Who plays what in Depeche Mode?

Question

I know Martin plays most of the guitar. That's about it. Who does the drum programming, or the bass synthesizer, or the actual synthesizers?

Also, Dave, Martin, and Andy are pictured in Ultra playing guitars. Are they actually all playing them on that album, or was the picture for effect?

Answer 1

Dave is the Master

Martin is the Servant

Fletch goes out and picks up lunch...

Answer 2

First of all, I doubt Andy does much in the way of actual instrumentation in the studio (apart from gathering samples in the early 80's or providing rudimentary percussion in 'Condemnation').  Whether or not he plays anything live is widely debated.  If he does, then it's really minor parts.  Alan did a lot of the arranging in the studio, as he was keener about doing those tasks than Martin was.  During concerts, Alan played most of the complicated melodies.  If it was a non-guitar song, Martin would play keyboard parts Alan wasn't doing.  Alan was probably involved in programming the drums up until he left.  While recording Ultra, DM got studio personnel to help them accomplish Alan's former duties.

The sleeve photos are probably just referencing how DM's sound became more guitar-oriented in recent years.  The video for 'Barrel Of A Gun' also shows the band playing guitars together.  In reality, though, Martin is the only member who contributes guitar on the recordings.