1974: JEFF BECK's Guitar Setup | Five Faces of the Guitar | Classic BBC Music | BBC Archive

Six-string legend Jeff Beck discusses his preferred guitar setup with Mike Harding, on Five Faces of the Guitar.
Originally broadcast 1 September, 1974.
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[@andydixon2980]

I love how 'laid back' the 70s presenting style was. It seems people spoke in more whispered tones, and didn't talk over each other.

[@bennievargas2673]

It certainly is economical

[@lalo4642]

Back then when they care talking about music, you won't see a rig review in nowadays TV. Better said, you barely will see music on TV.

[@bigstick5278]

Even john lydon AKA johnny rotten can speak like a real British gentleman..

[@cr2fabrication]

I believe they call that having manors...

[@sleevelessace]

2020-2024 : HEY EVERYONE IM WITH JEFF BECK HERE!!!!!!!! MAKE SURE TO LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!!!!!!!! *tears vocal chords*

[@TheRealJohnEQuantum]

Aside from being one of the world's great guitarists, he does an awesome Nigel Tufnel impression. We miss you Jeff

[@samthunders3611]

Hahaha Hahaha

[@rikunevalainen8154]

I was expecting that if the interviewer points his finger to the bag, he would just say: "Don´t even point at it."

[@ApeLikeCreature]

He does...dunt he.

[@paulanthonyguy]

Good one!

[@samthunders3611]

Hahaha ..yea Spinal Tap Beck is a favorite of mine musically I used to cut hair musicians mostly The Jeff Beck/ Keith Richard look was very popular no maintence was adaptable to most average persons hair wavy straight it was shampoo n go.. shake it as it dries Perfect your a Rock n Roll Star Almost everyone had a ripped out of a mag or printed picture of a Rock Star in there pockets I'd automatically say okay let's see that picture in your pocket .

[@IkemNzeribe]

How I miss the days when broadcasters took music this seriously! What an extraordinarily talented and handsome man. RIP Jeff Beck, what a light in this cruel world you were!

[@MikeFowlerguitars]

You're absolutely right. This type of music programming is sadly missed

[@jjquinn2004]

They took it seriously because we, the fans took it seriously. I grew up in the 60s (b. 1954) and for many of us, that’s much of what we talked about. I started off buying 45s, then graduated to LPs and if we were lucky, we could afford one every few weeks. We’d play it to death, share it with friends, and read about it in music magazines. Some (not me) took up an instrument and they got into the music even deeper. I miss those days as well, Ikem.

[@delbhoye]

@Syd McCreath That's a bit harsh Syd. Jeff's playing an American guitar through an American amp with an American wah pedal. The Colorsound overdrive box is British though. :)

[@ULTIMATEPATCHES]

The broadcasters took it seriously, because it merited being taken seriously.

[@johnkomosa4089]

Irish? Keep the Classic Rock Turned Up. Wango Tango Rocky Mountain Way.

[@DenkyManner]

My dad died in November and I chose Diamond Dust by Jeff Beck as the opening piece of music as he was one of Dad's favourite musicians. It was a strange thing to read Beck had died the other day. His family and friends may never see this comment but my heart goes out to them.

[@taildragger53]

So sorry to hear about your father. Diamond Dust" is a work of art, a Bernie Holland masterpiece. You chose the most mysterious reflective and warm piece of music. Incidentally, Bernie Holland said once that Jeff played that solo in one take, no rehearsal.

[@DenkyManner]

@@taildragger53 Thank you, and thanks for that information.

[@Dogsrule777]

I’m sorry about your dad. I lost mine Friday the 13th of April, 2012. I miss him to this day. I now take care of my mom who is Beck’s age at 78! JB was a one of a kind musician.

[@hilaryepstein6013]

Jeff Beck was part of an amazing generation of talented people who came to prominence in the 60s and 70s and are now slowly leaving us. Nice to see him here explaining his magic.

[@spitfireaace]

slowly leaving us.

[@adonaiyah2196]

Nows the time to get into the stones and the beatles before they all go

[@josephkemler4488]

"Becks Bag"...one can hear the constant practice in that practice run up the neck.. Adios Maestro..

[@dwaynewladyka577]

This is an incredible piece of music history. It's awesome to hear how Jeff Beck created his iconic sounds on the guitar. May he rest in peace. Cheers! ✌️🙏🕊️🎸

[@mwbrada]

To hear him break down the humbuckers between mellow and harsh is so amazing...

[@oliverpura9876]

For several years now Eric Clapton uses a Fender Twin Reverb and a Strat. No pedals. Every knob on amp at 7. That's it!

