The Risk That Changed Everything: Jared James Nichols Story
PodcastThe Bold Move That Defined a Sound
Sometimes the most radical changes come from the simplest decisions. For blues-rock guitarist Jared James Nichols, that decision was taking a screwdriver to his Les Paul and ripping out the neck pickup entirely. What started as a desperate attempt to cut through a muddy mix became the signature element that would catch the attention of Gibson, land him tours with legendary acts, and help forge one of the most distinctive tones in modern blues rock.
From Thumb Picking to Tone Troubles
Nichols' journey to his signature sound began with an unusual technique. As a lefty who writes with his left hand, he never felt comfortable with a traditional guitar pick. Instead, he developed a unique approach using his thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers—allowing him to roll between chords and single notes with remarkable fluidity.
"I kept using my thumb, and when I wanted to play like a lead thing, I would just go with my fingers. I gradually developed this technique where I use my thumb, my index, my middle, and my ring."
However, this fingerstyle approach created an unexpected problem. When playing on the neck pickup, his tone became "really mushy"—lacking the percussive attack he craved. The sound was almost as if he were playing with the tone knob rolled down, preventing him from achieving the crisp, articulate sound he heard in his head.
The Influence of Leslie West
The solution came through studying Leslie West of Mountain, the late 1960s band that served as "America's answer to Cream." West, a 400-pound guitarist who wielded a Les Paul Junior with incredible power, demonstrated how a single bridge pickup could deliver both percussive attack and dynamic range through volume and tone control manipulation.
West's approach was revelatory for Nichols. The guitarist could achieve everything from Clapton-style clarity to growling overdrive simply by adjusting his guitar's controls and playing dynamics. This wasn't just about having fewer pickups—it was about maximizing the potential of what remained.
The Radical Surgery
Inspired by West's approach and frustrated with his muddy neck pickup tone, Nichols made a decision that would seem crazy to most guitarists: he physically removed the neck pickup from his Les Paul.
"So I ended up being crazy and I just said, you know what? I'm just going to take the pickup out because I'm not using it."
But Nichols didn't stop there. He removed the pickup selector switch and the associated knobs, leaving only the bridge pickup with its volume and tone controls. To fill the neck pickup cavity, he used automotive Bondo, shaped it, and painted over it. The result was a sleek, minimalist instrument that looked like a "murdered out" car.
The Unexpected Consequences
What started as a personal tone quest quickly caught the attention of the music industry. While touring with Lynyrd Skynyrd, guitarist Ricky Medlocke became fascinated with Nichols' modified guitar. Medlocke loved the sound so much that he wanted Gibson to create a similar instrument for him.
This interest coincided with Nichols' tours with Zakk Wylde, creating a perfect storm of visibility. Gibson's custom shop team began taking notice of this young guitarist with the unusual single-pickup Les Paul, eventually leading to discussions about a signature model.
The Gibson Connection
The path to a Gibson endorsement wasn't planned—it was organic. Nichols' participation in a Les Paul tribute contest while struggling financially in Los Angeles became the catalyst. His performance, which combined showmanship with heartfelt tribute to Les Paul himself, won the contest and connected him with industry figures who would shape his career.
The timing was crucial. As Nichols gained visibility through high-profile tours and his distinctive guitar caught attention, Gibson realized they had discovered something special—not just a player, but an instrument that represented a fresh take on their classic design.
Practical Lessons for Modern Players
Embrace Your Limitations
Nichols' story demonstrates how constraints can spark creativity. Rather than seeing his fingerstyle technique as a limitation, he modified his instrument to complement his approach. Modern players can apply this thinking by:
- Analyzing what aspects of their setup aren't serving their musical goals
- Considering modifications that enhance their natural playing style
- Viewing technical limitations as opportunities for innovation
The Power of Simplicity
The single-pickup setup forced Nichols to extract maximum expression from minimal electronics. This approach offers several benefits:
- Eliminates decision paralysis during performance
- Encourages development of dynamic control through playing technique
- Creates a more focused, identifiable sound
Tone Through Touch
Without multiple pickups to switch between, Nichols developed extraordinary sensitivity to playing dynamics. He demonstrates how the same lick can sound completely different based on:
- Pick attack intensity
- Fretting hand pressure
- String placement relative to pickups
- Volume and tone control manipulation
The Broader Impact
Nichols' modification represents more than just a gear choice—it's a philosophy. In an era where guitarists often accumulate extensive rigs with multiple options, his approach suggests that limitation can breed innovation. The success of his Gibson signature models proves that sometimes, less really is more.
His story also highlights the importance of authenticity in developing a musical voice. Rather than copying his heroes note-for-note, Nichols took inspiration from Leslie West's approach and adapted it to his own technique and musical needs.
Finding Your Own Voice
Perhaps the most valuable lesson from Nichols' journey is the courage to trust your instincts, even when they lead you away from conventional wisdom. Removing a pickup from a Les Paul might seem like sacrilege to some, but for Nichols, it was the key to unlocking his true sound.
For developing guitarists, this story emphasizes that your unique voice often emerges not from adding more options, but from fully exploring and maximizing what you already have. Sometimes the most profound discoveries come from the simplest changes—if you're brave enough to make them.
