Guitars
Angus Young – Lead Tone
Angus Young has rarely been seen without his trusty Gibson SG and those mid-range heavy pickups are just what you need to get the biting, powerful tones that he gets. You could describe his lead lines as ‘stinging’ and this is largely down to the warm mahogany body of the guitar combined with potent pickups. The lighter body of an SG also means you can fly around the stage and wield your guitar like a weapon whilst doing the duckwalk across the stage!
Gibson SG guitars have got a signature sound of their own and it’s probably epitomised by Angus Young. Want ACDC tones? Get an SG.
Malcolm Young – Rhythm Tone
Malcolm used a Gretsch throughout his ACDC career and his metronomic, groovy rhythm playing was supporting by the crispy top-end of the Gretsch pickups. For similar results, a Gretsch with TV Jones style pickups would obviously do the trick! You’d want a solid body Gretsch to get a slightly fuller tone without the ‘air’ that you might get from a semi-hollow or hollow body.
Having a solid body also means you can crank the guitar without worrying too much about feedback problems. You’d do well with something like a Gretsch Double Jet. However, if a hollowbody is what you want, then a White Falcon would be the way to go. Just watch the gain dial…