Jimmy Page's Amps and Effects : featuring Jeff McErlain, Gretchen Menn and JB Eckl

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This had to be done to follow up on "The Guitars of Jimmy Page" video so I thought to do it while the gear and music was fresh in my mind. I was aided by some great players on this one and the generosity of some of the best known people in the amp business as well.
It's always hard to balance covering them "all" and doing a level of detail without going too long. I did my best but don't hesitate to add what I missed in the comments.
I hope you like it. All the best,
Keith
A very special "thank you" to my "super friend" level patrons on Patreon:
Perry M.
Bill S.
Piush D.
Rick B.

[@dianeduffcroop8158]

I saw Led Zeppelin 5 times here in Seattle from just after their second album on. Jimmy Page was absolutely phenomenal and is truly a special player. He was the main reason I bought my first Les Paul which was a 1971 Cherry burst Deluxe. Thanks for the upload Keith!

[@timpierceguitar]

Love this one keith... I keep learning so much from you...:)

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Tim!!!

[@joeturner7959]

I will leave this as a review: Very comprehensive, well researched, 10/10.

[@RickBeato]

Killer Hypes!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Hypes!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks for having me as always!!

[@fivewattworld]

Always my pleasure.

[@TheBhannah]

your playing was great !

[@JeffMcErlain]

@@TheBhannah thank you!

[@JordanSeal]

If I’d had this video in the mid-2000s, you would have helped me avoid years of horrible gear purchases 😂 All I wanted was emulate Page’s sound but had no clue how to do so. Great content, as usual!

[@TheFissionchips]

buy a les paul and cut your hands off - instant Page.

[@fullclipaudio]

I'm a tone chaser as well and understand you pain. These day I help guitarists by using my 20+ years in production to help them find their tone. Doing so, though, can take days as it requires a perfect combination of pickup, neck material, strings, amp, cabinet and effects. It also requires me to warehouse and service a very large number of guitars, amps and effects. Not a bad way to spend my retirement though :)

[@StratsRUs]

I just wish they made the SV20H a few years ago ! It does have a Five Watt mode !

[@JordanSeal]

​@@shaft9000 First, for the record: they were drooling over gear from yesteryear. The late 50s Les Pauls, even then, were "vintage" and considered way better than the guitars Gibson was releasing at the time. But to your bigger point: for so many reasons. Because I love them and want to be them but can't. Including because they are a product of a time and place that is gone and never coming back. Because I'm addicted to an elaborate role-playing fantasy in which playing the guitar, writing music, etc., makes me feel more connected to art that's moved me, and the people that made it... notwithstanding that I'll never meet them, or even seem them perform that music. Because I'm not worrying about whether I'm going to eat today, so I can worry about whether my vintage fuzz sounds just like Jimmy's did in How Many More Times. Etc. etc.

[@JordanSeal]

@@christianjimbomb8204 No one needs your condescension. Keep it to yourself.

[@JB_Eckl]

Keith, thanks so much for using my clip in this killer episode. It's great to be in the company of Jeff and Gretchen, and an honor to be connected to Five Watt World.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Nice playing man!!

[@JB_Eckl]

@@JeffMcErlain Same to you, as always. I was jealous of your Tone Bender because mine decided to pick up radio stations the day I recorded!!

[@davidpepper442]

"Namaste 6 feet away." Love the PSA JB!

[@JB_Eckl]

@@davidpepper442 Oh you found that, huh? Hahaha.

[@ericwarrington6650]

@@JeffMcErlain you as well Jeff... nobody better anywhere in the world imo

[@minimalistmusician]

Yes! As a huge Zeppelin fan these last two have been so enjoyable! My favourite way to enjoy my first cup of coffee is with a 5 Watt video!

[@michaelstevens972]

Thats what I'm doing. Just woke up early in the am hrs. Doing a load of laundry in the basement with coffee brewing strong in my apartment when I get back in there in 10 min. Funny

[@Frankyandhisguitar]

Page is my first guitar inspiration and ultimately the one who triggered me to want to learn it. Thanks for the great video.

[@hogie1259]

It’s funny to think about how Page influenced so many to pick up the guitar. I wonder how many less guitar players there would be had Led Zeppelin never been…

[@carlob95]

@@hogie1259 That is right! And yet, during Led Zep career, many music critics discredited their music. But they were wrong!