[@zepapires]

This is awesome. Even more impressive: one or two years later he would switch to a Stratocaster (the first one being the white he got as a gift from John McLaughlin and appears on the Wired album cover), a few years later he would stop using a pick, etc, etc. Jeff was always exploring other forms of expression and becoming more and more unique in his “voice” as a guitarist. Total genius.

[@albertwright1875]

May we all aspire to find our own voices and vessels of inspiration, like Jeff (RIP) did. He always felt like a friend who also played guitar and just happened to be a way lot better than me. More inspiring than intimidating because he was so relatable; he was honest about his own inspirations; flashy; fun; let's not forget a creative rhythm player and brilliant accompanist. A dedicated guitar fan himself. Oh yeah, and also an Artist. This video shows how he is using relatively simple gear with an awareness of how you can utilize it, depending on how you feel, or what you want, and thereby expressively. The foresight/vision is evident. I guess also common knowledge for professional guitarists of some experience and caliber, at the time. Band looks bored. This vid also shows a possible genesis for certain film scenes, specifically, the explanation of the front and back pups. 'thought I was watching Spinal Tap for a second or two. Yes, JB (RIP) was a patient interviewee in this as he was a good listener as appropriate always; noise as required. Tourette's or Asperger's; Les Paul, Strat, or Tele, doesn't matter; Cheers to the spectrum. We're all on it.@@zepapires

[@zepapires]

@@albertwright1875 : I completely agree. Jeff would sound like Jeff even using the vacuum cleaner borrowed from my house. Of course, the vocabularies are different (sometimes not so much), but to me Jeff is the Miles Davis of the guitar. Such a unique "voice" on the instrument (two bars and you know who it is), always seeking something new, exploratory. Two geniuses.

[@magneto7930]

Nobody could do things with the guitar the way Jeff Beck could! Whether you agree that he was the greatest guitarist or not, he was certainly the most unique. RIP legend!

[@mbalash3755]

I think this is what Nigel Tufnel was built on😂😂😂Jeff was truly one of one. Legendary. Greatest guitarist in my opinion. R.I.P.

[@nickengland7342]

Don't even look at it..

[@obscurazone]

Jeff was 100% the inspiration, and was actually very annoyed when spinal tap was released as it was such a blatantly obvious satire of him (in part).

[@tskwizz]

The sustain…

[@nickengland7342]

@@obscurazone but they were bang on. parody up to 11 even. tapped right into Jeff's mannerisms.

[@iansnyder274]

No question. 100% 😃😂

[@hershysquirts187]

Jeff was the best. His playing was so unique and original. Truly amazing player.

[@christiaandemarezoyens4720]

The funkiest vocoder EVER!! Eternal life to Mr Beck, the greatest of the best!!

[@Tluangtea]

It's already a miracle he could use the wah pedal with those platform shoes

[@davedogge2280]

lol

[@richleonard55]

Thank you for posting this. I watched it when it was first broadcast with my father, a jazz fan who generally didn't think that much of the kind of thing I wanted to listen to as a teenager. But he loved this slot with Jeff Beck; liked his playing and found him charming and amusing as a personality. That's Jeff - he could cross barriers.

[@kingmodestfirst4487]

This interview with Jeff Beck is a precious archival piece of the most important electric guitarist (with Hendrix and Van Halen), we are now all orphans of these 3 geniuses and no one will do as much as they did nor bring as much ideas for creativity, innovations in sound, guitar playing technique. Jeff Beck is unique and stands out with his particular touch with his finger guitar playing, his use of the stratocaster tremolo and the volume knob making the sounds more alive - more emotional and close to the human voice (I'm not talking about the use of the talk box which is a specific effect which he did not need to make his guitar sing).

[@Inglese001]

Yeah Jeff was part of an exclusive group of exceptionally gifted guitarists who took playing to another level. I'd add Stevie Ray Vaughan and Gary Moore.

[@spitfireaace]

@@Inglese001 My big regret is that I never saw Jeff. I did see SRV four times though, so maybe that makes up for it.

[@greenlightwilly]

..so the inventor of the instrument doesn't even rate honorable mention?

[@johnt7630]

​@@greenlightwilly no not at all - no honorable mention. Just like the inventor of the automobile wouldn't be mentioned with the greatest motor racing drivers of all time. I find your argument bizarre.

[@paulfitz61]

Spot on, we can always add to the list but I think you nailed the top tier

[@iAussieGuy]

The original rig rundown. This is so cool

[@blainebaxter7684]

Aswell as a fantastic guitar player very cool looking dude in his prime aswell has a very good attitude about him not pompous and very softly spoken and intelligent

[@riccaregio]

It is so nice to remember him with this transmission. He was so humble and he was one of the greatest guitarist ever. We will miss you.

