“There's something really magical about it”: Bon Jovi's Phil X on why he prefers single-pickup guitars – and his one-of-a-kind neck pickup 'mods'

Phil X.

Some guitarists see a neck pickup as an electric guitar must-have for their tonal versatility; others reckon they can do everything with just a ‘bucker in the bridge. Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X sits in the latter camp, but he has a scientific theory as to why single-pickup guitars sound better.

Before the guitarist replaced Richie Sambora in the many-times-platinum band, he was typically found in front of a camera making video content for vintage guitar store Fretted Americana.