Jimmy Page, the iconic guitarist of Led Zeppelin, primarily used the Fender Super Reverb and the Supro Thunderbolt amplifiers to shape his groundbreaking sound. These amps were integral to his distinctive tone, particularly during the early days of Led Zeppelin.
Page's Signature Amplifiers
Page's choice of amplifiers varied throughout his extensive career, but certain models became synonymous with his legendary sound. The Supro Thunderbolt was notably used for many of the early Led Zeppelin recordings, contributing to the raw, powerful tone heard on their initial albums. Later, the Fender Super Reverb became another go-to amp, offering a different sonic palette that Page masterfully integrated into his live performances and studio work.
Here is a summary of the key amplifiers associated with Jimmy Page:
Amplifier Model | Noted For |
---|---|
Fender Super Reverb | Versatile tone, used for live and studio work |
Supro Thunderbolt | Raw, powerful sound on early Led Zeppelin recordings |
Beyond the Amp: Other Essential Gear
While amplifiers were crucial, Page's complete sonic arsenal also included a range of other instruments and effects that contributed to his unique guitar voice. His setup typically involved:
- Guitars: Most famously, his Gibson Les Paul Standard "Number One" was a staple for much of his career, known for its sustain and rich tone.
- Pedals:
- Vox V846 Wah: Used for expressive melodic lines and rhythmic textures, adding a vocal-like quality to his solos.
- Roger Mayer FZ-1 Fuzz Tone: Employed to achieve distorted and sustained sounds, foundational to the heavy rock sound he pioneered.
These components, combined with Page's innovative playing style, created the unparalleled sound that defined an era of rock music.