When it comes to Prince's rhythm playing I find it perplexing and fascinating that Prince has chosen to retire the Cloud guitar (all colors) in favor of the Hohner. I really dug the cloud because his rhythmic accompaniment and licks sound better than on the Tele or his Ibanez. With the exception of the latter the cloud sounds much more bluesy and earthier. The last time i can remember hearing him play the cloud on a studio album is The Rainbow Children. His cover of "Just My Imagination" in the beginning sounded so sublime and lush and emotive and then at the end just lets loose and so full of reverb and loudness.

I'm gonna say the Hohner because he was waaaaay more raw with that joint. The cloud was dope because it was iconic (and clean). But albums like Dirty Mind, Controversy, 1999 and some of Purple Rain would sound crazily different if he was rocking the Cloud.
[Edited 12/3/07 11:01am]

I think he licked the Hohner way more often than he licked the Cloud.

Um... the hohner Tele rules 4 funk guitar, period.

The cloud guitar sounded better than the symbol guitar 4 leads, but I am so glad he rekindled his tele love with the Hohner. In terms of tone, and how he is inspired on rhythm guitar with the Hohner, U should want nothing but the Hohner.

...and don't forget about all of the tracks on 'Dirty Mind', 'Controversy', and '1999' in which it was the Hohner.

I rest my case...

Genesia said:

U GO girl.