ACDC, the iconic Australian hard rock band, has been a dominant force in the music industry since their inception in 1973. Renowned for their high-energy performances, catchy riffs, and raw, unadulterated sound, the band’s music has resonated with generations of rock fans worldwide. A significant part of their distinct sonic identity can be attributed to the guitars they use, which have become as much a part of the ACDC legacy as their hit songs.
Angus Young: The Maestro of the Gibson SG
The Signature Gibson SG
The Gibson SG’s Allure for Angus
Angus Young, the lead guitarist of ACDC, is almost inseparable from his Gibson SG. This guitar has been his weapon of choice since the early days of the band. The SG’s design, with its double-cutaway body, offers excellent access to the upper frets, which is crucial for Angus’s lightning – fast lead runs. Its lightweight construction also allows him to move freely on stage, contributing to his wild and energetic performances.
Variations of the SG in Angus’s Arsenal
Angus has used several models of the Gibson SG over the years. He has been spotted with the Standard, Special, ’61 Reissue, and Custom versions. His first SG was a ’68 model, which he still retains. In more recent times, he has become the spokesman for the ’61 Reissue. This particular model is highly sought – after by guitarists, as it closely replicates the sound and feel of the original ’61 SGs. The ’61 Reissue features a mahogany body and neck, a rosewood fretboard, and classic PAF-style humbucker pickups, which provide a warm, rich tone with plenty of bite.
The ’64 Les Paul/SG Hybrid
A Unique Creation
For the album Ballbreaker, Angus introduced a unique instrument-a ’64 Les Paul/SG hybrid. This guitar was strung with Ernie Ball 10-46 strings. Angus was drawn to this guitar because of its thinner neck, which allowed for easier playing, especially during his intricate solos. The combination of the Les Paul’s and SG’s characteristics gave this guitar a distinct sound. It had the sustain and warmth typically associated with a Les Paul, along with the SG’s agility and responsiveness.
The ’68 SG for Solos and Power Chords
Soloing with the ’68 SG
When it came to solos on the Ballbreaker album, Angus reached for his ’68 SG, strung with Ernie Ball Super Slinkies (9 – 46). The lighter gauge strings on this guitar made it easier to bend notes and execute his signature vibrato, adding a touch of expressiveness to his solos.
Power Chords with the Original SG
His original (number 1) ’68 SG was used for power chords on a few tracks. The raw, aggressive sound of this guitar was perfect for driving home the band’s hard-hitting riffs. The combination of the guitar’s tone and Angus’s playing style created a wall of sound that was both powerful and iconic.
Picks and Accessories
Fender Extra Heavy Picks
Angus uses Fender Extra Heavy (110 mm) picks. These thick picks allow him to dig into the strings, producing a more articulate and powerful sound. The extra thickness also helps to prevent the pick from slipping, which is essential during his fast-paced playing.
Custom Ernie Ball Picks
Since AC/DC is endorsed by Ernie Ball, the company contacted D’Andrea Manufacturing to create custom picks for Angus. These celluloid extra-heavy picks (1.21 mm) feature the ACDC logo on one side and Angus’s devil drawing on the reverse. The custom picks not only add a personal touch but also provide a consistent feel for Angus during his performances.
Malcolm Young: The Rhythm Foundation with Gretsch
The Signature Gretsch Jet Firebird
A Lifelong Companion
Throughout AC/DC’s entire career, Malcolm Young played his signature ’63 Gretsch Jet Firebird. This guitar has been through it all with Malcolm, surviving countless shows and three Monsters of Rock festivals. The Jet Firebird has a single Filter – Tron pickup in the bridge position. Malcolm removed the neck pickup around 20 years ago as he didn’t like its sound. The guitar has one tone control, one volume control, and a master volume. Malcolm typically sets the tone and volume controls to a “cut” position and mainly uses the master volume to adjust the sound.
String Choice
Malcolm’s Gretsch is strung with 12-56 Gibson 900 ms strings. These strings are known for their thick gauge, which contributes to a full, rich sound. The heavier strings also require more finger strength to play, but they offer greater sustain and a more aggressive tone, which is perfect for Malcolm’s rhythm – driven playing style.
