• Guitars
  • Bass
  • Keyboard
  • Recording
  • Computer Audio
  • Live Sound
  • Drums
  • DJ
  • Accessories

zZounds

  • Gear
    • Features
    • News
    • Gear History
  • Guide
    • Guitar Workbench
    • Studio Solutions
    • Beat Connection
    • Behind The Kit
    • On The Decks
    • The Oscillator
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Legends
    • Gear Demos
    • Live Streams
    • Perfect Pairings
    • Iconic Rigs
  • Interview
    • Artist Interviews
    • Creator Spotlight
    • Meet the Makers
  • Music
    • The Musical Almanac
    • Music Features
  • Gear Wire

Iconic Rigs: Chuck Berry

This month’s edition of Iconic Rigs takes on a seasonal flair, as we examine the gear of one of rock guitar’s pioneers: Chuck Berry. 

Chuck Berry with his Gibson ES-350T

Chuck Berry with his Gibson ES-350T

Chuck Berry’s Gear

Albeit simple, Chuck Berry’s bipartisan combination of Gibson Memphis guitars and Fender combo amps laid the foundation for generations of rock ‘n’ roll guitarists. Berry’s catalog is so influential that his hit “Johnny B. Goode” was the only rock ‘n’ roll song to be included on the Voyager Golden Record, sent into space in 1977. Those big, barking tones on “Maybelline” and “Johnny B. Goode” were the product of Berry’s gorgeous white 1957 ES-350T, loaded with Gibson’s then-new PAF humbuckers. Once the ES-335 was introduced in 1958, Berry was an early adopter and has been seen throughout most of his career rocking a red 335. The marriage of semi-hollowbody Gibsons and high-powered Fender “blackface” amps created one of the most iconic tones of the 20th century.

Rumor has it, Chuck Berry requires a pair of Fender Showman Reverb amps and a Lincoln Town Car be provided at every gig, or else he’s not playing. You might not be able to make such demands, so we sifted through our inventory and tracked down some suitable replacements. If you really want to do Berry justice, you’ll want the Gibson 2016 ES-335. Available in Chuck’s trademark cherry finish, this is definitely the guitar to get you playing “that rock and roll music,” however, the price tag might be too rockin’ for the average gigging musician. Plugging that lovely axe into a nice Fender Princeton Reverb like we did in our video would definitely get you the sound you’re looking for, but again, might be a little more than you want to spend on some Chuck tone of your own.

Gibson 2016 ES-335
Fender Exclusive 65 Princeton Reverb

 

Other Gear that Will Get You Chuck Berry’s Tone

If you’re looking to dial in a solid Berry-esque rock ‘n’ roll tone for under $1k, you might want to pair up the Epiphone Limited Edition ES-335 PRO and the Catalinbread Formula 5F6 Tweed Bassman Pedal. The Epiphone ES-335 PRO is a rock-solid take on the classic model with a killer set of coil-tappable Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers. Throwing a Catalinbread 5F6 in front of your favorite clean amp transforms your tone by harnessing the raw sound of a 6L6-powered vintage tweed combo pushing into its sweet spot, a sound that’s been the bedrock of Chuck Berry recordings since the 1950s. Get all the touch-sensitivity heard in Berry’s solos by pushing the front end of your amp with the Formula 5F6, giving the slight breakup and sagged compression of a warmed-up Tweed Bassman.

Epiphone Limited Edition ES-335 PRO
Catalinbread Formula 5F6 Tweed Bassman Pedal

Dec 17, 2016Dan
Video8 years ago 3 Comments Iconic Rigs
Dan

I'm a touring musician who daylights as a Product Merchandiser and Copywriter for all things guitar at zZounds. When I'm not working in Chicago or riding around in a van, you can find me tinkering with gear, hanging out with my dog, or retreating to the woods of my native Michigan.

The Record Player's Guide to the TurntableEpisode 68 – Slim Jim Phantom
Comments: 3
  1. Erik Cal
    8 years ago

    I have an epiphone 335 pro I got at Time Warp instruments in Venice California and she is fantastic. The push pull coil splitters let me get a multitude of tones and the playability is great.

    ReplyCancel
  2. Nick Sharpe
    8 years ago

    Too bad you can’t get new Dual Showmans I lugged around a pair used by Chuck for almost two decades (all knobs set to 8) but there are easier ways to get 200 watts of Fender tone. After the Showman brains, I rocked a 70s Twin Reverb (recently blackfaced) but now, in my advanced age have found a Mustang III to be plenty for smaller stages. It’s basically a computer cleverly disguised as a Fender amp. But it’s 100 watts at 30# loaded with an arsenal of iconic Fenders (except the Showmans ?) and adequately provides the tone I need for my classic blues review, the Lucky Stiffs.

    ReplyCancel
  3. Todd
    8 years ago

    I like it. Used to have a TV like that watching Slam Bang Theater starring Icky Twerp on KTVT Channel 11 out of Dallas, TX. Early morning kid comedy show before I went to school every morning.

    ReplyCancel

Leave a Reply Cancel reply


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

 Social Networks 
 About zZounds 
Since 1996, zZounds has been making it easy for musicians to get the gear they need. With our easy monthly payment plans, you can get the music gear you need today -- and split the cost into monthly installments on your existing credit card. zZounds ships from multiple warehouses across the continental United States, so we can cover most of our customers within a day or two. Our customer service team is staffed with real musicians. They don't get paid on commission -- they get paid to help you! Looking for the best prices? Don't miss our Big Deals weekly specials, Used Gear on Clearance, and The Drop for monthly promos, sales, and special offers.
 Contact Us 
Have questions or comments on our blog? Email blog@zzounds.com

zZounds Gear Experts are available seven days a week to answer any of your questions on gear, shipping, returns, and more. Give us a call and get help from a fellow musician today!
800-ZZOUNDS (800-996-8637)
2025 © zZounds Music | Cookie Settings | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share | Notice at Collection | Copyright | Terms of Use
For great deals on gear, shop at zZounds