Joe Perry — Rig Network

Multiple vintage Les Paul Standards — Perry cycles through original 1950s and 1960s examples and modern reissues. The Les Paul's PAF-style humbuckers into a cranked Marshall produce the sustaining, vocal lead tone on 'Dream On', 'Sweet Emotion', and 'Back in the Saddle'.

Black beauty Les Paul Custom used through the classic Toys in the Attic and Rocks period — the Custom's slightly darker character and three-pickup configuration provide tonal versatility.

Used on stage and in the studio for a brighter, more aggressive sound than the Les Paul — the Flying V's resonance and pickup response differ subtly from the slab body Les Paul.

Perry uses Strats for cleaner, brighter passages — the single-coil character adds variety to the Aerosmith guitar palette alongside Whitford's rhythm parts.

The original Aerosmith amp — Perry runs the Marshall Plexi at stage volume for natural power amp saturation. The Les Paul's output drives the input stage hard, creating a warm, compressed overdrive at the power amp level rather than the preamp. Stacked 4x12 cabinets for maximum output.

The JCM800 replaced the Plexi from the late 1970s into the 1980s resurgence era. More gain on tap and a tighter low end than the Plexi — suited the tighter, more polished production of 'Permanent Vacation' and 'Pump'.

Used for cleaner, bluesier passages — the Bassman's warm American character contrasts with the Marshall's British gain, adding variety when switching between rhythm and lead roles.

Perry's most important pedal — the wah is used expressively throughout Aerosmith's classic recordings. 'Walk This Way' uses it for the main riff vocal inflection that made it a hip-hop sample landmark. Perry uses slow, deliberate wah sweeps for blues-inflected vocal phrasing rather than rapid rhythmic patterns.

British overdrive used for boost and additional sustain into the Marshall — adds a soft, warm saturation rather than aggressive hard clipping.

Unique to this artist in the database

Signature wah model built to Perry's specifications — includes a volume boost and modified sweep curve for his playing style.

Unique to this artist in the database