Gretsch Signature Models
The Malcolm Young Signature Series
Malcolm and Gretsch collaborated to create the “Malcolm Young Signature Model.” There are several versions of this guitar. One version has a single Filter-Tron pickup in the bridge position, while another has Filter-Tron pickups in both the bridge and neck positions. These guitars are available in red, with a figured maple top option similar to Malcolm’s original guitar. The Malcolm Gretsch Signature Model costs around $1595.00. It comes strung with 12-56 strings, and it’s recommended to use the same gauge for optimal tone, as using a different gauge may result in a loss of the characteristic Malcolm Young sound.
Picks Used by Malcolm
Fender Extra Heavies and Custom Picks
Malcolm uses Fender Extra Heavy picks, similar to Angus. He also has his own custom Ernie Ball picks. These custom picks are celluloid extra-heavy (1.21 mm) in shell color. One side features the AC/DC logo, and the reverse side has his signature. The custom picks provide Malcolm with a familiar and comfortable grip, enhancing his playing performance.
Amplification: Marshall-The Heart of AC/DC’s Sound
Angus’s Marshall Setup
The JTM 45: Studio and Stage Favorite
Both Angus and Malcolm rely on Marshall amps to achieve their signature sound. Angus’s main amp is an old JTM 45, which he uses in both the studio and during live performances. In a live setting, he runs this amp through an isolation speaker box that sits under the stage, which feeds directly into the PA system. This setup helps to control the sound and ensure that the audience hears a clear and powerful reproduction of his guitar tone. When Angus wants a thicker lead sound, he switches to a 100-watt amp. On stage, the amps stacked behind Angus and Malcolm are ’59 SLP 100-watt heads (reissues of the original Super Lead Plexi), with each head powering two 4 x 12 cabs.
Malcolm’s Amp Configuration
Marshall and Wizard Amps
Malcolm also uses Marshall amps, including the 1959 SLP Plexi 100 – watt heads and custom-made Wizard amps during tours. The combination of these amps provides Malcolm with a rich, full – bodied rhythm sound that complements Angus’s lead playing. The Marshall amps’ classic British tone, with its warm distortion and excellent sustain, is a perfect match for ACDC’s hard-rock sound.
The Bass Guitar: Cliff Williams’ Contribution
The ’76 Music Man Bass
String Choice and Setup
Cliff Williams, the bassist of ACDC, plays a ’76 Music Man bass. He strings it with D’Addario flatwound strings. Flatwound strings are known for their smooth feel and mellow tone, which provides a solid foundation for the band’s sound. The ’76 Music Man bass has a distinct sound that is both punchy and warm, making it an ideal choice for ACDC’s hard-rock style.
Amplification for the Bass
Ampeg SVT and Demeter Tube DI Box
For amplification, Cliff uses early ’70s Ampeg SVT amps and an 8 x 10 SVT cab. He also incorporates a Demeter Tube DI box. The Ampeg SVT amps are renowned for their powerful, punchy sound, which cuts through the mix and provides a solid low-end foundation. The Demeter Tube DI box helps to shape the tone and add warmth to the bass sound. Cliff typically uses a cable instead of going wireless, as he prefers the direct and reliable connection for a consistent sound.
Picks Used by Cliff
Fender Extra Heavy Picks
Cliff uses Fender Extra Heavy picks. These thick picks allow him to dig into the strings and produce a more articulate and powerful bass sound. The extra weight of the picks helps to control the attack and sustain of the notes, contributing to the overall tightness of the rhythm section.
Conclusion
AC/DC’s choice of guitars is an integral part of their musical identity. Angus Young’s Gibson SGs and Malcolm Young’s Gretsch guitars, along with Cliff Williams’ Music Man bass, have been the driving force behind the band’s iconic sound. From the raw energy of their live performances to the timeless recordings that have made them rock legends, these guitars have played a crucial role. The specific models, string gauges, picks, and amplification setups all contribute to the unique hard – rock sound that ACDC is known for. As the band continues to inspire generations of rock musicians, their guitars remain a symbol of the power and simplicity of hard-rock music. Whether it’s the thunderous riffs of Malcolm’s Gretsch or the soaring solos of Angus’s SG, the guitars of ACDC will always be an essential part of the rock ‘n’ roll landscape.
