, including the LTD GL series which made Lynch’s designs more accessible to working musicians. The GL-256 became particularly popular, offering many of the same features as the custom shop models at a more affordable price point. Each iteration maintained the core elements that Lynch required: fast neck profiles, high-output pickups, and reliable tremolo systems.
Never content to simply endorse products, George Lynch launched his own guitar company, Mr Scary Guitars, to have complete control over his instrument designs. Named after his famous instrumental track “Mr. Scary,” the company produces guitars that reflect Lynch’s decades of experience as a player and designer.
The Burnt Tiger model pays homage to Lynch’s original ESP Tiger but with updated features and construction techniques. Built with a maple neck-through design and featuring Seymour Duncan Lynch pickups (custom wound to his specifications), the Burnt Tiger delivers the aggressive tone Lynch is known for while adding modern refinements for improved playability.
The Snake Hunter model showcases another side of Lynch’s artistic vision with its distinctive snake inlays and slightly more versatile pickup configuration. With push-pull coil splitting capabilities, this guitar can deliver everything from high-gain metal tones to cleaner sounds suitable for blues and rock. Mr Scary Guitars also produces unique models like the Dem Bones and Shark Hunter, each with Lynch’s meticulous attention to detail and playability.
What sets Mr Scary Guitars apart is Lynch’s hands-on approach to design. Each model reflects his specific preferences for neck profiles, fretboard radius, and pickup positioning. The guitars are built to withstand professional touring while providing the precise tonal characteristics Lynch requires for both recording and live performance.
George Lynch’s amplifier choices have evolved throughout his career, but certain models remain constants in his quest for the perfect tone. His collection combines vintage classics with modern high-gain monsters, each selected for specific sonic characteristics.
The cornerstone of George Lynch’s tone has long been his 1968 Marshall 50-watt Plexi amplifier. This particular amp, which he has kept completely stock and unmodified, provides the foundation for his signature sound. The Plexi’s natural compression and harmonic richness perfectly complement Lynch’s aggressive picking style and lightning-fast runs.
What makes Lynch’s Plexi special is its relatively low-gain nature compared to modern amplifiers. Rather than relying on preamp distortion, Lynch uses the amp’s natural breakup characteristics, pushing the power tubes to achieve his singing sustain and harmonically rich lead tones. This approach gives his sound a dynamic quality that responds to his playing nuances – from soft picking to aggressive attacks.
During the recording of Dokken’s “Under Lock and Key,” this Plexi became his go-to amplifier, providing the thick rhythm tones and singing lead sounds that defined the album’s guitar work. The amp remains in his collection to this day, used both in the studio and for select live performances where that vintage Marshall character is essential.
While Lynch loves vintage equipment, he’s always embraced technology that helps him achieve his tonal goals. The Soldano SLO 100 became a crucial part of his sound during the Wicked Sensation album with Lynch Mob, providing tighter low end and more gain than his vintage Marshall while maintaining the organic feel he requires.
Unfortunately, this particular Soldano was stolen, forcing Lynch to adapt his approach. He later worked with Randall Amplifiers to create the Lynch Box signature series, which combined elements of his favorite vintage and modern amplifiers. These amps featured multiple channels, allowing Lynch to switch between rhythm and lead tones while maintaining a consistent core sound.
His collection has expanded to include other modern amplifiers like the Engl Straight 100 and Diezel VH4, each selected for specific recording or touring applications. The Diezel, in particular, found its way onto his REvolution album, providing the ultra-high gain sounds needed for his most aggressive playing while retaining the note definition and dynamic response Lynch demands.
For touring, Lynch often relies on newer equipment that can withstand the rigors of the road while replicating his vintage tones. Modern digital solutions have even found their way into his setup, though always in service of replicating his core sound rather than replacing it.
Despite his reputation for technical innovation, George Lynch takes a surprisingly simple approach to effects. His pedalboard focuses on essential tools that enhance his core tone rather than fundamentally changing it. This philosophy reflects his belief that great tone comes primarily from the player’s hands and the amplifier, with effects serving as subtle enhancements.
The Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal remains the most consistently used effect in George Lynch’s arsenal. Despite having access to countless boutique and expensive distortion options, Lynch continues to rely on this affordable, mass-market pedal for his primary drive sound. The DS-1’s compressed, smooth distortion perfectly complements his already saturated amplifier tones, adding sustain and aggression without overwhelming his core sound.
For wah effects, Lynch uses the Morley Dragon 2 Wah, a signature model designed to his specifications. This optical wah provides the sweeping vocal quality Lynch uses for rhythmic textures and lead emphasis. The Dragon Wah’s longer sweep range and boost functionality make it ideal for his aggressive playing style.
The MXR Phase 90 appears on his board for subtle modulation effects, adding movement to his clean tones and gentle swirling to his lead sounds. This classic phaser, used sparingly, provides the psychedelic texture Lynch occasionally employs without becoming a dominant part of his sound.
For chorus effects, Lynch relies on the Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble, primarily for clean tones and rhythmic parts. The subtle thickening provided by this chorus adds depth to his playing without creating the artificial sound that heavier chorus effects can produce.