[@carlob95]

The best piece of gear for me is the guitar. Cheers!

[@andrewgarcia3136]

page is the reason i still play.

[@MaddoxMelton]

@@hogie1259 millions

[@zeroamplification]

The JP Hiwatt was largely a DR103 with an additional switched gain stage (the big XLR connector) and it essentially gets you to where Gilmour > Power Boost > Hiwatt gets gain wise. A glorious thing.

[@mattthrun-nowicki8641]

Yup.

[@mattthrun-nowicki8641]

Yup.

[@andrewgarcia3136]

most people don't even know what it really sounds like - the royal albert hall show isn't a good representation IMO. sounds to me like it was one of the last shows he used the tonebender at. if you listen to bootlegs from 70 and 71 his tone is a lot cleaner and closer to his early marshall tone that would follow. the marshall has a certain high midrange thing that the hiwatt isn't as pronounced in

[@willdenham]

I love the RAH. One of those was Page's birthday and he's playing his ass off with those amps just smokin'.

[@rickreardon4163]

I spent the coin and bought one of the signed editions of Jimmy Page The Anthology. I had to wait a long time as Covid delayed production, but as with all good things, it was worth the wait. I consider this to be a prized possession. Keith, your video and description bring this book to life adding a "live dimension" to the text in the book. Thank you for all you do.

[@CC-qb9sm]

Fantastic! Thanks to everyone involved, much appreciated!

[@williamsanderson9279]

Awesome Keith. Great research, story and even greater players. We now have a Jimmy Page Box Set! Loved it.

[@stickman55100]

Another fantastic, comprehensive and super interesting video. Jeff’s playing and that of JB Eckles (sp?) we’re inspiring. And you’re 100% right about True Fire! Thank you!

[@dreamscuba]

Great video ... some wonderful playing my Jeff McErlain, Gretchen Menn and JB Eckl. Thank you.

[@SeanKerns]

What a nice treat on a rainy day. I've been waiting for this one. McErlain is on fire, as usual, and Gretchen and JB sound great, as well. Thanks for putting this together. I've had a couple of Supros, but never managed to get that sound out of them.

[@Vozzz75]

Keith, Thank you for another great video. You continued expansion of providing live clips, musicians demonstrating the various guitars & gear combined with exhaustive research provide truly delightful journeys into the history & lore of legendary music. Cheers!

[@dwaynejessome1728]

Thanks a bunch for this !!! Loved it! James James - if you happen to read this - know that you're missed

[@damien6997]

Thanks Keith, this vid is why I love this channel so much. Informative, and something I can keep watching over and over. I've actually fallen to sleep to this channel. Not because I'm bored, more so because I'm content. My favourite channel.....

[@JasonChannell]

Quick plug for the Catlinbread Belle Epoch pedals for Echoplex duties. One is a permanent fixture on my board.

[@JB_Eckl]

And I’m he Catlinbread RAH for some great ‘Page in a box’ touring tones!

[@JasonChannell]

@@JB_Eckl I have one. How do you set yours up?

[@JB_Eckl]

@@JasonChannell I fell in love with someone else’s… I don’t have one yet!!

[@JasonChannell]

@@JB_Eckl holler if you want to borrow mine. Serious offer

[@davehamilton354]

Yup the Catalinbread BED with a expression pedal is a stellar way to create, not just emulate. Great video Keith and highly addictive.

[@jackpine70]

Knocked it out of the park again, Keith! Thanks for your efforts.

[@mariodriessen9740]

Thanks for the wonderful encore! 😎

[@johnmartini8091]

Outstanding video as always! Great research and presentation.

[@Saurondor]

Hey Keith, thank you so much for helping me get a better Page tone from the gear I already have. Great to lean how the delay, octafuzz and phaser for use in those epic songs. Loved this series. Got to agree with you after seeing this. His pedals played a huge role in his tone. It reminded me of this comment Page made on the film "It might get loud", when he mentions he's got this Les Paul with huge sustain and he wanted to add an extra punch. He engages the pedal and starts playing, and right then and there the classic tone come out. It makes so much sense now after seeing both your videos. Thanks for all the hard work!

[@edc3093]

Thank you Keith for another tremendous installment into the 5 Watt World Short History catalog. You never cease to amaze me. Please stay safe and be well! Until the next time, Ed

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Ed

[@shawnkintz1538]

Thank you so much! Great video man. Really enjoyed it.

