What gear did our guitar icons use?

When it comes to the iconic sounds that have shaped rock, blues, jazz, and other genres, the gear behind the guitar heroes is often as legendary as the players themselves. From Jimi Hendrix's psychedelic tones to Eddie Van Halen's blazing riffs, each piece of equipment played a crucial role in crafting their signature sounds. In this blog post, we'll dive into the essential gear that some of the greatest guitar players in history have used to create their timeless music.

Jimi Hendrix

Guitar: Fender Stratocaster

Jimi Hendrix is synonymous with the Fender Stratocaster. His 1968 Olympic White Strat, famously known as "Woodstock Strat," was pivotal in creating his iconic sound. The Stratocaster's bright and versatile tones allowed Hendrix to explore a wide range of sonic landscapes, from searing solos to subtle, melodic lines.

Amplifier: Marshall Super Lead 100

Hendrix's partnership with Marshall amps revolutionised rock guitar. The Marshall Super Lead 100 provided the powerful, overdriven sound that became a hallmark of his performances. The amp's high gain and rich harmonic content were crucial for Hendrix's feedback-laden solos and thunderous riffs.

Effects: Uni-Vibe, Fuzz Face, and Cry Baby Wah

Hendrix was a pioneer in using effects pedals. The Uni-Vibe pedal created his signature "vibrato" effect, while the Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face delivered the thick, saturated fuzz tones heard on classics like "Purple Haze." The Cry Baby Wah pedal allowed Hendrix to articulate expressive, vocal-like guitar phrases, adding another layer to his dynamic playing

Eric Clapton

Guitar: Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster "Blackie"

Eric Clapton's early career was defined by his 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard, famously used during his time with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. The thick, creamy tones of the Les Paul became a benchmark for blues-rock guitarists. Later, Clapton transitioned to his custom Fender Stratocaster, "Blackie," which combined elements from three different Stratocasters to create his ultimate guitar.

Amplifier: Marshall Bluesbreaker Combo and Fender Twin Reverb

Clapton's use of the Marshall Bluesbreaker combo amp with his Les Paul is legendary. The combination produced the warm, singing sustain that characterised his "woman tone." With "Blackie," Clapton often used a Fender Twin Reverb, known for its clean, punchy tones that perfectly complemented his more delicate playing style.

Effects: Vox Wah and EC Signature Pedals

Clapton's use of the Vox Wah pedal added a distinctive cry to his solos, especially during his time with Cream. In recent years, Clapton has collaborated with various manufacturers to create signature pedals that emulate his classic tones, making it easier for fans to capture his sound.

Eddie Van Halen

Guitar: "Frankenstrat"

Eddie Van Halen's "Frankenstrat" is one of the most famous custom guitars in rock history. Built from various parts, including a Stratocaster body and a Gibson PAF humbucker, this guitar was designed to deliver both the power of a Les Paul and the playability of a Strat. The unique wiring and configuration contributed to Van Halen's revolutionary tapping and harmonics techniques.

Amplifier: Marshall 1959 Super Lead

Van Halen's sound was heavily dependent on his Marshall 1959 Super Lead amp. He famously used a Variac to adjust the voltage and achieve his desired tone, which became known as the "Brown Sound." This setup provided the perfect balance of gain, sustain, and clarity for his high-energy playing style.

Effects: MXR Phase 90 and Echoplex

Eddie's use of the MXR Phase 90 pedal added a swirling, almost liquid quality to his solos, heard on tracks like "Eruption." The Echoplex tape delay was crucial for creating the expansive, atmospheric sounds that defined many of Van Halen's solos and instrumental pieces.

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Guitar: Fender Stratocaster "Number One"

Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Number One" Stratocaster, also known as "First Wife," was his most cherished instrument. This battered '63/'64 Stratocaster, with its deep, resonant tone, was essential to Vaughan's explosive blues style. The thick neck and overwound pickups contributed to his powerful, soulful sound.

Amplifier: Fender Vibroverb and Super Reverb

Vaughan's preferred amps included the Fender Vibroverb and Super Reverb, both of which delivered the rich, warm tones and dynamic responsiveness he needed. The combination of these amps with his heavy gauge strings and aggressive playing style produced his signature gritty, overdriven blues sound.

