Slash’s Gear: The Best Guitarists of All Time
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Slash's Gear: The Best Guitarists of All Time · Source: ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Foto
Slash’s gear: Top hat, sunglasses, and a Les Paul guitar. There you have it: probably the most iconic image in rock ‘n’ roll since the late 1980s. Whether with Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, or as a solo artist with Myles Kennedy, Slash has influenced countless guitarists with his raw, bluesy tone. But what’s behind the Slash sound from a technical standpoint? In this article, we examine Slash’s most important guitars, amps, and effects, and explore what you can learn from them.
All About Slash’s Gear
Guitars: Les Paul, Les Paul, Les Paul?
Can you imagine Slash without a Gibson Les Paul? Unthinkable! Early in his career, he developed an almost symbiotic relationship with my favorite Gibson guitar.
At the beginning of his career, Slash didn’t only play originals. Now, legendary copies, signature models, and more exotic variants are also part of Slash’s gear.
Regardless of which Paula he has at ankle height, his guitar sound is fat, mid-range, and full of sustain—and his instruments play a decisive role in this. If you want to understand Slash’s gear, you have to start with the guitars.
Gibson Les Paul Standard 1959 (replica by Kris Derrig)
Let’s start with a legend. The “Appetite” Les Paul that Slash used to record the songs on the debut album Appetite for Destruction is not an original Gibson, but rather an excellent replica built by California-based guitar maker Kris Derrig. The studio loaned this guitar to Slash, and it struck exactly the right chord: classic 1959 specifications, Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro pickups, a thick neck, and an extremely resonant sound.
Slash describes this instrument as his first great love. Its warm, mid-range tone with long sustain became his trademark and the model for many signature models to follow.
Gibson Slash Les Paul Standard
Gibson wouldn’t be Gibson if they hadn’t turned this cult classic into a signature model. The Gibson Slash Les Paul Standard is now available in several versions but is essentially based on the Derrig Les Paul mentioned above. The pickups: Custom Alnico II Pros with a zebra look, of course. Add to that a powerful neck and no push-pull gimmicks – just pure classic rock.
This model has become standard in Slash’s setup, primarily due to the consistent quality of its tone. If you’re looking for the classic Slash sound, you’ve found it.
B.C. Rich Mockingbird
One of the most curious instruments in Slash’s arsenal is the B.C. Rich Mockingbird. It is particularly well known from the music video for “You Could Be Mine.” With its aggressive look and brutal output, the guitar was perfect for the early ’90s image. Today, it rarely appears, but it is a popular collector’s item among fans.
Gibson EDS-1275 Doubleneck
Slash occasionally reaches for the EDS-1275 (an iconic Gibson double neck) for songs like “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” It’s a real eye-catcher, especially during live performances. Sonically, it delivers exactly what you’d expect, and it serves a functional purpose for songs with different tunings or octaves.
If you’re looking to spend less, check out the Harley Benton DC-Custom 612!
Slash’s Gear: Amps
The guitars in Slash’s hands are important, but the Marshall tower behind him is just as crucial. That powerful, roaring tone with long sustain and brilliant highs doesn’t just appear out of thin air. Slash is an avid fan of classic tube amplifiers, especially Marshalls, and he has released several signature amps throughout his career.
Marshall JCM800
The Marshall JCM800 is probably the amp most associated with Slash – and rightly so. Since his early days with Guns N’ Roses, the JCM800 has been an integral part of his sound. When combined with his Les Paul, it delivers creamy mids, assertive leads, and a crisp attack.
The 2203 version, which has 100 watts, is usually the one he uses, often in combination with Marshall 1960A 4×12″ cabinets, which is included in Slash’s gear. Slash typically turns up the gain and volume high, using his right hand and the guitar’s volume knob for the rest.
Marshall AFD100 Slash Signature
Marshall collaborated with Slash to create the AFD100, which pays tribute to the sound of Appetite for Destruction. The amp is a blend of the JCM800 and modifications based on Slash’s studio amp at the time. Special features include an “AFD” mode for the classic ’80s tone and a “#34” mode named after his old studio reference (a modified JMP).
This limited-edition amp is now a sought-after collector’s item and hard to find. Do any of you have one in your basement? Feel free to write about it in the comments!
Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555
Another classic in Slash’s gear setup is the Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555. The amp was originally released in 1987, just in time for Slash to add it to his gear. With its slightly softer gain, fat bass, and distinctive EQ, it’s well-suited for singing leads.
The Silver Jubilee is now available in various reissues and is one of the best alternatives to the classic JCM800.
Effects: Less is More – But Effective!
Like the recently featured Angus Young, Slash is not an effects board dancer. Rather than using complex signal chains, he relies on a few carefully selected effects that enhance his sound without distorting it. All you needs is a wah pedal for expression, an EQ for the final touch, and the occasional fuzz or talk box for special moments to sound like him – if you want to use Slash’s gear. Effective, but never overloaded.
Dunlop SW-95 Slash Signature Wah-Wah
No solo is complete without a wah pedal, at least not for Slash. The Dunlop Cry Baby Slash Signature Wah is based on a classic wah but has higher gain and a specially tuned filter curve. It also has a built-in LED and true bypass.
Slash uses the wah very rhythmically, often not as an effect, but as an additional instrument. Thanks to its 18V operation, the signature wah delivers the necessary punch in a band setting, and is of course part of Slash’s gear.
MXR SF01 Slash Octave Fuzz
Whether he’s playing solos or writing new songs with his band, the MXR Slash Octave Fuzz delivers dirty fuzz sounds and a subtle octave-up function. It’s ideal for modern riffs and lead parts with grit and character.
Talk Box
Slash occasionally uses a talk box on songs like “Anything Goes” and his newer solo tracks.
He uses this classic effect sparingly, but he always uses it when he wants to sound particularly expressive and “talkative.” It’s a hit at every concert and a real curiosity, especially for non-musicians. However, it’s not an effect for every song, and it takes some getting used to, at least at first. That’s why it’s definitely part of Slash’s gear.
Strings, Picks, and Accessories
Even when it comes to Slash’s gear, the devil is in the details. Aside from guitars and amps, string gauge, picks, and setup also play an important role in his tone. Many subtleties come to the fore live that ultimately give his sound its finishing touch.
Strings: Ernie Ball 2250
Slash usually plays Ernie Ball Power Slinkys (.011–.048). These slightly thicker strings offer more tension and tone, which suit his powerful playing style. Combined with the low string action of his guitars, this setup is ideal for singing leads and crunchy riffs.
Picks: Dunlop Tortex 1.14 mm
Slash swears by these picks – Dunlop Tortex 1.14 mm. These picks are sturdy and easy to grip, ensuring a defined attack.
I personally prefer Dunlop Flows, which have a slightly rounded edge. However, Tortex picks offer tremendous attack. You can get used to them, too, because it’s Slash’s gear!
Slash’s Gear – Conclusion
Slash is more than just a guitarist; he is a rock ‘n’ roll icon. He is a guitarist who knows how to make a big impression with simple means. His sound is not gimmicky but rather the result of classic gear and a clear idea of the sound he wants to achieve. He also has a lot of personality in his playing. Of course, he can only achieve this with Slash’s gear.
The success of his songs and sound prove him right. Hand on heart, who hasn’t played air guitar to the third solo of “Sweet Child o’ Mine“? I have. And it was always an air Paula!
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One response to “Slash’s Gear: The Best Guitarists of All Time”
No Magnatone amp?