Legendary guitarists have often relied on specific amplifiers to achieve their iconic tones. These amplifiers became integral parts of their signature sounds and played a crucial role in shaping the history of electric guitar music. Here are some examples of legendary guitarists and the amplifiers they used to recreate classic tones:
- Jimi Hendrix – Marshall Plexi:
- Jimi Hendrix is closely associated with the Marshall Super Lead Plexi amplifiers, particularly the 100-watt models. These amps, known for their rich overdrive and creamy sustain, played a vital role in creating Hendrix’s groundbreaking psychedelic and blues-rock tones.
- Eric Clapton – Fender Twin Reverb:
- Eric Clapton’s “woman tone” and his classic bluesy sound were often achieved with a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier. Its clean and loud characteristics allowed Clapton to shape his expressive lead and rhythm tones.
- Jimmy Page – Supro Thunderbolt:
- On Led Zeppelin’s early recordings, Jimmy Page used a Supro Thunderbolt amplifier to achieve the raw and aggressive blues-rock sound that characterized the band’s debut album. The amp’s simplicity and natural overdrive contributed to Page’s iconic tone.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan – Fender Vibroverb:
- Stevie Ray Vaughan’s fiery Texas blues sound was closely associated with the Fender Vibroverb. Its combination of clean headroom and classic Fender reverb allowed Vaughan to create his distinctive tone with expressive bends and powerful bluesy licks.
- Angus Young – Marshall JTM45 and JMP:
- Angus Young of AC/DC is known for his raucous, high-energy rock sound, which was achieved using various Marshall amplifiers. The Marshall JTM45 and JMP models were particularly influential in shaping AC/DC’s classic rock anthems.
- Eddie Van Halen – Peavey 5150 (EVH):
- Eddie Van Halen’s signature “brown sound” was largely shaped by the Peavey 5150 amplifier (later rebranded as the EVH 5150). This amp delivered the high-gain, crunchy distortion that became synonymous with Van Halen’s guitar tone.
- David Gilmour – Hiwatt Custom 100:
- David Gilmour of Pink Floyd used Hiwatt Custom 100 amplifiers to produce the lush, ambient, and soaring tones heard in Pink Floyd’s music. The Hiwatt’s clean headroom and clarity were essential for Gilmour’s expressive lead work.
- Brian May – Vox AC30:
- Brian May of Queen is known for his unique, orchestral guitar sound achieved with the Vox AC30. He used the amp’s distinctive treble-boosted tones to create Queen’s anthemic guitar-driven rock.
- Duane Allman – Fender Bassman and Leslie:
- Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band used Fender Bassman amplifiers in combination with Leslie rotary speakers to create the soaring slide guitar sound that defined the band’s southern rock and blues-rock style.
- Rory Gallagher – Fender Deluxe Reverb and Vox AC30:
- Irish blues-rock guitarist Rory Gallagher was known for using Fender Deluxe Reverb and Vox AC30 amplifiers to achieve his raw and emotive blues tones.
These legendary guitarists and their choice of amplifiers showcase the close relationship between musicians and their gear. Their preferences for specific amplifiers played a significant role in defining the iconic tones that continue to influence generations of guitarists.