[@tmitz73]

Couldn't wait to watch this one Kieth!! Love the Channel Bruddah, Stay Groovy!!

[@coleschweitzer4851]

Another great video from 5 watt, I can't get enough of this type of content about the the equipment, guitars and the players and how they used their instruments as a package.I am currently reading the Anthology Jimmy Page several others.I Love the breakdown of the time-line and where the various instruments (guitars, amps and effects) were used. As always your delivery is excellent, interesting with impeccable resources Including the brilliant guitar players to lay down the vibe in the examples. Look forward to the next installment of 5 watt, I could watch nothing but 5 watt all day! Thank you, keep the great work.😎

[@billmalloneemusic]

Really enjoyed this one! Thank You for emphasizing the genius of Jimmy Page, his rig, his guitars and his vision. Continued success, Keith & 5 Watt World

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Fascinating video, I loved Jimmy's tone since the first time I heard a Zep album when I was in Jr High School many moons ago 😀 Cheers!

[@hotwax5623]

Thank you so much Keith! I've been really wanting a video like this, I absolutely love your channel and all the content you make. Absolutely amazing Jimmy Page things I just keep learning about! If you could I'd love a video in this similar fashion to the effects and amps Pink Floyd/David Gilmore used over the years

[@trav_mill]

Once again, a solid and great video, Keith! Thank you for this!!!

[@RodClark]

I’ve got three pieces of gear that work really well for getting a passable Page tone (i.e. good enough to play Whole Lotta Love) at home. A Les Paul, a cable, and a Champ. Specifically, a Les Paul Standard 60’s (skinny neck, grovers, Alnico 5) and my Champ is a Victoria 518.

[@andrewgarcia3136]

a lot of the page sound is in the les paul and getting the tube power section working. my suggestion, take 10 minutes with a soldering iron and switch your guitar over to 50s wiring. all you have to do is desolder the tone caps and solder them back onto the opposite lugs diagonally. the 50s wiring and working the knobs on the guitar are a big part of his sound. with 50s wiring rolling off the volume knob cuts bass and mids instead of treble. this is where the bright clean twangy les paul tone that's all over zeppelin records comes from

[@RodClark]

@@andrewgarcia3136 Thanks Andrew. 50's wiring is on the to do list. I've got a matching pair of LPs, one has the treble bleed, I'm going to try 50's on the other. If I like it I'll switch both over.

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

@@andrewgarcia3136 In 1999 I had a Les Paul Standard that I had hacked based on everything I could find about Page's specifications. The Luthier who did all the work was Bill Asher, son of Elizabeth Montgomery... the guy is a genius. He shaved down the neck to almost Strat size, installed push-pull pots and tapped the coils. It had so many sounds that you could always find a new one. It was an amazing guitar until I sold it.

[@guydouglas6094]

Love that solo by Jeff McErlain at 6:13 - totally Page sounding and made me think of 'Song Remains The Same' movie. This is a good story on Page's sound, effects and amps. His playing / hands is a big part too! Good work Keith. I always look forward to your videos - very polished and sharp presentation and your knowledge on 'things with six strings'.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks!!

[@JimiKingHendrix]

Gotta hand it to you Keith...Your studio tour was very enlightening and also entertaining as well. Thank you for the work you put into this video. Rev. Muddy Fort Worth, Texas

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Reverend

[@JP-jy7sk]

Always outstanding! Thanks for doing this.

[@ericwarrington6650]

Hi Keith! Great topic man..sorry I missed this live.. catching up as always..🤘😜🎸🎶❤️☮️..hope this finds u well my friend!

[@dainhuston]

That was really great from beginning , middle to the end . Somebody's got to keep Rock & Roll going and your doing a fine Job of it🤘😎🤘

[@jdguitarmusic]

Keith - another beautifully and comprehensively researched video. Just learning about the amps alone was so instructive - the effects info is icing on the cake. And Jeff, Gretchen, and JB’s playing really enhanced the story. Jeff’s channeling of all British Blues is so evocative of the sound - just sublime. PS. One correction - the Yardbirds’ bass player (and fledgling producer until he left the band) is named Paul Samwell-Smith - “Sam” was his nickname. Another winner here my friend!

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@dr_tomK]

And I need to thank you Keith for another awesome video.

[@blacktoothfox677]

This has been a great dive into Page's tone palette. Bless you Keith - hope you and yours are happy and well - best regards from the storm-battered UK!

