This guitar was used on the song “Breaking the Girl” from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 1991 album Blood Sugar Sex Magik. The recording of the acoustic part was captured on film and can be seen in the Funky Monks documentary.
Around the time we did ‘Breaking the Girl,’ I was listening to Led Zeppelin III- I really like that song ‘Friends’- and I was playing 12-string a lot. The chords for the chorus came from a Duke Ellington book. I was trying to learn one of the songs, and I learned like three chords of a song that probably has 50 chords in it, and I took those three chords somewhere else.
Guitar One (USA), September 1999
Martin, Maton, or Something Else
Unfortunately, the guitar John used for this song remains a bit of a mystery. Based on the body and headstock shape, it seems likely to be a Martin. However, the light-colored wood used on the sides of the body raises questions. Most Martin 12-string models, such as the D12-28, feature mahogany back and sides, which are typically darker in color. Perhaps this is a custom version.
Another possibility is that it could be a Maton, as some fans have speculated. However, several features don’t match any known Maton models from that period. For example, the two dot markers on the third fret aren’t present on any Maton 12-string from this era, and the headstock shape doesn’t align with standard Maton designs.
If you have any information about this guitar or clues that could help identify it, please leave a comment below!
Hey! It’s a Maton 12 String. Check out my in depth video on BSSM!
https://youtu.be/2vCCGhCBw7I
Hey Alex. That’s a great detailed video, props. I’ve read that its a Maton, I’ve read that it’s a Martin, but I have yet to see someone match it to anything made by either of these two companies. Notice the double dots on 3rd and 7th frets, straight headstock, the rosette, light colored wood on the sides. Those don’t fit any vintage Maton I was able to find.
After viewing the video I don’t believe this is a Martin. It does have many “Martin” features but the lack of a neck heel and the double dot inlay at the 3rd fret make me think this. It also doesn’t look like a vintage Maton. The shapes of the headstock, bridge and pickguard don’t look correct.
Agree. I couldn’t match it to any Martin or Maton when I did research on this – but I looked at some other sources, and everyone guessed it’s as a Martin, so I left it there. Unfortunately, I still haven’t figured out what it is.
This song is such a legendary, always feels fresh, and make you feel like your on a mission
Thats Dead right, it doesn’t matter how many Jb’s you have had, or how few because you are nickle and dimed… this song has you covered.
This may be a Maton 12 string, I’ve seen some pics of vintage with lighter color sides. I think he mentioned in an interview it was a Maton.
I think I recall reading that as well, but I can’t match the guitar to any guitar made by Maton. It’s a tough one.