Can You Name This Classic Gear Without the Label?

By: Teresa McGlothlin
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Name This Classic Gear Without the Label?
Image: Wikicommons by Ed Vill from Caracas, Venezuela

About This Quiz

There are music lovers, and there are music LOVERS! Not everyone who has a favorite band needs to know about every instrument they are playing. But for some of us, it's a way of life! Learning about the equipment our musical heroes loved is as much fun as trying to learn to cover their songs. While we might never achieve their sounds, the quest to know what guitar or amp or drumset they are playing is part of the musical experience.

Throughout this quiz, you'll get the chance to show off how much gearhead knowledge you've gained by paying attention to some of rock n' roll's biggest names. But ... there's a twist! You'll have to pull this one off with the labels removed. It might be easy to tell a Stratocaster's maker from a Melody Maker's maker, but how well will you hold up with pedals and amps?

Turn your background music up to the level of Keith Richards' Ampeg VT-22, and get your neighbors involuntarily involved, too. By the time you've finished identifying all this classic gear, you'll have a block party going on. You might not "rock 'n roll all night" with only 40 questions, but you'll "get the party started" by seeing how many you get right. How many will it be?



Question 1 - Paul McCartney's bass
Wikicommons by 6strings
Any idea who makes Paul McCartney's violin-shaped bass?
Fender
Gretsch
Gibson
Hofner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When young Paul McCartney saw the Hofner 500/1 Bass hanging in the window of a Hamburg store, he knew he had to have it. At the time, Hofner was a small instrument maker that specialized in violins. After the first one was stolen, Hofner gave him another in 1963.

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Question 2 - Gold Top
Wikicommons by Les_Paul_Gold_Top.jpg: Pinotto992derivative work: Clusternote
Can you name this guitar famously played by Duane Allman, Slash and many others?
SG
Les Paul Junior
Gold Top
Melody Maker
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2019, Duane Allman's 1957 Gibson Gold Top that he lovingly dubbed "Layla" sold at auction for $1 million! Since 1952, its trapeze-style bridge and solid construction have been a favorite of famous rock 'n rollers. If you have $2,200 lying around, you can get one for yourself!

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Question 3 - MXR Distortion
Wikicommons by tpeck111
Do you know the maker of this well-loved distortion pedal without seeing it?
MXR
Line 6
Dallas Arbiter
Boss
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Created by MXR Industries, the MXR Distortion+ works by manipulating sound using parallel clipping. You've probably heard it used by the likes of Thom Yorke, Jerry Garcia and Randy Rhoads.

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Question 4 - ESP
Wikicommons by 6-StringGuitars
You might recognize this guitar from seeing James Hetfield play it; who manufactures it?
ESP
Fender
Ibanez
Jackson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We would need more than one webpage to list all the guitars James Hetfield has played during his career. During his early years, he preferred the Jackson King V. These days, he's a big fan of ESP guitars. The company has even created a limited edition bearing his name.

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Question 5 - Fender
Wikicommons by Deidre Woollard
Who's the maker of this wildly popular tweed amp?
Marshall
Fender
Ampeg
Orange
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From 1948 to 1960, the front of Fender amps were covered in a fabric that resembled tweed. The term refers to a variety of Fender amps, including the Bassman and the Champ, but there was no one specific amp named the "Fender tweed."

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Question 6 - Gretsch
Wikicommons by David from Springfield
True gearheads will know who created Bo Diddley's square guitar; do you?
Gibson
Framus
Vox
Gretsch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The G-cutout on the G6138's tailpiece should have given you a hint! In 1958, Gretsch created the custom guitar just for the legendary player. A square hollow body is complemented by a maple fretboard, the signature Gretsch headstock. You can get one of your own for just under $3,000.

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Question 7 -  Vox
Wikicommons by Felix Geishecker
What company do you have to thank for teardrop-shaped guitars?
Vox
Harmony
Martin
Jackson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hot off the successes of their amp division, Vox decided to throw its hat in the guitar-making ring. The company wanted to stand out from the crowd and do things differently, and the design of Phantom VI was approved in 1961. Its teardrop shape has been one of the company's signatures.

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Question 8 - Boss
shnobel via YouTube
Kurt Cobain used the DM-2 delay pedal during many of his early recordings. Do you know its maker?
Digi-Tech
Electro-Harmonix
Boss
MXR
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Boss DM-2 was discontinued in 1984, but the love for it continues to grow. The DM-2 adds rich, analog tones, and it was the first time Boss had tried out a smaller body size for its pedals. Everyone from Prince to Steve Vai and Kurt Cobain have professed a love for it.

