Ever wondered what equipment some of the greatest guitarists of all time used?
Then look no further.
We have compiled a list of some of the best to have done it and their rigs.
Over the years these guys have used massive amounts of kit so here we have just named some of the more notable.
1. B.B. King
The king of the blues was one of the most influential guitarists of all time. A genuine soloist with a sophisticated style. You’ll be surprised how simple his rig is.
Guitars
- Gibson Lucille Guitar
- Fender Esquire Tele
Amplifiers
- Lab Series L5 2×12” Combo Amp
- Fender Twin Reverb
2. Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan, another great blues guitarist. Following in the wake of B.B. King’s success Vaughan went on to be one of the most influential guitarists.
Guitars
- Fender Stratocaster 1963 (With a 1962 Fender Neck).
- Various Stratocasters 1960, 1964, 1957
- Gibson ES-335 1958
- Custom Hamilton Lurktamer
Amplifiers
- Fender Super Reverb Combo
- Fender Bassman amplifier
- Marshall Major 200-watt heads
- Marshall JCM800 half-stack
Pedals and Effects
- Vox V847 Wah-wah pedal
- Ibanez Tube Screamer
- UniVox UniVibe (Dunlop)
- Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face
3. Keith Richards
The legendary Keith Richards is an English Guitarist famous for co-founding the Rolling Stones. Keith has a huge collection of guitars. And we mean huge. There’s over 1000 in his collection.
Guitars
- Fender ’52 Telecaster – Butterscotch Blonde
- Natural finish 50’s Fender Telecaster
- Fender Telecaster sunburst
- Music Man Silhouette guitar
Amplifiers
- Fender Twin amplifier
- Marshall head
- Fender Bassman 4×10
- Mesa Boogie 4x 12″ cabinets
Pedals and Effects
- Zinky Master Blaster clean boost pedal
- Ibanez UE-400 multi-effects
- Fulltone Tube Tape Echo
- MXR Phase 100
4. Jimmy Page
Page was integral to the famous sounds of Led Zeppelin. Page wrote, played and produced the songs. And boasts an even bigger collection than Richards, with over 1500 guitars.
Guitars
- 1959 Fender Telecaster
- 1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard
- 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard
- 1960 Danelectro 3021
Amplifiers
- Fender Super Reverbs
- Fender Tonemaster Heads and 4×12 cabinets
- Hiwatt 50
- Marshall 1959-SLP: 100-watt head rewired to 200 watts modded with KT-88 tubes
Pedals and Effects
- Boss CE-2 Chorus
- Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive Distortion
- Digitech WH-1 Whammy Pedal
- Dunlop Crybaby Wah (535Q)
5. Eric Clapton
Clapton is a blues and rock guitarist that truly needs no introduction. Clapton personified the basics, just a man and his guitar.
Guitars
- Fender Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster (aka Blackie)
- Martin 000-28EC Eric Clapton signature model
- Gibson 1960 Les Paul Standard Sunburst
- Gibson SG Standard
Amplifiers
- Eric Clapton Signature Fender EC Tremolux
- Fender tweed Champ amp (used on Layla).
- Fender Clapton Vibro-Champ amp
- Vox AC-30
- Fender Clapton Twinolux
Pedals and Effects
- Boss Chorus CE-3
- Leslie pedal
- Jim Dunlop 535 Crybaby wah-wah pedal
- Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Wah Pedal
6. Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix is probably the most recognizable guitarist of all time. Even those living under a rock can tell you who he is. Hendrix’s wild playing on stage and effortless presentation made him one of the most entertaining guitarists of all time.
Guitars
- Fender Stratocasters including 1968
- Fender Jaguar
- Gibson Flying V
- Fender Jazzmaster
Amplifiers
- Marshall 1959SLP 100Watt Super Lead Plexi Head
- Marshall 1960A Slant Cabinet / 4×12
- Silvertone with a 2 x 12 cabinet
- Marshall 1960AC Vintage Cabinet / 4×12
Pedals and Effects
- Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face
- Roger Mayer Octavia Fuzz/Octave
- UniVox UniVibe
- Vox 847 Wah pedal
What’s Your Rig?
Now that you’ve seen what the famous axemen use. It’s time to share your weapon of choice with us. Leave your rigs in the comments section below!
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