Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, is widely known for his iconic use of Gibson Les Pauls and other Gibson models during his career. However, his association with Fender guitars is less common but not entirely absent from his extensive repertoire. In this article, we’ll explore the instances where Jimmy Page used Fender guitars and their significance in his musical journey.
1. 1967 Fender Electric XII:
One of the notable Fender guitars used by Jimmy Page was the Fender Electric XII, a twelve-string electric guitar. Page played this guitar on the Led Zeppelin track “Stairway to Heaven.” The distinctive 12-string sound heard in the song’s intro was created using the Fender Electric XII. It’s worth noting that while Page played the Fender Electric XII on the studio recording, he used a Gibson EDS-1275 double neck for live performances to replicate the 12-string sound.
2. 1968 Fender Telecaster:
Page also occasionally used a Fender Telecaster during his early years with Led Zeppelin. He employed a customized Fender Telecaster during the recording of Led Zeppelin’s debut album in 1969. The guitar featured a custom “dragon” paint job that became one of Page’s most iconic instruments.
3. 1969 Fender Stratocaster:
In addition to the Telecaster, Page utilized a Fender Stratocaster for certain live performances. The Stratocaster’s distinctive single-coil tones were used for specific songs, adding variety to Led Zeppelin’s live set.
4. Custom Fender Telecaster and Dragon Telecaster:
During Led Zeppelin’s later years, Jimmy Page played a custom Fender Telecaster built by luthier John Page. This unique instrument featured a humbucker pickup in the neck position, which allowed Page to achieve a warmer and more powerful tone. Page also famously played a custom Telecaster with a dragon paint job, similar to his earlier Telecaster, during the band’s live performances.
5. Collaborations and Signature Models:
Jimmy Page’s influence in the world of guitars led to several collaborations with Fender. He worked closely with the company to create signature models that pay homage to his iconic instruments, including replicas of his custom Telecasters and the Fender Mirror Telecaster, which featured mirrored pickguards.
While Jimmy Page is primarily associated with Gibson guitars, his use of Fender instruments, albeit less frequent, demonstrates his versatility as a guitarist and his willingness to explore different sonic possibilities. The Fender guitars he played have left an indelible mark on rock history, contributing unique tones and textures to Led Zeppelin’s timeless music. Whether it’s the shimmering 12-string sound of the Fender Electric XII or the raw power of his custom Telecasters, Page’s brief encounters with Fender guitars have enriched the musical legacy of one of rock’s greatest guitarists.