[@hanniball43]

You deserve a lot more views and subscriptions your content is pure gold.

[@jasonlmusic]

I could not love your videos more. You do such an exceptional job.

[@ramosc40]

Hi Keith!! I Just wanted to say thanks for turning me onto TrueFire!! I took your advice, Im 53 yo and have loved guitars since about 13 yo and I have never taken lessons until now!! In about 3 weeks I have found some information that unlocked mysteries for me for years!! Thanks again!!!

[@fivewattworld]

Excellent! I use them every week too.

[@billsanders6772]

Keith, always great information and told in an entertaining and informative way! Page has been "the man" since the 60's! I saw Zepplin in Charlotte, NC in about 1970 at the Charlotte Coliseum. As I remember the PA went out a couple of times so Page and Plant sat down in chairs down stage center and played and sang acoustically till the PA was restored. Everyone got quiet and I was about 100-120 ft back and could hear clearly!! What a night!!! I own a Sound Production Co and still love all kinds of music to this day.

[@billclay5785]

Great video Keith! Love these history lessons! 🎸🔥

[@12footchain]

Another piece of greatness Keith, thank you. It's so great to have access to this kind of info now. I'd kill for it back when I was growing up and what little info you could gather was at least 80% wrong. A great benefit for guitarists today.

[@sboy1955]

Page was so committed to music. The gear that fell into his path over the years had no other choice but to define the tones and songs in his head.

[@docjeffry]

So much gear it can make your head spin. love the content! Love my 5WW t-shirt as well.

[@Russell_Optics]

Excellent video!! Thank you for sharing the knowledge.

[@patrickkowalski8256]

always love watching videos of the gear of my heroes. as a gear fanatic, I found this fascinating. same with other vids. Keep em coming Keith! Sincerely, a loyal subscriber

[@armax00]

You did indeed and I got on TrueFire too :) great history video as always!

[@victorformosa2825]

Very interesting, the research here is amazing, you done it again Kieth, thanks.

[@southpaw335]

Keith, a wonderful addition to the guitars of page episode. Page and Zeppelin are most of the reason i first began playing guitar as a kid, so this was a fantastic journey back there for me. Thank you !

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Great video! I appreciate all the research you did for this!

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

Excellent content. Thanks Keith👍🏻

[@hearpalhere]

Really enjoyed this video too, thanks Keith!

[@dobster5819]

Jeff’s playing on this video is absolutely superb. Thank you Keith, your video’s have created a wonderful community

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!

[@deangianotti906]

always a good day when Keith makes a video

[@patrickmacleod2415]

I love hearing Jeff McErlain play, and he's a great teacher too. He's my son's instructor, and mine too, although he doesn't know it. :-) Thanks TrueFire.

[@ryanfulldark2775]

Fantastic, as always! Makes me want to find and try a Selmer amp someday. I think these two Jimmy Page episodes are the most comprehensive breakdown of his gear on KZbin. As far as the debate on whether it’s the guitar or amp that most effects tone, I gotta agree, so much depends on the amp!

[@joshuataft5541]

I can't express how good these are..they inspire me...it's impossible not to play after watching this..I'm even holding my 200sg clone right now as I watch..like I'm a kid again..thanx✌️👍❤️

[@jaykuba056]

Awesome video and great information!! Gotta love this guy

[@Hendrixfan7]

Been looking forward to this!!

[@marksheefel3796]

Awesome stuff!!!! Well done!!!!🤟

[@petermcconaghie7745]

More awesomeness! Thanks Keith.

[@alexbrooks2397]

Thank you for all you do.....your research is awesome & I love your videos

[@thelightmonkey1970]

Excellent work. Thank you

[@stevekerans6357]

Another monster vid of epic info on British gear... And a mention of an embargo lifted in 1959?!! Wow. Stunning photos Keith. Thanx.

[@davidchase-lopes8413]

Keith, thanks for my wonderful "café du dimanche" moment today. Since I discovered the Five Watt World, I have embarked on my own journey "to finally make music and stop buying so much Gear". Nevertheless, your detailed account of Page's "other instruments" was delightful. Thanks Keith !!!

[@thomashorrock7221]

That was awesome, keep doing the amp vids 🤙

[@MichaelMoore-nx5ue]

Awesome 👏. Thank you 🙏

[@chrismartin6370]

Keith, I am fairly new to your channel, just want to say thank you, great job, and keep up the good work.

