Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
Brian May [left] leans back and feels a chord as he performs live with his Red Special. Steve Vai [right] wears a ballcap and looks pleased as punch as he shows off his custom 'Green' Red Special that May had built for him.
Artists Steve Vai once played Brian May’s guitar “like a baby giraffe on roller skates” – now the Queen icon has gifted him his own ‘Green’ Red Special
moog
Tech “He feels it should be in the hands of people who will put it to good use”: John Paul Jones’ studio gear goes up for auction – including a rare £24,000 Moog Model 15
Mark Tremonti grimaces (or smiles?) as he plays a solo during a 2025 live show with his PRS signature guitar.
Artists "It’s just the most emotive piece of music": Alter Bridge's Mark Tremonti on the greatest guitar solo of all time
Steve Morse poses in the studio with his Ernie Ball Music Man signature model – not the guitar synth at the bridge.
Artists “Nobody can play better than that guy, man!”: Steve Morse on the supernatural powers of Petrucci, Johnson and Blackmore
Elton John and Davey Johnstone perform at the piano during their 2012 tour, with Johnstone playing the Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' that John originally bought for himself, but gave it to Johnstone after the band had all their gear stolen.
Artists Davey Johnstone on guitar shopping with Elton John – and how he ended up with his iconic Les Paul Custom
Brian May performs live with his Red Special, and on the right, his old pal, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, plays the custom-built Red Special replica that Iommi got him as a festive gift.
Artists Brian May just got Tony Iommi the best Christmas present ever
Joe Walsh plays a PRS SE electric guitar live onstage
Artists Joe Walsh on the best guitar solo he ever recorded (and how it officially made the talk box a thing)
push
Tech Ableton and Arturia reign supreme as Reverb reveals best-selling synths, samplers and drum machines of 2025
Alter Bridge record in 5150 Studios, the studio that the late Eddie Van Halen built, courtesy of an invite from his son and friend of the band Wolfgang Van Halen
Artists Alter Bridge’s Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti on recording at the studio that Eddie Van Halen built
YouTuber Carlos Asensio presents his brand-new Harley Benton ST-Modern signature model, which is offered in Cactus Green Metallic Gloss and Ice Blue Metallic Gloss finishes
Guitars Harley Benton just put a Vega-Trem on YouTuber Carlos Asensio's $700 signature guitar: is this the best-value S-style on the market?
Neural DSP Archetype: John Mayer X – The latest and most high-profile addition to the Finnish brand's signature plugin range, Mayer's plugin is replete with captures of boutique, rare and one-off amps and pedals
Artists It’s official! Neural DSP’s John Mayer Archetype plugin suite is here – and with Dumble, Klon and Reverberator captures, it is the motherlode for boutique electric guitar tone
Fuchs Audio Joe Bonamassa JB-ODS: the new signature 100-watt combo is inspired by the Dumble Overdrive Special but has key differences, such as reverb – and it has Bonamassa's signature Celestion speaker
Artists Joe Bonamassa just teamed up with Fuchs Audio on a signature tube amp that might just save you spending $175,000 on a Dumble
Strymon Fairfax Class A Output Drive: the first in the Series A range, this is an all-analogue pedal inspired by the Herzog unit made famous by Randy Bachman
Guitars Strymon debuts Series A analogue pedals range with the Fairfax – a “chameleon” drive that can “breathe fire”
Joe Perry
Artists “For me, the amplifier is even more important than the guitar”: Joe Perry on the evolution of electric guitar tone
Mark Tremonti plays a big chord on his signature PRS electric guitar as he performs a 2025 live show with Creed
Artists “If I sit down with a Dumble, the last thing I’m going to do is do any kind of fast techniques”: Mark Tremonti on why he is addicted to Dumble amps
More
  • "The most expensive bit of drumming in history”
  • JoBo x Fuchs
  • Radiohead Daydreaming
  • Vanilla Fudge
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars
  2. Electric Guitars

Billy Corgan is selling a load of his old guitar gear and you could buy it

News
By Michael Astley-Brown ( Total Guitar ) published 16 August 2017

Including Strats and amps used during Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream era

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Smashing Pumpkins tonehound Billy Corgan is set to put a load of his gear up for sale on Reverb, and my oh my, is there some exciting stuff in there.

Highlights include his #2 Strat, as used on Siamese Dream, plus preamps and amps from the early ’90s, prototype signature models, and a load of gear from Zeitgeist, solo and Zwan to boot.

