Bald rocker and Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has made a strange claim in an interview with Guitar Centre – that the colour of a guitar’s paint changes its sound. There’s no question that Corgan is a master of tone, from pedals to technique, but his latest advice may have a raised a few eyebrows.
 

Billy Corgan has used specific guitars, techniques and pedals to craft his distinct tone, but guitar paint? That’s a secret not many were expecting.

In the video below, Corgan discusses a few guitars that he has used to craft his tone, from his signature Reverend BC1, to a mid-1970s Stratocaster that he uses exclusively for drop-D tuning. While explaining why he is so fond of his signature model, Corgan offered this peculiar insight:

“People think I’m a bit goofy, but I do think paint colour actually changes the sound of a guitar… I’ve found through the years that certain paints sound different, so the white Reverend, I think, sounds better. I have a couple of other ones, but this one seems to sound the best.”

Now, most avid guitarists are aware that the thickness and type of finish on a guitar can definitively change its tone, but not many would have considered paint colour. I guess you learn something every day…