[@fivewattworld]

Welcome to five watt world Chris!

[@NewFalconerRecords]

It's likely that Roger Mayer presented Jimmy Page with a home-made fuzz box as far back as possibly even 1963. Page talked about that on the documentary 'It Might Get Loud'. But then, I haven't read his new book. As far as I'm aware the fuzz was first used on the track 'Skinny Minnie' by Carter-Lewis the & the Southerners (1964). Great video as usual though. The photographs you use to accompany the voice-over are simply mind-blowing! Well done.

[@matthewpotter1933]

Just fascinating. You put your videos are so very good. I have played an electric guitar or amplified my acoustic guitars, so I know nothing about amps and pedals. But this really made so much sense. Thanks for another great video.

[@jts3339]

Keith, If you want to move people you have to move air. And what better way to move air than with Marshall cabinets housing 4 speakers each being energized with 100 watt heads of power? I use my little Fender Deluxe Reverb these days in line with the 5 Watt World philosophy, but I do miss those BIG amp days.

[@54Bluenote]

Great video! I was a little surprised when talking about how amps grew I didn’t hear you mention Marshall Major.

[@KevinHallSurfing]

Feb '72 Sydney. Was there and what a show! "It all came together for that show" according to Plant when later asked what were their best performances. 🇦🇺

[@alanosterman7130]

Hi. VERY informative. I remember hearing about a very special device that was custom made for him by a friend in the British Navy. No one else could ever have this special sound. I think Jimmy calls it "The Growler", or something like that. I thought you might mention that one. Also, I remember reading in a book that in his youth, Jimmy would buy an amp with fine speakers or one speaker. Take it home, and replace the fine speaker with a not so fine speaker. Then bring it back to the store, and get his money back, while keeping the better speaker. I forgot where I read this, but it's always stuck in my mind. You know his nick name is Led wallet.

[@StratsRUs]

Fantastic ! Thank you !

[@erichanhauser3190]

I am very lucky to have a Roland Chorus Echo machine. Tape delay & excellent reverb a durb. Love that thing.

[@hutchfromba]

Thanks Keith, Very informative. Blues On....💙

[@davidfriedli]

Wow! This was incredible! How fascinating to learn so much about Jimmy's gear and his quest for the perfect tone. Now the quest is mine! :-D Thanks, Keith!

[@christianhebditch]

Keith the former bass player’s name was Paul Samwell Smith.

[@Deadbeatradio]

Very first US Zeppelin show was in my hometown. Gonzaga U Spokane, Wa 1969

[@MoggioMTB]

I really like this format of detailing artists gear. Great mix of the history, the musicality plus geekness... Good stuff.

[@lightningrt434]

Loving your picture from The Music Locker in Derby ,UK.of the Superlead.

[@PiushDahal]

Great video Keith, lots of learning about Zeppelin sounds in 22 mins!!

[@jirdesteva]

You had me at "The..."

[@thedeceiver5545]

Hi nice video. My friend has the Rickenbacker transonic angled amps that Jimmy used on first US tour in his collection.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

This is great excellent video thanks

[@michaelstocklin9080]

Another good one! if one listens to the live bootlegs there is an Echoplex available for the vocals too. You can really hear the tape hiss, its very distinctive :)

[@michaelfoxfoxster469]

Great informative video, thank you.

[@marksc1929]

Thx....great stuff

[@justinparkerthewildwolf6394]

Thanks bro I enjoy your channel very much ,I want you to know it means lot to heaps of us.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Justin

[@joec2553]

Once again....another jewel...thanks Keith

[@thekitowl]

Surly Roger Mayer’s fuzz he built for Jimmy should have been included, it’s very well documented. I’ve also read Page used a treble booster ( noted when he worked at Intermediate ) which is the only link I could find to Eric’s mythical use of the unit on the Beano album.

[@Mark70609]

The Mayer Fuzz is similar in some ways the the Tonebender Mark 1. I remember see the circuit of it.

[@TSSVillains]

great info thanks for sharing!

[@Ubi_Qui]

Thanks Keith Williams.

[@jguitars5397]

It would be so cool if you did one of these videos for Bill Frisell! Loving your videos, thank you!

[@freesk8]

Thanks! You do good videos, man! :)

[@bikeguy247]

You rock, Keith thank you