Greeny (guitar)

Greeny, also known as "Peter Green's Les Paul", is a highly prized and historically significant 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar. Originally owned and played by Peter Green, co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, it is distinguished by its unique out-of-phase sound on the middle pickup position, a result of a magnet polarity issue on one of the humbucker pickups.

Green purchased the guitar in 1967 or 1968 from Selmer's music store in London. He played it extensively during his time with Fleetwood Mac, contributing to the band's distinctive blues-rock sound. The guitar is featured on many of Fleetwood Mac's early recordings, including tracks like "Albatross," "Oh Well," and "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)."

In 1970, Green sold the guitar to guitarist Gary Moore. Moore owned and played "Greeny" for over three decades, using it throughout his solo career and his time with Thin Lizzy. He continued to utilize its distinctive tone on numerous recordings and live performances.

In 2006, Moore sold the guitar to Phil Winfield, a guitar collector. The guitar was subsequently sold to a private collector, and then in 2014, it was acquired by Kirk Hammett, the lead guitarist of Metallica. Hammett has since used "Greeny" in recordings and live performances, adding to its legacy.

The "out-of-phase" sound of "Greeny" is a significant characteristic, and it's a crucial element of its appeal. This distinctive tonal quality has been attempted to be replicated by other guitarists and guitar manufacturers alike. The guitar's history, combined with its unique sonic properties and association with three iconic guitarists, solidify its place as one of the most important and valuable guitars in the world. Its provenance and distinct tone continue to make it a highly sought-after and influential instrument.