What budget do I need to sound like Barney Kessel?

You can start building a Barney Kessel-inspired rig for around ~£199. The sweet spot is ~£449, which gives you Fender Blues Junior IV.

Jazz1950s

Barney Kessel

Gibson ES-350 through a clean amplifier — Kessel was one of the top session and jazz guitarists of the 1950s-60s, appearing on countless recordings with his fluid, swinging bebop lines.

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Signal Chain

AmpBlues Jr

AmpTube Blues Engine

Fender Blues Junior IV

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“warm EL84 tube breakup with classic Fender chime”

A 15-watt all-valve Fender combo — the most beloved affordable tube amp for blues. Warm, responsive and musical with a FAT switch for added low-mid richness.

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£££ Pro-Level£449

ThomannCompare Prices →

Andertons→Gear4Music→GuitarGuitar→Reverb→Amazon US→Sweetwater→Guitar Center→

Estimated total~£449

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Background

About Barney Kessel's Sound

Gibson ES-350 through a clean amplifier — Kessel was one of the top session and jazz guitarists of the 1950s-60s, appearing on countless recordings with his fluid, swinging bebop lines.

Barney Kessel

Budget Rig Breakdown

About Barney Kessel's Sound

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