Barney Kessel — Rig Network
3 gear items · 28 artist connections · Kessel profile
Guitars
Kessel's primary guitar through his peak period — the ES-350's 17-inch full-hollow body and P-90 then humbucker pickups produce a warm, projecting jazz tone. He plays from the neck pickup, maintaining the warm, round character of his predecessor Charlie Christian's ES-150 tone.
Unique to this artist in the database
An unusual entry-level signature model — Kay built an affordable signature guitar for Kessel that reached many students. The Kay's less refined construction produces a rougher tone than the Gibson but brought his name to a mass-market instrument.
Unique to this artist in the database
Amplifiers
The Twin for clean jazz amplification — its headroom ensures no accidental breakup under hard playing. The spring reverb is used at low settings for very subtle dimension.
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