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Question 9 - Marshall Number One
Wikicommons by Unbeirrt
Which respected amp maker named its first creation "Number One"?
Peavey
Marshall
Mesa Boogie
Blackstar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Officially called the JTM45, "Number One" was Marshall's first attempt at making amps that would sell. Displayed in a store for the first time in 1962, it received order the very first day. "Number One" helped turn Marshall into one of the industry's most popular and respected brands.

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Question 10 - Watts
Wikicommons by Poiseon Bild & Text (press photo by a photographer of the consulting company Poiseon AG in St. Gallen, Switzerland))
Can you figure out the name of the cymbals Charlie Watts likes to use?
Meini
Sabian
Zildjian
Paiste
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Zildjian cymbals have a history that dates back to 1618! It would be hard to find a drumset without at least one Zildjian somewhere on its rack. In Charlie Watts' case, you would find a pair of hi-hats, a China cymbal, a ride cymbal, and a thin crash.

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Question 11 - Vox AC30
Wikicommons by Johnsamps
Dave Grohl started using this amp on the third Foo Fighters album; what's it called?
Fender Twin Reverb
Vox AC30
Marshall JCM900
Silvertone 1484
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

First manufactured in 1958, the Vox AC30 has long been a favorite of famous guitar players. Loved for its clean and jangly sound, it's been used by everyone from The Beatles to Brian May. It would be hard to attend a music festival without seeing a few of them on stage.

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Question 12 - Telecaster
Wikicommons by VACANT FEVER
Do you know what maker made the guitar that Jeff Beck gave to Jimmy Page as a gift?
Fender
Hofner
Gibson
Epiphone
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When Eric Clapton was looking for a guitarist to complete The Yardbirds, Jimmy Page recommended Jeff Beck. Filled with gratitude, Beck gave Page a 1959 Fender Telecaster. Telecasters, or "Teles," are one of rock 'n roll's most beloved guitars. They've been around since 1951.

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Question 13 - Moog
Wikicommons by kpr2
Which type of synthesizer do you see? The Beach Boys were fond of it!
Moog
ARP
Roland
Korg
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you listen closely to The Beach Boys, you'll hear a symphony of synthesizer tones on songs like "Love You." When the Moog Modular was introduced in 1967, it caught the attention of adventurous musicians, including the Electric Light Orchestra.

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Question 14 - Big Muff
Wikicommons by Skimel
Dimebag Darrell, David Gilmour and Carlos Santana loved using a Big Muff made by which company?
Boss
Strymon
Electro-Harmonix
Line 6
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Back in 1969, guitarists were experimenting with more sounds than ever before. When Electro-Harmonix released the Big Muff, it was an instant hit! You would be hard-pressed to find a guitarist from back then or out there today who hasn't played a Big Muff at least once.

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Question 15 - orange
Wikicommons by wetwebwork
Can you figure out this Tiny Terror's creator by looking at the picture?
Vox
Orange
Peavey
Mesa Boogie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Orange amps began life in the London basement. Since 1968, creator Clifford Cooper has been a leader in the industry. His signature Tiny Terror Combo amps have been played by everyone from the Deftones to Jimmy Page and PJ Harvey.

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Question 16 - Gretsch Country Gentleman
Wikicommons by matanao
What's the right name for this guitar famously played by Chet Atkins?
Fender Country Gentleman
Epiphone Country Gentleman
Rickenbacker Country Gentleman
Gretsch Country Gentleman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Designed to contain feedback, the Gretsch Country Gentleman was promoted by Chet Atkins. On the market since 1958, the hollow body was usually accompanied by a Bigsby tremolo arm. The guitar's over-sized style is reminiscent of the acoustic guitars played by the country music guitarists of the time.

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Question 17 - Silvertone
Wikicommons by Johann
You could have ordered this 10-watt tube amp from Sears back in the '60s. Do you know what it's called?
Double Terror
Twin Deluxe
Silvertone
Lonestar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As early as the 1930s, Sears was putting out small electronics like radios under the Silvertone name. With guitar amplification becoming more and more popular, they were one of the first to jump into the amp making game.

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Question 18 - Danelectro
Wikicommons by Enrico Di Pierro from Viterbo, Italia
Which guitar maker sometimes used linoleum to complete the signature look?
Supro
Hofner
Peavey
Danelectro
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

By 1960, Danelectro was experimenting with a series of convertible guitars that were wired like electric guitars but still possessed the sound hold of acoustics. Back then, Danelectro used linoleum to go around the sides of the guitar, giving them a look all their own.

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Question 19 - Stratocaster
Wikicommons by Lubbad85
Buddy Holly and Eric Clapton both played which type of Fender?
Mustang
Jaguar
Stratocaster
Telecaster
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only three years after making the Tele, Leo Fender wanted to take it up a level. In 1954, the sleeker and more edgy looking Stratocaster was born. Even though he was advised against it, Buddy Holly was one of the first to play it. His producers thought it distracted from his wholesome look.