Before you ask, Billy isn’t flogging any of his Big Muffs - or any pedals whatsoever for that matter - but there’s an almighty assortment of guitars, acoustics and basses, and even a pre-Jimmy Chamberlain drum machine.

Head on through the gallery for a closer look at MR’s curated highlights, and visit Reverb right now for a chance to purchase one of over 150 listings.

Page 1 of 23
Page 1 of 23
Corgan’s #2 Stratocaster

Corgan’s #2 Stratocaster

A modified, star–covered 1988 Fender AVRI Strat that recorded most of Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie, including Today, the solo of Cherub Rock, and many more.

Page 2 of 23
Page 2 of 23
Marshall JMP-1 preamps

Marshall JMP-1 preamps

A pair of Marshall JMP-1s that were the main preamps for Mellon Collie album and the tour.

Page 3 of 23
Page 3 of 23
Alesis HR-16 drum machines

Alesis HR-16 drum machines

Two Alesis drum machines, one used for the loops on 1979 and another that was used to record many early Pumpkins' demos before Jimmy Chamberlin joined the band.

Page 4 of 23
Page 4 of 23
1990s Les Paul Special

1990s Les Paul Special

The modified 1990s Les Paul Special used to record much of the Machina album and played regularly on that tour, and the two backup LP Specials from the tours.

Page 5 of 23
Page 5 of 23
ADA MP-1 preamps

ADA MP-1 preamps

The rackmount ADA MP-1 preamps used to record Gish.

Page 6 of 23
Page 6 of 23
1969 Gibson EB–3 Bass

1969 Gibson EB–3 Bass

A 1969 Gibson EB–3 Bass in Walnut dubbed the Mountain Bass used as a “secret weapon” on everything from Mellon Collie to Machina.

Page 7 of 23
Page 7 of 23
2006 Fender Stratocaster

2006 Fender Stratocaster

2006 Fender Stratocaster from the Zeitgeist era.

Page 8 of 23
Page 8 of 23
2006 Trussart Rustomatic

2006 Trussart Rustomatic

2006 Trussart Rustomatic used as the main guitar on Zeitgeist.

Page 9 of 23
Page 9 of 23
50th Anniversary Jaguar

50th Anniversary Jaguar

50th Anniversary Jaguar used on the Oceania tour.

Page 10 of 23
Page 10 of 23
1970s Orange OR-120

1970s Orange OR-120

1970s Orange OR-120 used as a lead sound on the Siamese Dream tours.

Page 11 of 23
Page 11 of 23
Taylor DN8

Taylor DN8

Taylor DN8 used in the studio for Zeitgeist and as Billy’s main touring acoustic.

Page 12 of 23
Page 12 of 23
Fernandes Jaguar copy

Fernandes Jaguar copy

Fernandes Jaguar copy with Sustainiac pickup, used as the main guitar on the Adore tour.

Page 13 of 23
Page 13 of 23
1958 Fender Stratocaster

1958 Fender Stratocaster

1958 Fender Stratocaster 3-Tone Sunburst.

Page 14 of 23
Page 14 of 23
1966 Fender Coronado II Bass

1966 Fender Coronado II Bass

1966 Fender Coronado II Bass used on Untitled from the Pumpkin’s Greatest Hits album.

Page 15 of 23
Page 15 of 23
Zwan Stratocaster

Zwan Stratocaster

Stratocaster used with Zwan and heard on Mary Star Of The Sea.

Page 16 of 23
Page 16 of 23
Reverend Slingshot

Reverend Slingshot

Reverend Slingshot used in TheFutureEmbrace era.

Page 17 of 23
Page 17 of 23
Fender Signature prototype

Fender Signature prototype

Fender Signature prototype with baked maple neck.

Page 18 of 23
Page 18 of 23
Gibson Lonnie Mack Flying V

Gibson Lonnie Mack Flying V

Gibson Lonnie Mack Flying V used as a touring backup for Zwan.

Page 19 of 23
Page 19 of 23
Ovation Elite 1758 12-String

Ovation Elite 1758 12-String

Ovation Elite 1758 12-String used on the Siamese Dream track Mayonnaise.

Page 20 of 23
Page 20 of 23
Rickenbacker 360

Rickenbacker 360

Rickenbacker 360 purchased from Courtney Love.

Page 21 of 23
Page 21 of 23
Diezel VH4

Diezel VH4

Diezel VH4 used on Zeitgeist tour.

Page 22 of 23
Page 22 of 23
Bogner Uberschall

Bogner Uberschall

Bogner Uberschall used as the primary recording amp on Zeitgeist.