[@jmurray6451]

Thank you, Mr Beck for all you gave to the world! You'll be missed RIP but your music will LIVE ON!

[@19tractor52]

.....AND he was a really nice, humble bloke....

[@Splattle101]

As Blackmore said of Beck, "He plays notes that aren't on my guitar." Interesting to see his signal chain. Wah => Coloursound Overdriver => Ampeg combo. The ZB volume pedal didn't seem to be plugged in. I'd be interested to know more about that Ampeg, and to know what the little silverface Champ was for.

[@justinguitarcia]

im guessing the champ was the talk box since it needs a seperate amp. Im also assuming the volume pedal was for the swells he achieves on the record, much easier with a tele or strat, harder with the les paul

[@michaelw6277]

It’s really hard to believe that about a decade earlier musicians generally weren’t allowed to play live, on air, with show wanting it to sound like the exact studio recording. It’s crazy that the host even seems to have a vague idea of the right questions to ask as if anyone other than a guitarist cares about string gauge and action.

[@carlrudd1858]

Rather good interviewer. Questions are simple, so answers are bang on.

[@RossVoce]

Christopher Guest must have seen this when it aired! RIP Jeff

[@whitneygibson3431]

Growing up, Jeff Beck was often played on my father's turntable in the background of my childhood. My father chose an album to play every night @ dinner. "Beck's Bolero" & "Blow by Blow" were favorites, as he was one of my father's favorite musicians. Jeff Beck was often called a "guitarist's guitarist ", or a "musician's musician", I can't think of another musician who better fits that description. Wherever we go into the universe, I hope my father was able to shake JB's hand.

[@martinheath5947]

Bless him what an absolute legend and role model for so many aspiring guitar gods in particular the Spinal Tap "This one goes to 11" guy! His music and matchless playing will be remembered and treasured for all time winning new fans along the way. RIP Jeff you were truly a one off, gone too soon.

[@tomgorycki7176]

Watching this interview, I can’t help but imagine Nigel Tufnel doing a similar interview. RIP the Maestro.🙏🙌

[@Dracu13]

if I could go back in time, I'd go and take this dude in the purple suit, bring him here so he could host EVERY rig-rundown.

[@emgee44]

Wow! What a piece of history and so much a budding guitarist could learn from this one small clip.

[@charalampostseronis6500]

Jeff is my hero. RIP GOAT

[@Parseenfroo]

Britain produced some exceptional guitarists in that era, and although Jeff was at the pinnacle, let's not forget Stan Webb, Robin Trower and Peter Frampton, all thankfully still with us.

[@kingslaphappy1533]

I wonder if Jeff was reffering to Frampton when he siad “ a guitarist kindly gave this to me” speaking about his “ bag” ?

[@Innerspace100]

@@kingslaphappy1533 Could also be Joe Walsh. He used a home made talk box early on, most noteably on "Rocky Mountain Way" off of the second Barnstorm album, which had been out for about a year at this point.

[@lending99]

So damn cool to see this!!! What a loss, he was a guitar genius. On a more uplifting thought “Nigel” from Spinal Tap strikes a crazy resemblance!!! I’m sure that was the plan in the movie all along

[@wadeguidry6675]

"These go to eleven".

[@patrickhopkinson1851]

@@wadeguidry6675 I kept expecting Jeff to say “Don’t even look at it” and to demonstrate how long the Les Paul would sustain if it was plugged in. Christopher Guest did base Nigel Tufnell on the great Jeff Beck and it’s quite eerie.

[@fasteagle9959]

That ampeg sounds great

[@MikeFowlerguitars]

This was an amazing little programme. Never seen this segment. Imagine, Julian Bream, John Renbourn, Paco, Beck and Barney Kessel on the same lineup. Thanks very much. So many legends now gone. Enjoy the ones we have.

[@shawnstarks1743]

I love innocence of the questions. He really doesn't know.

[@shable1436]

That bag was interesting, it was the first talk box like sounds

[@BillyDog707official]

Wow🎸Pretty Slick Jeff👍🏾🦄Hiding the Voice Box in a leather pouch. The cutting edge of technology in 1974✌🤠☮

[@acme.videos]

BBC Thank you for sharing this video! RIPJeff 🙏🏻❤️

[@gregcharles6528]

I had a pair of those platform shoes back in 1974 - oh my gosh, has it really been that long? Hahaha

[@tubularbill]

Priceless history here.

[@raymondmitchell7582]

Thank You, Jeff was Amazing. So Shocked R.I.P. Jeff.