Effects: Ibanez Tube Screamer and Vox Wah

The Ibanez Tube Screamer was a key component of Vaughan's rig, providing the smooth, mid-boosted overdrive that helped define his sound. He also used a Vox Wah pedal to add expressiveness and emphasis to his solos, particularly during live performances.

Jimmy Page

Guitar: Gibson Les Paul Standard

Jimmy Page’s 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, often referred to as his "Number One," was instrumental in shaping Led Zeppelin’s iconic sound. The Les Paul’s warm, thick tone and sustain were perfect for Page’s powerful riffs and searing solos.

Amplifier: Marshall Plexi

Page often used a Marshall Plexi amplifier, specifically the Super Lead model, which provided the punchy, overdriven sound that defined many of Led Zeppelin’s recordings. The combination of the Les Paul and the Marshall Plexi created a rich, full-bodied tone that became a cornerstone of rock music.

Effects: Echoplex, Tone Bender, and Vox Wah

Page’s use of the Echoplex tape delay added depth and atmosphere to his playing, as heard on "Whole Lotta Love." The Sola Sound Tone Bender fuzz pedal contributed to the raw, gritty distortion of tracks like "Communication Breakdown." Additionally, the Vox Wah pedal allowed Page to add expressive sweeps and accents to his solos.

David Gilmour

Guitar: Fender Stratocaster

David Gilmour’s black Fender Stratocaster is synonymous with Pink Floyd’s ethereal soundscapes. The Strat’s clear, articulate tone and smooth playability were essential for Gilmour’s emotive solos and intricate melodies.

Amplifier: Hiwatt Custom 100

Gilmour’s primary amplifier, the Hiwatt Custom 100, provided the clean, powerful sound needed for his detailed playing. The Hiwatt’s headroom and clarity allowed Gilmour to use various effects without muddying his tone, ensuring each note rang out with precision.

Effects: Big Muff, Electric Mistress, and Binson Echorec

Gilmour’s extensive use of effects pedals helped create Pink Floyd’s iconic sound. The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff provided the rich, creamy distortion heard on "Comfortably Numb." The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger added a sweeping, otherworldly texture to his guitar lines. The Binson Echorec, a tape echo unit, was crucial for achieving the atmospheric delays that are a hallmark of Pink Floyd’s music.

Slash

Guitar: Gibson Les Paul Standard

Slash’s weapon of choice is the Gibson Les Paul Standard. His 1987 Les Paul Standard, often referred to as the "Appetite Les Paul," was instrumental in creating the raw, aggressive tones heard on Guns N’ Roses’ debut album, "Appetite for Destruction." The Les Paul’s thick, meaty sound was perfect for Slash’s hard-hitting riffs and soaring solos.

Amplifier: Marshall JCM800

Slash’s main amplifier, the Marshall JCM800, is known for its high-gain, rock-ready tone. The JCM800’s aggressive, punchy sound helped define the sonic landscape of 1980s rock, making it a favourite among hard rock and metal guitarists.

Effects: Dunlop Cry Baby Wah and Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

Slash’s use of the Dunlop Cry Baby Wah pedal adds a distinctive sweep and articulation to his solos, most famously on "Sweet Child O’ Mine." The Boss DD-3 Digital Delay provides the echo and depth that enhance his lead lines, giving them a soaring, epic quality.

Gear That Great Session Guitar Players Used

Session guitar players are the unsung heroes of the music industry, lending their talents to countless hit records across a wide range of genres. These versatile musicians need gear that can deliver a vast array of tones and styles. From James Burton’s twangy Telecaster to Steve Lukather’s versatile setups, the right equipment is crucial for meeting the demands of the studio. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential gear that some of the greatest session guitar players have used to craft their legendary sounds.

James Burton

Guitar: Fender Telecaster

James Burton is synonymous with the Fender Telecaster. His 1953 Telecaster, nicknamed “Nancy,” is famed for its bright, cutting tone. The Telecaster’s simple yet versatile design, with its single-coil pickups, has made it a favourite for country, rock, and pop sessions.

Amplifier: Fender Twin Reverb

Burton often used a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier, known for its clean, powerful sound. The Twin Reverb’s lush reverb and vibrant tone were perfect for Burton’s crisp, articulate playing style.

