James Marshall Hendrix (November 27,1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American musician, singer, songwriter, producer, innovator and guitarist. Widely hailed by music fans and critics alike as the greatest electric guitarist of all time, there is no disputing that he remains one of the most influential rock guitarists (and songwriters).
Jimi was not very popular in America at the outset of his musical career, only later gaining recognition after taking a trip to England with the Animals' Chas Chandler, where he subsequently formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. While the Experience quickly became popular in England, they remained relatively unrecognized outside of the country. It was not until their performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival in the States that the Experience became, quite literally overnight, one of the most popular bands of the era.
Another interesting fact is that Jimi Hendrix used Marshall Amps exclusively, bar a very short period during which he experimented with SUNN amps, later switching back. Jimi also modified his amps, having the roadies switch the caps for the High tone setting, which would produce the insane screeching feedback and that trademark Hendrix sound. It is said that Hendrix loved the British Marshall amps, which ran on 220V while the American Versions ran on 110V, which made the sound different. He also on occasion "enhanced" his sound by running his wah-wah pedal in the fully open position.
Jimi Hendrix helped to popularize several effects pedals, several of these being:
1. Fuzz Face Distortion Box (Or the Blackfinger Sustain Pedal when a fuzz face couldn't be located, typically in England)
2. Univibe (which was used on "Machine Gun) (it was an effect that simulated a Leslie Speaker)
3. Several Wah Wah pedals, most notably the Vox Clyde McCoy model - slightly modded by his equipment tech
Contrary to what has been incorrectly reported, Jimi Hendrix never used an Echoplex during live situations.
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