Page 23 of 23
Page 23 of 23
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Social Links Navigation

Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.

Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition. image
Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition.
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Read more
Kirk Hammett plays CEO 4 at Black Sabbath's farewell show, Back to the Beginning. CEO 4 is an SG built by Gibson CEO and president Cesar Gueikian, and it is being auction for Gibson Gives.
The unique SG built by Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian and played by Kirk Hammett at Back to the Beginning heads to auction
 
 
Mike Mills, Jim Irsay and Kenny Wayne Shepherd perform in 2021
"You never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul": Legendary $1 billion Jim Irsay Collection to be auctioned in 2026, including Kurt Cobain's Teen Spirit Fender Mustang
 
 
Fender has made an exacting replica of Tom Morello's 'Arm The Homeless' guitar, the mongrel S-style made from parts that became the cornerstone of the Rage Against The Machine guitarist's sound.
Tom Morello’s favourite 'Arm the Homeless' electric guitar has just been recreated by Fender
 
 
moog
“He feels it should be in the hands of people who will put it to good use”: John Paul Jones’ studio gear goes up for auction – including a rare £24,000 Moog Model 15
 
 
Fender and Jackson's Iron Maiden 50th Anniversary Collection: FMIC has unveiled a signature guitar and bass collection to celebrate 50 years of the British metal institution.
Fender and Jackson celebrate 50 years of Iron Maiden with limited run signature collection
 
 
Elton John and Davey Johnstone perform at the piano during their 2012 tour, with Johnstone playing the Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' that John originally bought for himself, but gave it to Johnstone after the band had all their gear stolen.
Davey Johnstone on guitar shopping with Elton John – and how he ended up with his iconic Les Paul Custom
 
 
Latest in Electric Guitars
Brian May [left] leans back and feels a chord as he performs live with his Red Special. Steve Vai [right] wears a ballcap and looks pleased as punch as he shows off his custom 'Green' Red Special that May had built for him.
Steve Vai once played Brian May’s guitar “like a baby giraffe on roller skates” – now the Queen icon has gifted him his own ‘Green’ Red Special
 
 
Gretsch Limited Edition Abbey Road RS201 Studiomatic
"It isn’t just a collection of cool features; it’s a tool designed to make your recorded guitar sound better, right out of the box": Gretsch Limited Edition Abbey Road RS201 Studiomatic review
 
 
Paul McCartney points to the crowd and raises an eyebrow as he performs with his iconic Höfner Violin Bass
Paul McCartney's favourite bass company is in trouble – Höfner's future uncertain as it files provisional insolvency proceedings
 
 
YouTuber Carlos Asensio presents his brand-new Harley Benton ST-Modern signature model, which is offered in Cactus Green Metallic Gloss and Ice Blue Metallic Gloss finishes
Harley Benton just put a Vega-Trem on YouTuber Carlos Asensio's $700 signature guitar: is this the best-value S-style on the market?
 
 
PRS SE Fiorre HH
“These are classy sounds with no danger of single coil hum... a near-perfect function-gig guitar”: PRS Fiore HH Satin review
 
 
Gibson Les Paul Special DC
“Virtually every sound I conjure recalls a classic player or style”: Gibson Les Paul Special Double Cut review
 
 
Latest in News
Brandon Flowers of The Killers attends the GBK Brand Bar & Meals On Me Backstage Lounge At The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
“In 2027 you will get the best Killers record”: Brandon Flowers is concentrating on solo activity this year
 
 
Sebastien Tellier attends the Chanel Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025
“I thought: ‘I will be so famous with this crash'”: Sebastian Tellier on the time he entered the Eurovision on a golf buggy
 
 
STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 31: Ted Nugent performs at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre on August 31, 2025 in Sterling Heights, Michigan. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images)
Ted Nugent has only qualified praise for Jack White, Green Day and Tom Morello, but calls Yungblud "the real McCoy"
 
 
EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre Tube Pre Amp
EarthQuaker Devices and Dr Z team up for a tube-driven preamp that might just be the cure for whatever ails your tone
 
 
Lollipop Star
"Bite down, and feel the music": Lollipop Star is the sweet candy treat that you can both lick and listen to
 
 
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 05: Olivia Rodrigo performs onstage during the Olivia Rodrigo Sold-Out GUTS World Tour at Madison Square Garden on April 05, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)
“Driver’s License Application for Renewal”: Fans speculate on the meaning of the cryptic front page of Olivia Rodrigo’s website
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...