[@patriciaTHX]

What a master class in such a young age... Your legacy goes on forever , Jeff. Rest in power.

[@tmw9187]

Absolutely wonderful piece of music history. Thank you!

[@ItsJustRyan89]

Not even a funk player, but that Wah riff was smashing. What a player, RIP J.B.

[@JorgeVelezMusic]

Lots of his stuff going way back to the early JB Group is the definition of funky. Well, at least mine!

[@ItsJustRyan89]

@@JorgeVelezMusic agreed, to be fair. I mean the ‘genre’ as such, not the concept

[@autk]

Constipated Duck called and said really???

[@ItsJustRyan89]

@@ericrobson4291 you know what I’m saying

[@DavidB5501]

The interviewer, Mike Harding, seems quite knowledgeable, so I looked him up. Apparently he was best known as a comedian, but also a songwriter and musician, with over 20 albums released. So he knew about guitars. He is still alive. [Added] There is an interview from the same programme with Paco Pena here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKKQqGqpgNmVaKs There must also have been one with Julian Bream, but I can't find this on YT. And probably two others - maybe jazz and country? - to make up the 'five faces'.

[@michaelaiello9525]

He looks fantastic here. Both wearing some crazy high platforms! . Wish I had seen this as a kid. Wish I had seen Jeff Beck too. RIP you brilliant genius🌹🌹🌹

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

Jeff Beck. Rest in peace, brother. One of the very best ever.

[@polishmasterjay]

Nothing sounds better than the bag did for talk box!!! And the man making it all work of course 👏🔥💔❤️🎶

[@bluesrocker6l6gc8]

So fantastic to finally see this in high quality, awesome post!!

[@cojohnso80]

The first true "Rig Rundown".

[@richsmith9063]

The GREAT Jeff Beck....back in the day....

[@malcolmmcdonald1543]

As a failed practitioner, but massive fan, of guitar music, it is difficult to comprehend that nowhere now on this planet is the great Jeffrey Arnold Beck plying his trade...

[@firecriss1392]

TIM BOGERT:"Don't spit in the tube, Jeff!!!"

[@vav413]

This is the earliest eig rundown I've ever seen. Amazing!

[@djizzah]

Mark knopfler, beck Clapton page kossof John mayall peter green Ritchie Blackmore just a whole herd of great guitarists from that country back then although beck would be just about the first and possibly one of the most influential, he was such a perfectionist and so original

[@jessicathomas3119]

Very cool!!! Rest easy Jeff...

[@trevorflarty1811]

What a gem!Thank you.

[@floodgatestudios1825]

Notice Jeff's home made strap lock! Made from a fender washer screwed in where the strap button would have been!! Showing off his mechanic skills years before guitar strap locks were developed commercially

[@morleymarcella3122]

He made the Strat his own one of a kind! 🇨🇦🎼

[@hidekun1966]

Videos of Jeff playing OxBLOOD LES PAUL is a gem! I need more of it! RIP JEFF!

[@billgerazounis5610]

Very, very cool!!! Love this❤️🎸 RIP Jeff Beck🙏🙏 LEGEND

[@paulmcintyre141]

Have to say, I was a bit shocked when I seen his talk box in a bag with a strap. Had to look it up. Apparently, it was "The Bag" talk box made by Kustom. Man, Jeff was so cool, truly one of the best. Mourned throughout the world. R.I.P. Mr. Beck.

[@artrockfanboy]

Rest in Peace, Jeff Beck..

[@sn7miller]

I love the part where the interviewer hands Beck a bag and asks....what do you call this? Beck says "A bag"

[@bjp1958]

Speaking of the “bag” I was fortunate enough to see Jeff Beck (Arie Crown Theatre)and Peter Frampton(Aragon Ballroom)on back to back nights in May 1975.Both great shows but even then you could see JB was developing a whole new vocabulary.Saw him several times before his tragic passing as he continued to evolve and grow as a player.He is the only player who never rested on his laurels always evolving and trying new things.He was there at the beginning (fuzz tone/feedback) and 60 years later was still playing beautifully.We were all blessed to live in his time and see his genius.

[@MrTochkaz]

Какой он красивый. Один из лучших. Вечная память.

[@garythomas4431]

I started listening to Jeff Beck very early on and was always scared at how he kept improving up until his saddening death. What an interesting musician who could play it all his way. RIP brother. I'm still trying to comp your riffs.

[@chunyemalerguognimamuol2506]

Jeff Beck, Forever !!

[@tarikzemmouri9670]

What a great incredible individuall guitarplayer

[@paullemieux100]

Crazy cool and a true innovator.

