Lee Ranaldo
Sonic Youth / Solo
The sonic texturalist of Sonic Youth. While Moore provided the punk energy, Ranaldo brought the psychedelic, drone-heavy textures using his modified 'Jazzblaster' guitars and alternative tunings to expand the electric guitar's vocabulary.
SIGNATURE TONE
Resonant, bell-like, and textural. The sound of Wide Range Humbuckers in a Jazzmaster ('Jazzblaster') played with alternate tunings, creating a shimmering, drone-heavy wall of sound.
SIGNAL CHAINS BY ERA
Explore how the rig evolved over time
Confusion Is Sex Era (1983-1987)
Industrial noise. Telecaster Deluxes and Jaguars modified with humbuckers for a darker, thicker sound than Moore's.
Goo / Dirty Era (1990-1994)
Alternative rock icon. The 'Jazzblaster' became his signature: a Jazzmaster with Wide Range Humbuckers.
Solo / Electric Trim Era (2012-Present)
Songwriter focus. Acoustic textures blended with electric noise, using his signature Fender Jazzmaster.