Delay comes from the Boss DD-5 Digital Delay, used primarily for ambient textures and solo emphasis. Lynch keeps delay times relatively short, using the effect to create space rather than obvious repeats. This approach maintains clarity in his fast passages while adding depth to sustained notes.
His signature Zoom G2G pedal represents a departure from his typically analog approach, offering multiple effects in one unit. This multi-effects pedal includes sounds modeled after Lynch’s own preferred tones and effects, making it a convenient solution for practice situations or when traveling with minimal gear.
What’s remarkable about Lynch’s pedal approach is its consistency. Unlike many guitarists who constantly chase new effects, Lynch has found what works for him and sticks with it, focusing on mastering his tools rather than constantly changing them.
The details behind George Lynch’s tone extend beyond his primary instruments and amplifiers. His choice of strings, cables, and accessories all contribute to the overall sound and playability of his setup.
For strings, Lynch has used various gauges over the years but typically settles on sets ranging from .009 to .042 or .010 to .046. He’s been associated with both D’Addario EXL110 sets and Dean Markley Super V LT strings, selecting based on the specific guitar and playing situation. The lighter top strings facilitate his lightning-fast legato technique, while the heavier bottom strings provide the fullness needed for powerful rhythm playing.
The Echoplex EP-3 tape echo unit, though primarily a delay effect, holds a special place in Lynch’s signal chain. Even when not used for its echo effect, the EP-3’s preamp circuit sweetens his tone, adding a subtle compression and high-frequency boost that has become part of his sound signature. Modern digital units attempt to replicate this effect, but purists prefer the original EP-3 for its unique character.
Quality cables and connectors round out his setup, with Lynch preferring reliable, low-capacitance cables that preserve high-frequency content. As a touring professional, he understands that every component in the signal chain affects the final tone, leading him to select only the most dependable accessories.
George Lynch’s gear has evolved significantly throughout his career, reflecting changing musical styles and available technology. Understanding this evolution provides insight into how his tone developed and why certain equipment choices were made at different times.
During the early Dokken era, Lynch primarily used modified Kramer and Charvel guitars with Randall amplifiers. This combination provided the aggressive tone needed for 80s metal, though it lacked some of the sophistication of his later setups. As Dokken’s popularity grew, Lynch began seeking more refined tones, leading to his collaboration with ESP and adoption of vintage Marshall amplifiers.
The Wicked Sensation period with Lynch Mob marked a significant gear shift, with the Soldano SLO 100 becoming his primary amplifier and ESP guitars firmly established as his main instruments. This era saw his tone become tighter and more focused, perfect for the more technically demanding material he was writing.
Throughout the 90s and 2000s, Lynch continued refining his setup, incorporating modern amplifiers while maintaining vintage elements. The establishment of Mr Scary Guitars represented his ultimate control over his instruments, allowing him to create exactly what he wanted rather than adapting to existing models.
As a prominent figure in the best 80s rock bands scene, Lynch’s gear choices influenced countless players and helped define the sound of the era. His evolution from basic metal setups to sophisticated hybrid systems reflects his growth as a musician and his ongoing quest for the perfect tone.
George Lynch’s impact extends beyond his playing to his influence on guitar equipment design and players’ understanding of tone creation. His signature models with ESP have inspired countless guitarists to explore custom instruments, while his own Mr Scary Guitars company demonstrates his commitment to advancing instrument design.
What sets Lynch apart is his ability to blend vintage and modern equipment seamlessly. His 1968 Marshall Plexi represents the foundation of classic rock tone, while his adoption of modern amplifiers and effects shows his willingness to embrace innovation when it serves his musical vision.
For aspiring guitarists, Lynch’s gear philosophy offers valuable lessons: focus on mastering core equipment rather than constantly chasing new gear, understand how each component affects your tone, and select tools that serve your musical needs rather than following trends.
George Lynch’s journey through the world of guitar equipment reflects his artistic growth and technical innovation. From his early days with modified production instruments to his current status as a designer and manufacturer of signature equipment, his gear choices tell the story of a musician constantly refining his craft and searching for the perfect tone. His legacy includes not only recorded music but also innovations that continue to influence guitar design and players’ approaches to tone creation.
George Lynch is widely regarded as one of the most technically proficient and influential guitarists of the 80s metal era. Known for his lightning-fast alternate picking, innovative two-handed tapping, and distinctive vibrato bar techniques, Lynch has influenced countless players and received recognition for his contributions to rock music.
George Lynch typically uses light gauge strings ranging from .009 to .042 or .010 to .046. He’s been associated with both D’Addario EXL110 sets and Dean Markley Super V LT strings, selecting based on the specific guitar and playing situation.
While Lynch has owned many notable guitars, his ESP Tiger and ESP Kamikaze models are among his most famous instruments. More recently, guitars from his own Mr Scary Guitars company, particularly the Burnt Tiger model, have become his preferred instruments for recording and touring.
George Lynch’s pedalboard is surprisingly simple, featuring a Boss DS-1 Distortion as his primary drive pedal, a Morley Dragon 2 Wah, Boss CE-5 Chorus, Boss DD-5 Delay, and an MXR Phase 90. He also uses his signature Zoom G2G multi-effects pedal for convenience in certain situations.
