Jimmy Page's Main Guitars: The Fender Telecaster and Gibson Les Paul

Jimmy Page is most famous for playing a Gibson Les Paul, particularly a 1959 model that became one of the most iconic guitars in rock history. He used this guitar extensively with Led Zeppelin, especially during the band's peak years in the 1970s. The 1959 Les Paul's thick, warm tone and sustain matched Page's heavy riff style and made it his signature instrument.

Before the Les Paul became his main guitar, Page played a Fender Telecaster during his session work in the 1960s and early in his career with The Yardbirds. The Telecaster's bright, cutting tone suited the blues-rock sound of that era. He also used a Telecaster during some Led Zeppelin performances, though the Les Paul remained his primary choice once he switched to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Jimmy Page's 1959 Gibson Les Paul became his most recognizable guitar and is now one of the most valuable instruments in rock history.
  • He played Fender Telecasters during his session work in the 1960s and with The Yardbirds before switching to the Les Paul.
  • Page also used Gibson SG guitars and other models during different periods of his career and for specific songs.
  • His choice of guitar, combined with his amplifier setup and playing technique, created the heavy, distorted sound that defined Led Zeppelin's music.

The 1959 Gibson Les Paul: Page's Most Famous Instrument

The 1959 Gibson Les Paul that Jimmy Page owned became legendary in its own right. This particular guitar is a sunburst finish model with a mahogany body and maple top, built during Gibson's most sought-after production year. Page acquired it in the mid-1960s and used it on most of Led Zeppelin's studio albums and live performances from 1968 onward.

This guitar's tone defined the sound of Led Zeppelin's heaviest songs, including "Whole Lotta Love," "Black Dog," and "Stairway to Heaven." The 1959 Les Paul's naturally warm and thick tone, combined with Page's use of high-gain amplifiers and distortion, created the thick, sustaining riffs that became the band's trademark. The guitar is now worth millions of dollars and has been displayed in museums and exhibitions.

Other Guitars Page Used in the Studio and Live

While the 1959 Les Paul was Page's main guitar, he used other models for specific purposes. He played Gibson SG guitars during some Led Zeppelin performances and studio sessions. The SG's thinner body and slightly brighter tone offered a different character than the Les Paul, useful for certain songs and live situations.

Page also used Gibson ES-335 semi-hollow body guitars for some recordings and performances. This model's warm, resonant tone worked well for blues-influenced songs and acoustic-electric passages. Additionally, he played various acoustic guitars for unplugged performances and studio work, including folk-influenced pieces that appeared on Led Zeppelin albums.

How Page's Amplifiers Shaped His Guitar Sound

The guitar itself was only part of Page's sound. He used Marshall amplifiers, particularly Marshall Plexi heads and cabinets, which became standard equipment for rock guitarists. The combination of a Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall amp at high volume created the heavy, distorted tone that defined Led Zeppelin's sound.

Page also experimented with different effects and amplifier settings to achieve various tones. He used fuzz boxes, wah pedals, and other effects during different eras of his career. His willingness to push amplifiers to their limits and use feedback as a musical tool influenced how countless rock guitarists approached their own equipment choices.

Page's Guitar Setup During Different Eras

Jimmy Page's guitar choices evolved slightly over his career. During his session work in the early 1960s, he primarily used Fender Telecasters and other single-coil guitars that were common for studio work at the time. When he joined The Yardbirds in 1966, he continued using Telecasters and began experimenting with more aggressive playing styles.

Once Led Zeppelin formed in 1968, Page standardized on the Gibson Les Paul as his main instrument. Throughout the 1970s and beyond, the Les Paul remained his primary choice for both studio and live work. In later years and reunion performances, Page has continued to use his famous 1959 Les Paul, demonstrating the instrument's durability and his attachment to it.

Why the Gibson Les Paul Became Page's Signature Guitar

The Gibson Les Paul suited Jimmy Page's playing style and the music he wanted to create. The guitar's solid mahogany body and thick construction naturally resisted feedback at lower volumes, while still producing feedback and sustain when pushed hard—exactly what Page needed for Led Zeppelin's sound. The Les Paul's weight and balance also made it comfortable for extended playing sessions and live performances.

Page's use of the 1959 Les Paul also helped establish it as the standard guitar for rock and heavy music. Before Page, the Les Paul was less common in rock music than Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters. His success with the instrument inspired generations of rock guitarists to seek out Les Pauls, making it one of the most iconic and expensive guitars in the world today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was Jimmy Page's famous Gibson Les Paul made?

Jimmy Page's most famous guitar is a 1959 Gibson Les Paul with a sunburst finish. This particular year is considered the peak of Gibson's Les Paul production, and 1959 models are among the most valuable and sought-after guitars in the world.

Did Jimmy Page play any other brands besides Gibson?

Yes, Page played Fender Telecasters extensively during his session work in the 1960s and with The Yardbirds. He also used acoustic guitars from various makers for unplugged work. However, Gibson instruments, particularly the Les Paul, became his primary choice once he joined Led Zeppelin.

How much is Jimmy Page's 1959 Les Paul worth?

The exact value is difficult to determine because it is not for sale, but estimates place it in the millions of dollars. Vintage 1959 Les Pauls in good condition typically sell for between $500,000 and $2 million or more, depending on condition and provenance. Page's guitar would likely command a premium due to its historical significance.

Did Jimmy Page use the same guitar for all Led Zeppelin albums?

Page primarily used his 1959 Les Paul for most Led Zeppelin studio albums and performances, but he also used other guitars for specific songs and sessions. Some acoustic tracks and certain studio experiments involved different instruments, but the 1959 Les Paul appears on the majority of the band's most famous recordings.

What amplifiers did Jimmy Page use with his Les Paul?

Jimmy Page primarily used Marshall amplifiers, particularly Marshall Plexi heads and cabinets, which he pushed to high volumes to achieve Led Zeppelin's signature heavy sound. He also experimented with various effects pedals and other amplifier brands throughout his career, but Marshall became his standard choice.