Joe Bonamassa Plays Hendrix's 'Band of Gypsys' Rig: For Real & For Less

What has Joe learned after amassing one of the most impressive collections of vintage gear in the world? You don't really need it.

In this video, Joe sets up a nearly priceless rig consisting of the same vintage Strat, Marshall Super Lead, Fuzz Face, Uni-Vibe, and other effects that Hendrix would have played during his "Band of Gypsys" era. And then he puts it up against a $1,000 rig, with an off-the-shelf Squier, a Peavey Classic 30, and a suite of modern Dunlop pedals.

How close does he get to hallowed Hendrix sound?

0:00 Intro
1:05 Hendrix rig
6:11 Budget rig
9:17 Recap
10:53 Hendrix technique tips

[christianscazzieri]

Joe. It doesn't really matter whether you like him or not, musically speaking. He's just a cool guy, deeply in love with guitar and guitar playing. I respect this guy so much for all the work he's been putting into it, non stop, for the last 30 years. A true keeper of the flame. God bless him.

[keiranbradley]

Just the fact that Jimi could summon the tones he did from this rig at colossal volume he did and make it sound so beautiful is incredible.
He is the Master!.
God we miss him.

[mrsoul]

I hope this is the first of many of these types of videos from Joe and Reverb....

[ghale]

“And it’s going to be loud as fuck.” I instantly gained a little more liking for Joe’s personality after that for some reason 😂

[doomknocker]

"Just press it on, that's $200 off right there"

[ItsMrMcFly]

People only hate on Joe because he’s Uber talented and so loaded he can afford an entire collection of grail level gear. This guy is as passionate as it comes, actually uses all of his gear and gives us mere mortals the ability to hear and see these pieces of history vs sitting in some hedge fund billionaires collection room collecting dust.

[ronfarmhand]

Tommy Shannon bassist for Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughan said he saw both of them playing around with crappy little practice amps and they both sounded awesome.
The gear can help but it’s in the fingers.
Glad to see Joe doing something like this. Everyone can’t afford the vintage treasures.

[peachmelba]

When some people currently wonder why Hendrix still tops the GOAT lists, of course, it has to do with his playing and writing talent, both of which were revolutionary. The real key to understanding his status, though, lies in his sound.
There was _nothing_ like it at the time, and I can only imagine that hearing it in concert was probably breathtaking.

[Bliggick]

One of my favorite moments in the Band of Gypsys album is during Machine Gun when Jimi bends and sustains a high note and uses the Univibe speed pedal to sync the pulsations with the tempo of the song. It's a sound that I have never noticed in any other recording.

[brian_nirvana]

This content is culturally significant. Posting it on YouTube will ensure that future generations will have access to it and appreciate it. Thank you for sharing it.

[jamalabdul]

I can honestly listen to Joe Bonamassa talk gear all day long!!!

[TheTickingClocks]

Fender, Gibson, Marshall... Joe's a guitarist's guitarist. Love the video! Viva Jimi Hendrix!

[tjdultra]

Wow how I wish Reverb gets to borrow Joe B. for this kind of series moving forward! I adore how he really is a steward of these vintage gears and all the stories behind each of them. I think he is the perfect host to demonstrate the "real rig" vs "or less".

[PennStacker]

I found a classic 30 in a dumpster a couple years ago. Brought it home. Works just fine. That vintage setup sounds incredible.

[foghornleghorn]

Woohoo! Peavey Classic 30....that's a great amp.

[professorhamamoto]

Propers to Mr. Bonamassa for keeping Hendrix alive for posterity. I saw the Gypsies at the L.A. Forum in 1969 and didn't experience anything like it again until circa 1973 when I went with my Black Studies class to see McCoy Tyner at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach and sat in the front row by his right hand. Also sublime, I bought a USA Peavey Classic 20 when they first came out and then closed the circle after acquiring many years later an "EC" Fender Champ Amp. Hendrix lives.

[jcsk]

As a Peavey Classic 30 owner this video made my day. Thanks.

[bullcrapitis]

I saw Joe perform three days ago in Macon, Georgia and he was absolutely unreal. He knows what he is talking about.

[rowbags]

Stunning playing (of course!)! The clearest difference for me was the wah-wah - the old Vox instantly had "the sound", whereas the modern Dunlop just didn't. I'd want to tweak the pot inside.

[TheChadPad]

Jimi was master of the guitar, not only because of his mastery of guitar, but because he mastered effects, the latest technology of the time. True master