[@lucatrt]

Love him

[@sunandsage]

For some reason his death hit me almost as hard as John Lennon's death. RIP Jeff Beck.

[@octuposgame8607]

A serious musician and capable to many task of sound production.his guitar work showed extraordinary techniques.- RICHARD JOHN TRANI

[@taurushamilton2739]

“These go to 11”… Nigel Tuffnel in da house!😝😝Jokes… love me some Beck. RIP to the master 🙏🏾

[@butchkeenan2257]

Jeff Beck could play 150 dollar squire telecaster and still sound like Jeff Beck playing a priceless classic fender

[@abrazalves]

This is a genius....borned genius.

[@krelnarb]

1st gen Ampeg VT-40. I got Celestion G10L-35 in mine. Every guitarist should play out of one at least once in their life. They need 4 people to lift.

[@ignatiusandrew]

Luv u jeff. RIP

[@susankirkland3852]

Apart from Jeff being ‘one of one’ as a guitarist, he has a completely unique look. There is no one else (uk) with his facial features. Not that I’ve seen anyway. He’s stunning and so interesting to listen to when he’s explaining.

[@oscarpolo6310]

BBC, please more videos of this session, thanks.

[@vicesquadpunk]

Amazing THANK YOU 🔥❤🔥

[@flamencoprof]

The interviewer was asking leading questions and, to my mind, already knew the answers, but was trying to get Jeff to describe things in his own words.

[@ItsJustRyan89]

Not like nowadays is it?

[@nigelwyn]

They might even have rehearsed the interview. You never know.

[@ericvonharding3421]

Nigel Tufnel's biggest influence. I was ready for a wisecrack about the sustain that rings forever, lol

[@rickrawlings6095]

Awesome! Now please upload the full high quality version of "She's A Woman" he plays right after this!

[@upholuphol5812]

It is on KZbin

[@rickrawlings6095]

@@upholuphol5812 Not the full version in high quality, at least as far as I have seen. There's a high quality partial version and a low quality full version.

[@boataxe4605]

This was right around the time that he wrote “Lick my love pump”. RIP.

[@charlesbyers6911]

I was almost expecting Jeff to say, "These go to 11"

[@joecrowaz]

I've got very weak flesh on my fingers... Hence, the complete mastery of the Whammy Bar 💜

[@robertmuckle2985]

The maestro...the legend...a GOD who will live on eternally through the gifts he blessed us with!!!🥰😭

[@guitargeek1979]

He looks so young.... 🙏

[@galbaribeirodefaria6104]

It's great! Thanks a lot!! From BRAZIL!!!

[@danobrien9925]

Classic footage 👌

[@DutchVai]

For just a brief moment I was imagining Richard Ayoade in character as Moss from the IT Crowd doing this interview -

[@shavingdave1]

A true rocker! Jeff know his gear, setup, and everything that makes it tick! I'm not sure of how many musicians today could carry this conversation. Great stuff here! Thanks for posting.

[@fellspoint9364]

That platform shoe working the booster pedal is rock n’ roll. Thanks JB !

[@TheSqeela]

I suspect this may have been the model for Nigel Tufnell's voice in Spinal Tap....

[@riteandleft]

Very nice interview from both sides.

[@roymartin500]

Wow, the first Rig Rundown was with Jeff Beck in 74' and done by via a tv pre performance and not Premier Guitar on KZbin! Nice. RIP Great One.

[@baronvonchickenpants6564]

Those platform shoes!!

[@celljog]

What a nice guy!

[@twitch-xm3qz]

Gotta love the minimalist use of effects he's always had....mainly his trick bag comes from his hands ears and soul...he is sorely missed and will be for many years to come....he is easily in the top 3 most influential guitarists of all time , if not "the" top...Hendrix, Page ,Van Halen all cite him as am inspiration

[@rosalindmodica]

Such a sweet baby ...love you Jeff..so humble.

[@alsaunders2490]

Solid rig run down

[@sporkfindus4777]

I've watched and listened to many Jeff Beck interviews over the years, and what strikes me is that he used a lot of old world turns of phrase. It always seemed like he was a geezer chatting in some London boozer, not so much in this interview though. He was lyrical in his speech but in a carefree, natural way. His speech was peppered with humour. Little things in this interview: he says "cakehole" instead of mouth and "I don't scream about it" instead of "shout". His guitar playing was just this way of speaking and his personality channelled through the guitar without filters or any mind fog or hesitation. Like Bonamassa said about Beck, "there's a conduit between him and the guitar." Also something that is seldom ever discussed about Jeff's playing is the humour in it. It's littered with comedy.