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Question 20 - Rhodes
Wikicommons by doryfour
What's the name of this early stage piano that began as a therapy tool?
Kimball
Rhodes
Hammond
Wurlitzer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While teaching piano to injured soldiers in the 1940s, Harold Rhodes began making small pianos from spare airplane parts. In 1959, he partnered with Leo Fender to manufacture them. Artists like The Beatles incorporated them into their songs, and the rest is history.

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Question 21 - Gibson SG
Wikicommons by Cesarion
The Doors' Robby Krieger was a huge fan of which solid-body guitar like the one here?
Fender Stratocaster
Gibson SG
Danelectro Convertible
Hofner Very-thin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although both Robby Krieger and Angus Young loved the Gibson SG, they had very different ways of playing it. Introduced in 1960, Les Paul unveiled the original model to the world. He followed it up with several versions of the guitar, including Junior, Standard and Custom.

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Question 22 - Fender Twin Reverb
Wikicommons by Paulus 2
Do you know the name of the company that makes this Twin Reverb amp?
Fender
Sears
PSR
EVH
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Like the Vox AC60, the Fender Twin Reverb is so well-loved, it's hard to find a rig without one. Released only months after its big brother, the Bassman, the Twin Reverb hit the market in 1952. With 25-watts and two speakers, it was one of the most powerful of the time.

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Question 23 - Gibson Thunderbird
Wikicommons by Alterna2 http://www.alterna2.com
You'll see this bass on stage with Kings of Leon; what is it?
Fender Precision Bass
Gibson Thunderbird
Warwick W-Bass
Sandberg California
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fender and Gibson have always been competitors, and a little competition is precisely what led to the creation of the Gibson Thunderbird. When Les Paul saw how well Fender's top bass was selling, it threw its hat into the ring and released the giant in 1963.

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Question 24 - Ampeg VT-22
The Guitologist via YouTube
This amp, often used by Keith Richards, is known by what name?
Marshall Bluesbreaker
Mesa Boogie Big Block
Ampeg VT-22
Fender Deluxe Reverb
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Popularized by the likes of Keith Richards and Ron Wood, the Ampeg VT-22 first released in 1972 boasted two 12" speakers run by a V-4 head. Often called one of the loudest amps out there, its 100 watts make sure than anyone can hear you.

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Question 25 - Rickenbacker 330
Wikicommons by DeLerkim from germany
You're looking at one of Pete Townshend's favorite axes, but can you name it?
Rickenbacker 330
Parker Fly
Vox Phantom VI
Framus Ruby Riot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Rickenbacker 330's cutaway shape gave it an unmistakable look. Created in a series of "Capri" guitars during 1958, it was known for its light and springy sound. But its hollow body design gave it a richness that players like Pete Townshend loved to experiment with.

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Question 26 - TONTO
CBC News
Can you remember the name of the room-sized synthesizer Stevie Wonder used on "Superstition?"
Korg
ARP
Moog
TONTO
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

TONTO (The Original New Timber Orchestra) was the brainchild of two British experimental musicians. Assembled in the late '60s and early '70s, the synthesizer's components were so large that the filled an entire room. Also used by Mark Mothersbaugh, TONTO is now part of a museum collection.

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Question 27 - Hammond Organ
Wikicommons by Hammond H-100 series.jpg: Joe M500 from WEST LOOP CHICAGOderivative work: Clusternote
Deep Purple and Pink Floyd embraced the sound of what keyboard instrument like this one?
Mini Moog
Rhodes Piano
Mellotron
Hammond Organ
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Since their creation in 1935, there have been over two million Hammond Organs sold. Once self-powered, the '70s saw the company adding external power sources. If you listen to any '70s rock, you're bound to hear plenty of it.

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Question 28 - Jackson Concorde V
Rumble Seat Music via YouTube
What's the name of this guitar? Randy Rhoads helped design it.
EVH Wolfgang
Jackson Concorde V
Kramer Striker
Fender Mustang
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Struggling to keep up with music's evolving sound, the makers of Jackson guitars decided to take a chance on a Hollywood guitarist. Together with Randy Rhoads, the first version of the Concorde V was born. After his death, it became known as the Jackson Rhoads.

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Question 29 - Dunlop Cry Baby
Wikicommons by Massimo Barbieri
Can you suck it up and name this beloved sound-bending pedal?
Dunlop Cry Baby
Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face
Boss TR-1
Moog Moogerfooger
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Dunlop Cry Baby wah pedal hit the stage in 1966. With few effects pedals available then, artists like Jimi Hendrix were instantly drawn to it. Soon, it became the favorite of blues artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, too. The pedals were significantly improved over the years, but you can still buy them.

