John Mayer Played Custom Guitar at Los Angeles Benefit
The musician showcased a replica instrument at a performance held at Chaplin Studios.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Rock
John Mayer performed at the Soundstage of Hope benefit concert in Los Angeles, utilizing a specialized guitar modeled after a legendary 1991 magazine cover. He teamed up with Dave Grohl for a cover of the song You Really Got Me during the event.
Why it matters
The performance highlighted Mayer's long-standing musical influences and his commitment to sourcing specific gear for his stage shows. The replica guitar used parts stored for decades to honor the original model that sparked his interest as a teenager.
The custom guitar was built using original parts held since 1991. The instrument is a direct replica of the model featured on the cover of Guitar World magazine.
The players
John Mayer
John Mayer is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his blues-rock influence and technical proficiency.
Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl is a musician and songwriter who rose to fame as the drummer for Nirvana and lead singer for the Foo Fighters.
Chad Smith
Chad Smith is a professional drummer best known for his long-term tenure as a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The details
Mayer requested the replica from Ernie Ball/Music Man using authentic components he had tracked down. During the performance at Chaplin Studios, he incorporated a Floyd Rose whammy bar and specific phaser effects, with Chad Smith appearing as the drummer.
Timeline
September 1991: Eddie Van Halen appeared on the cover of Guitar World magazine.
2008: Mayer performed a cover of Panama using a Frankenstein guitar.
2014: Mayer commissioned the custom replica guitar build.
October 10, 2026: Mayer performed at the Soundstage of Hope benefit concert.
Industry Dynamics
The use of specific replica gear reflects a growing trend of legacy guitar preservation and bespoke manufacturing within rock music. This positions boutique builders as essential partners to artists seeking to recreate iconic sounds from the nineties.
Fans who attended the Soundstage of Hope event saw the unique replica in action during the live performance. Those following the concert online can look for archived clips featuring the collaboration between Mayer, Grohl, and Smith.
The takeaway
Mayer's specific request for a build using original components underscores the value of historical accuracy in modern stage performance. Musicians looking to emulate specific gear setups should prioritize working directly with manufacturers to source authentic period parts.
Further reading
For more on the latest performances and instrument trends in the music scene, visit the Rock section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Guitarworld.
