What Bass did John Paul Jones use?
Christopher Pierce
Updated on March 01, 2026
Fender Jazz Bass
After retiring his Fender Jazz Bass (which he had been using since his days with The Shadows in the early 1960s) from touring in 1975, Jones switched to using custom-designed Alembic basses for touring.
Is John Paul Jones good at Bass?
His limitless ability as a multi-instrumentalist entail a mastery of the bass, keyboards, as well as orchestrating and arranging. His contributions to not only Led Zeppelin, but an array of other prominent tracks and acts, show that JPJ was really the most valuable member of his band.
Did John Paul Jones use Flatwounds?
It wasn’t until later that I realized Mr. Entwistle used roundwound heavy gauge strings. I always counted John Paul Jones (on early Led Zeppelin records) among one of the many bassists I admired, but I completely disliked his bass tone whenever he (or any other bassist) used flatwound strings.
Does paul McCartney like Led Zeppelin?
Paul McCartney was always an admirer of the former Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham and, when the opportunity presented itself in 1976 for the two of them finally got in the studio and work together, it was an opportunity which the former Beatles man could not refuse.
What kind of strings did John Paul Jones use?
“Yes. I use Rotosound Swing Bass strings for everything. For the multi-string basses, I use the Rotosound Piano Bass strings, with the exposed centre core, because they’d be too far apart if I were to use regular bass strings. I prefer Rotosound bass strings, but I was never that particular about string gauges.
Did John Paul Jones use pedals?
Jones used Fender pedals for the only the early Led Zeppelin tours. Jones’ main pedal set was a custom-built unit, made by Bill Dunn of London. Dunn’s organ service (particularly Hammond organs) was well-known in England and was the service center for the top rock, jazz, and pop stars of the day.
What kind of Bass did John Paul Jones play?
John Paul Jones main and most recognizable bass was a ’62 Fender Jazz bass in sunburst finish with a tortoise pickguard. He used this bass for recording and touring with Zep until the mid/late 1970’s, when he started using Alembics.
What kind of Bass did JPJ play?
Some of JPJ’s basses, including his “62 Jazz (left), and (clockwise) Fender IV, Fender ’51 Precision (also caled a Tele), Alembic 4 string (from 1975 on) and Alembic Triple Omega 8-string John Paul Jones main and most recognizable bass was a ’62 Fender Jazz bass in sunburst finish with a tortoise pickguard.
What bass pedals did Alex Jones use?
Jones also used an early version of the Moog Taurus bass pedals to lay down the low end on ‘No Quarter’, highlighting his role as a pioneer of electronic instruments in a rock setting. If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What guitar amp does Robert Jones use?
In his Led Zeppelin days, Jones predominantly used an Acoustic 360 bass head paired with a 361 cabinet. This legendary combination became the revered stack of choice for bassists in the ’70s, however, it fell out of favour when the amps backbreaking weight became a little too much for musicians to cart around to gigs.