Effects: Boss DM-2 Delay and MXR Phase 90

While Burton’s sound is mostly about clean tones, he occasionally used effects like the Boss DM-2 Delay to add depth and space to his playing. The MXR Phase 90 phaser provided a subtle modulation effect that added richness to his leads.

Steve Lukather

Guitar: Ernie Ball Music Man Luke

Steve Lukather’s signature Ernie Ball Music Man Luke model is his primary instrument. This guitar features EMG active pickups, which offer a broad tonal range and high output, making it suitable for various styles from rock to jazz to pop.

Amplifier: Bogner Ecstasy

Lukather’s amplifier of choice is often the Bogner Ecstasy. This amp is highly versatile, providing a wide range of tones from sparkling cleans to heavy distortion. Its flexibility is essential for Lukather’s work across different genres.

Effects: Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler and Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

Lukather uses a Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler for its wide array of delay effects, essential for creating atmospheric sounds in the studio. The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer is a staple for adding creamy overdrive and sustain to his solos.

Larry Carlton

Guitar: Gibson ES-335

Larry Carlton’s main guitar is the Gibson ES-335, a semi-hollow body known for its warm, resonant tone. The ES-335’s versatility makes it perfect for Carlton’s smooth jazz, blues, and rock playing.

Amplifier: Dumble Overdrive Special

Carlton often uses a Dumble Overdrive Special amplifier, renowned for its rich, dynamic overdrive and exceptional clarity. The Dumble’s ability to produce both pristine cleans and singing leads makes it ideal for session work.

Effects: Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble and MXR Dyna Comp

The Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble provides Carlton with lush, shimmering chorus effects, enhancing his clean tones. The MXR Dyna Comp compressor helps smooth out his dynamics, ensuring a consistent, polished sound.

Tommy Tedesco

Guitar: Fender Telecaster and Gibson ES-335

Tommy Tedesco was known for using a variety of guitars, but his Fender Telecaster and Gibson ES-335 were staples. The Telecaster’s bright, punchy sound and the ES-335’s rich, full tone allowed Tedesco to cover a wide range of styles.

Amplifier: Fender Twin Reverb and Deluxe Reverb

Tedesco frequently used Fender Twin Reverb and Deluxe Reverb amplifiers. Both amps are prized for their clean, articulate sound, making them perfect for the precision required in session work.

Effects: Fender Reverb Unit and Echoplex

Tedesco often used a Fender Reverb Unit for adding lush reverb to his sound, creating depth and ambiance. The Echoplex tape delay provided warm, analog delay effects that enhanced his solos and rhythm parts.

Brent Mason

Guitar: Custom Fender Telecaster

Brent Mason’s custom Fender Telecaster is his primary guitar. It features a unique pickup configuration with a mini-humbucker in the neck, a classic Telecaster single-coil in the middle, and a hot single-coil in the bridge, allowing Mason to achieve a wide variety of tones.

Amplifier: Fender Twin Reverb and Peavey Nashville 400

Mason’s amplifier setup often includes a Fender Twin Reverb for its clean, bright sound, and a Peavey Nashville 400 for its punchy, full-bodied tone, especially suited for country music.

Effects: Boss BD-2 Blues Driver and Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeller

Mason uses the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver for adding overdrive to his sound, providing a smooth, bluesy distortion. The Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeller offers a range of delay effects, adding versatility to his studio setup.

Conclusion

The gear used by these session guitar legends is a testament to their versatility and adaptability in the studio & stage. Their choices in guitars, amplifiers, and effects have played a crucial role in shaping the sound of countless hit records. Whether you’re an aspiring session guitarist or a seasoned player looking to expand your tonal palette, understanding the gear that great guitar players used can inspire you to explore new sounds and techniques in your own playing journey. It's also worth noting that while powerful guitar amps and gear were once essential for delivering the desired volume and tone, modern technology has provided guitarists with more efficient and versatile solutions. Advanced PA systems, superior microphone and DI technology, digital modelling, practical considerations, and recording advancements have all contributed to making powerful gear less necessary. Today’s guitarists can achieve professional-quality sound with more portable, versatile, and manageable equipment, allowing them to focus more on their performance and creativity rather than sheer power.