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Question 30 - John Bonham
Wikicommons by Toglenn
Led Zeppelin's John Bonham pounded away on what brand of drums?
Ludwig
Premier
Yamaha
Tama
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While on tour during 1968, John Bonham fell in love with a fellow drummer's maple Ludwig kit. Knowing how massive Led Zeppelin was about to be, the drummer called the company and recommended they send a kit to Bonham. From that moment forward, he only used Ludwig drums.

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Question 31 - Hamer
Wikicommons by teakwood from Laguna Beach, CA, USA
Which guitar maker is responsible for making Cheap Trick's "Uncle Dick"?
Peavey
Gibson
Hamer
Cort
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During a 1979 tour of Japan, Cheap Trick held a coloring contest. The winner's guitar design was made into a double-necked guitar that resembled a cartoon person. Named Uncle Dick, the guitar was a creation brought to life by Hamer.

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Question 32 - Hohner
Wikicommons by zoë biggs
When The Rolling Stones play "Midnight Rambler," what type of harmonica does Mick Jagger use?
Hohner
Suzuki
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mick Jagger's love for the blues is never more obvious than when he picks up the harmonica. He's recently hinted at a new release that will feature his harp skills with a Hohner harmonica.

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Question 33 - Yamaha
Wikicommons by John C. Wilett
Do you know the brand of grand piano Elton John plays while on tour?
Kimball
Wurlitzer
Yamaha
Steinway and Sons
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The "Piano Man's" touring setup consists of four different piano setups. When it comes time for numbers that require the use of a grand piano, he is a fan of Yamaha ivories. The other setups consist of pianos run through various synthesizers and effects.

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Question 34 - Steve Vai
Wikicommons by Mekkjp
Can you think back to the '80s and figure out what maker created Steve Vai's UV7?
Ibanez
Kramer
Parker
Gretsch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Steve Vai may have popularized the Ibanez UV7, but his skills inspired other "nu-metal" players to take the same guitar on stage. Bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit have both embraced the relatively inexpensive guitar.

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Question 35 - Line 6
ShurSoma via YouTube
U2's The Edge always includes a delay modeler like this one. What brand is it?
Danelectro
Electro-Harmonix
Line 6
MXR
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Whether you're looking to drench your tunes in effects like The Edge or create a bunch of loops, the Line 6 DL4 is really all you need. In one pedal body, you get the benefit of echo, delay and phase. It just depends on how you customize it.

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Question 36 - Roland JC-120
Wikicommons by Roland Musikvertrieb Deutschland
The Jazz Chorus amp is a favorite of Robert Smith's, but what company makes it?
Roland
Vox
Orange
Marshall
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many late '70s and early '80s bands like The Cure and Siouxsie and The Banshees owe part of their sound the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus. The solid-state features two 12-inch speakers and crisp tones. The option to crank up its powerful chorus gave it a distinctive analog sound.

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Question 37 - Maestro
Wikicommons by Maestro Echoplex EP-2.jpg: evan p. cordesderivative work: Clusternote
Brian May lugged this suitcase-sized tape-loop effect box on stage; what name does it go by?
Electro-Harmonix
Maestro
Dunlop
Musitronix
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Maestro Echoplex EP-3 used actual magnetic tape to make its ethereal loops. One of the largest effects boxes on any '70s stage, the echo box was used by the likes of Andy Summers, Brian May, Neil Young and later by Eddie Van Halen.

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Question 38 - H78
Wikicommons by Mark Runyon
The Dan Auerbach guitar seen here was made by which famous maker?
Gretsch
Gibson
Harmony
PRS
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Harmony guitars were huge back in the '60s. Thanks to players like Jack White from the White Stripes and Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys, the H78 has made a huge comeback. Their rare nature makes them a little hard to find, though.

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Question 39 - Showman
Wikicommons by Dave Fey from St. Louis, USA
Do you need the label to know the Showman's manufacturer that Dick Dale loved?
Fender
Mesa Boogie
Sears
Roland
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Both Dick Dale and Keith Richards believed that they could never be loud enough. With the Fender Showman behind them, they didn't need to worry. The Showman's impressive 85-watts and 15" speakers are enough to make sure everyone in the back row hears you.

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Question 40 - Slash
Wikicommons by Ed Vill from Caracas, Venezuela
What guitar maker can we thank for providing everyone from Beck to Slash this guitar?
EVH
Gibson
PRS
Jackson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Next to the Fender Strat, the Gibson Les Paul is one of the most played guitars in rock 'n roll. When designed and produced in 1952, it was the Gibson Company's first attempt at making a solid body guitar that mirrored its previous guitar's shapes.

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You Got:
/40
Wikicommons by Ed Vill from Caracas, Venezuela