How to Sound Like Jimi Hendrix for Under £1500
How to Sound Like Jimi Hendrix for Under £1500
So, you want to channel the legendary tones of Jimi Hendrix but don’t have a rockstar budget? Good news: you don’t need vintage gear or a sold-out stadium to sound like the man himself. With smart choices and modern equipment, you can achieve those iconic ’60s tones for under £1500. Let’s build your Hendrix-inspired rig step by step!
The Guitar: Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster – £350
To sound like Jimi, you’ve got to start with a Strat. The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster gives you all the tone, feel, and vibe of a vintage model without draining your wallet.
• Why it works: Its bright single-coil pickups and smooth neck make it perfect for Hendrix’s soaring leads and clean rhythm tones.
• Pro tip: Flip it upside down (à la Jimi) if you’re feeling adventurous!
At £350, it’s a no-brainer for any aspiring Hendrix fan.
The Amp: Marshall MG50GFX Gold 50W Combo – £235
Jimi was synonymous with roaring Marshall amps, and the MG50GFX is the perfect budget-friendly alternative.
• What it offers: Plenty of volume, creamy overdrive, and versatile tones for stage or studio.
• Built-in effects: Use its reverb and delay to add depth to your solos without needing extra pedals.
This 50W combo packs serious punch without requiring a stadium to sound its best.
Essential Pedals: Building Your Hendrix Arsenal
Now for the fun part—pedals. Hendrix revolutionised the electric guitar with his creative use of effects, and you can do the same with these modern tools:
1. Fuzz Face – £138
The Fuzz Face was Jimi’s secret weapon, giving him that iconic gritty, sustaining lead tone. If you want authenticity, this is it.
2. MXR M173 Classic 108 Silicon Fuzz – £165
If you’re looking for a more pedalboard-friendly alternative to the Fuzz Face, the MXR M173 Classic 108 Silicon Fuzz is a fantastic option.
• Why it’s great: It delivers the same bold, vintage crunch as the Fuzz Face but in a compact, stage-ready design.
• Extra features: A handy Buffer switch eliminates signal loss when used with a Wah pedal, ensuring reliable performance in any setup.
3. Wah Pedal – £99 (Cry Baby) or £81 (Vox Wah)
Hendrix’s wah mastery defined tracks like Voodoo Child. Whether you choose the Cry Baby or Vox Wah, you’ll be able to recreate his expressive, vocal-like tones.
4. Electro-Harmonix Octavix Octave Fuzz – £98
Want that wild octave-up fuzz from tracks like Purple Haze? The Octavix delivers a rich, psychedelic tone perfect for Hendrix-style solos.
Optional: Keeley Monterey Fuzz Vibe Rotary Wah Pedal – £299
If you’re after an all-in-one solution, this boutique pedal combines fuzz, octave, vibe, rotary, and auto-wah effects. It’s versatile, powerful, and perfect for those who love to experiment.
Total Cost Breakdown
Here’s how your Hendrix-inspired rig might look:
• Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster: £350
• Marshall MG50GFX Gold Amp: £235
• MXR M173 Classic 108 Silicon Fuzz: £165
• Wah Pedal: £99 (or £81 for Vox Wah)
• Electro-Harmonix Octavix: £98
Total: £947–£958. Even if you add the Keeley Monterey pedal, you’re still comfortably under £1500!
Why This Setup Works
This rig combines vintage tone with modern reliability. The Squier Strat and Marshall amp give you a solid foundation, while the pedals add the magic. Whether you go with the Fuzz Face or the MXR 108 Silicon Fuzz, you’ll be able to capture Hendrix’s soaring lead tones and crunchy riffs.
Play Like Jimi
Gear is only part of the equation. To truly sound like Hendrix, experiment with your playing style. Use lots of bends, slides, and hammer-ons. Don’t forget to play with feel and passion—Jimi’s music was all about expression.
With this setup, you’re not just chasing Hendrix’s tone—you’re making it your own. And all for under £1500. Time to turn up, tune in, and let your guitar do the talking.
FAQs About Guitar Lessons with Ben Makes Music
What is Ben Makes Music?
Ben Makes Music provides guitar lessons for all levels across Essex, including Rayleigh, Hockley, Hullbridge, and surrounding areas.
What types of guitar lessons are available?
Lessons cover a range of styles, including rock, blues, classical, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, there’s a lesson for you!
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Booking a lesson is simple! Contact us online or by phone to arrange your guitar lessons in Essex, including Rayleigh, Hockley, Hullbridge, and beyond.
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Yes! High-quality online guitar lessons are available for students in Essex and beyond.
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Absolutely! Whether you're in Hockley, Leigh-on-Sea, or elsewhere, step-by-step guidance is provided to help you get started on your guitar journey.
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Guitar lessons are available in the following locations across Essex:
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