Rig Rundown: Gary Rossington Collection

PG brings you a hands-on look at some of the gear that the late Skynyrd guitarist used to change rock history.While our Rundown team was in Chicago in November, they spent some time at Chicago Music Exchange with CEO Andrew Yonke and vintage inventory and purchasing manager Daniel Escauriza. In 2023, they were contacted by Gary’s daughter Mary Rossington to help manage the gear that belonged to her late father, the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington. With the help of friends and crowd-sourced knowledge, Yonke and Escauriza embarked on a months-long saga to learn about Rossington’s guitars and amps.PG’s John Bohlinger met up with Yonke and Escauriza inside CME’s Vault to learn about the adventure, and to get up close and personal with some of Rossington’s most treasured pieces of kit. Check out some of the highlights below, and after the photos, we have an exclusive interview with Mary Rossington, so keep scrolling!Brought to you by D’Addario. Rossington’s RedsRossington’s iconic Gibson SGs, some of which he owned from high school, were among the most prized and recognizable instruments in his arsenal. They’re gathered together on display now at CME. Bernice’s TwinThis is the first prototype of Gibson Custom Shop’s Gary Rossington '59 Les Paul Standard, a replica of his infamous 1959 LP named “Bernice,” dated to the early 2000s. Southern SoundsWhen word got out that Rossington’s rig had resurfaced, Yonke fielded calls from dozens of guitarists wondering one thing: Were his Peavey Maces going to be going on the market? These old Mississippi Marshalls were a cornerstone of Rossington’s tone.A Bit of BritishThis Hiwatt Custom 100 and non-master-volume 1959 Marshall Super Lead head were also key components of Rossington’s sound.We spoke with Gary’s daughter, Mary Rossington, about her father’s legacy, the importance of honoring his influential impact through the Collection, and how Chicago Music Exchange became the ambassadors to this awesome musical history.Did Gary ever speak about what he’d want done with his instruments after he was gone?Rossington: Gary never spoke about what his wishes were as far as his collection. These were his tools he used and was as humble a man as there ever was. I don’t think he really even grasped how truly special he was and how impactful his contribution to the music was (and always will be). He was just doing what he loved and knew how to do it.
Gary was known for valuing guitars as tools rather than trophies. How did that philosophy shape your decisions when evaluating how to preserve his gear? I know Rickey Medlocke made the suggestion/introduction, but when did CME seem like the right fit for your vision?Rossington: Two weeks after dad’s passing we asked Rickey following the CMT tribute what on earth were we to do now? He directed us to Andrew Yonke and the CME family having every faith they would be the one to guide us in the next steps. Upon speaking with Andrew, which honestly is a blur for us due to the timing, we went about setting up the first meeting for Andrew and Daniel to come down to Atlanta and go through the collection with us. We had no idea where we wanted to go with anything but knew we needed help in every way.
We instantly fell in love with their passion and energy for the project. We just stood in the doorway and watched as they meticulously and carefully opened each and every case and examined each guitar. At times we didn’t have a clue as to what they were saying, and at one point after about two pots of coffee, they paused and said ‘Ok, we're really trying to be cool but this is blowing us away!’
Mom and dad had sat down a few years prior and wrote a little note for each one describing where each guitar came from and the story behind it. Their enthusiasm for what we could potentially do with all these instruments and their knowledge made us feel so comforted and we trusted them. All dad ever wanted to do was keep the music alive for his brothers that passed and we feel the need to do the same for him.
We want to share his legacy with the world and that starts with the instruments that made the music come alive. They had met dad over the years and respected him as not only an artist but as the amazing man he was—that was all we needed to know to this was the right fit. Andrew never made mention of money or selling anything, so we knew he was in this to assist in preserving his legacy and it was not about a payday for him.What part of the process brought you the most comfort?Rossington: We knew very little about dad’s collection, but it was very apparent they knew exactly what they were talking about. We prayed on it and knew this was God putting us with exactly who we were meant to be paired with. Their dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm to preserve the pieces and further dad’s legacy meant the world to us. Many people would’ve only been interested in selling the collection and that’s never been a concern with Andrew, Daniel, and CME.
Allowing other players to use these instruments is a powerful gesture. How did you arrive at that decision?Rossington: We again just want to keep his music and legacy alive and by allowing others artists to touch a piece of history while furthering his name and contribution to music that has shaped and inspired generations. I'll never forget how excited dad was when he got to hold Duane's guitar and we want that for other musicians as well.
Was there one guitar that symbolized Gary to you more than any other? Why?Rossington: Of course Bernice was the standout guitar and dad thought it was the coolest thing ever that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame would want to not only house the piece, but that it was displayed right next to Duane's. It blew his mind!
All of his Les Pauls were so special and the SGs were the sound of “Freebird.” Every time we hear the guitars played it resonates in our hearts and souls.
Were there any specific guitars that Gary insisted should continue to be played? Why?Rossington: Dad never really discussed his instruments with us. When he was home it was all about the family and he kept most of that knowledge to himself.
You’ve mentioned hoping younger musicians feel inspired when they hold or hear these guitars. What do you hope they learn about Gary from this collection? Is there a message Gary tried to pass down to the next generation that CME is helping carry forward?Rossington: Our hope is that through the continued exposure of his collection and hearing the guitars onstage that those experiences will inspire others to explore not only what an amazing musician and songwriter he was, but what a humble and beautiful man he was. He would have given the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He would’ve said to always work hard and never give up no matter what life may throw your way.
He tried every day of his life to honor and further the music the guys wrote together when they were so young. Those songs were written from the heart and performed with such accuracy and dedication that they will stand the test of time.
Do you envision the CME vault becoming a long-term home, or is it the beginning of a larger legacy project—documentaries, books, exhibitions?Rossington: For now we are so very pleased that his collection survived the early days in the Hell House in Florida and everything that happened, and they are protected, secure, and in loving hands. We have hopes in the future for documentaries and are exploring the possibility of an exhibition in the future.
We would love to see a portion of his collection travel the world so more people could enjoy them and feel that they were a piece of this amazing history, too. It will come down to logistics and safety ensuring that the instruments remain in their current condition so there’s peace of mind for everyone.