These are 10 of the most iconic guitar rigs in rock history — and what it actually costs to build them today. Prices shift with condition, rarity, and demand, so checking sold price research on SearchMusicGear gives a clearer picture than asking prices alone. The figures below reflect recent marketplace activity for the core pieces in each rig.
Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)
Page’s live and studio setups leaned on a 1959 Les Paul, a Telecaster, and a range of small and large amps plus effects. A complete recreation today runs roughly $28,000–$35,000 when sourcing comparable originals and period-correct pedals through Reverb and eBay searches.
Jim Summaria, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Key Pieces and Approximate Costs
- 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard reissue or original: $12,000–$18,000
- 1958 Fender Telecaster: $8,000–$11,000
- Marshall Super Lead 100W: $4,500–$6,000
- Effects chain (Echoplex, Cry Baby, etc.): $3,000–$4,500
See the full Jimmy Page rig breakdown →
Slash (Guns N' Roses)
Slash’s thick Les Paul through a cranked Marshall stack remains the benchmark for rock lead tone. Building a close version lands between $9,000 and $14,000 depending on whether you chase vintage or solid reissues.
Photo by Andrejk / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Key Pieces and Approximate Costs
- Gibson Les Paul Standard or Custom: $3,500–$5,500
- Marshall JCM 800 or 1959 Super Lead: $3,000–$4,500
- Wah and delay pedals: $800–$1,200
- Cabinet and cabling: $1,200–$2,000
See the full Slash rig breakdown →
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)
Gilmour’s rig mixes Strats, Big Muff-style fuzz, and delays for atmospheric leads. Expect $11,000–$16,000 for a functional modern build using sold listings for comparable gear.
Photo by Jimmy Baikovicius / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Key Pieces and Approximate Costs
- Fender Stratocaster 1960s or reissue: $2,800–$4,200
- Big Muff and Tube Driver: $400–$800
- Multiple delay units (Digital Delay, Analog Delay): $1,500–$2,500
- Hiwatt-style amps and cabinets: $5,000–$7,000
See the full David Gilmour rig breakdown →
Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
The “brown sound” centers on a modified Strat-style guitar, Frankenstrat finishes, and a hot-rodded Marshall. Current market values put a solid recreation at $7,000–$11,000.
Photo by Carl Lender / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Key Pieces and Approximate Costs
- EVH Wolfgang or modified Strat: $2,200–$3,800
- Marshall 1959SLP or clone: $3,000–$4,500
- Phase 90 and MXR Flanger: $300–$600
- EVH 5150-style amp or reissue: $1,800–$2,500
See the full Eddie Van Halen rig breakdown →
Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)
Cobain favored Mustang and Jaguar guitars with heavy fuzz and distortion. A period-accurate setup costs $4,500–$7,000 based on recent sold comps.
Photo by P.B. Rage from USA / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Key Pieces and Approximate Costs
- Fender Mustang or Jaguar: $1,800–$3,000
- Boss DS-1 and Big Muff: $250–$450
- Peavey or Randall amps: $1,200–$2,000
- Tuner and basic pedals: $400–$700
See the full Kurt Cobain rig breakdown →
James Hetfield (Metallica)
Hetfield’s rhythm tone relies on ESP guitars and Mesa/Boogie amps with tight EQ. A working rig lands around $6,500–$9,500.
Photo by Kreepin Deth / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Key Pieces and Approximate Costs
- ESP Explorer or LTD model: $1,800–$3,000
- Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier: $2,200–$3,200
- Overdrive and noise gate: $400–$700
- 4x12 cabinets: $1,800–$2,500
See the full James Hetfield rig breakdown →
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
Iommi’s down-tuned SG through Laney amps defined heavy metal. Current pricing for equivalents sits at $5,000–$8,000.
Photo by wizard95 / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Key Pieces and Approximate Costs
- Gibson SG or Epiphone version: $1,200–$2,500
- Laney Supergroup or clone: $2,500–$3,800
- Wah and treble booster: $400–$700
- Effects and cabling: $600–$1,000
See the full Tony Iommi rig breakdown →
Adam Jones (Tool)
Jones blends Les Pauls with custom wiring and a variety of amps for Tool’s layered sound. A comparable build runs $8,000–$13,000.
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Photo by Nicholas Cowley / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Key Pieces and Approximate Costs
- Gibson Les Paul with custom mods: $3,000–$5,000
- Diezel or Bogner amps: $3,500–$5,000
- Multiple modulation and delay pedals: $1,200–$2,000
- Power and cabling: $500–$800
See the full Adam Jones rig breakdown →
Kirk Hammett (Metallica)
Hammett’s lead work uses ESP guitars, wah, and high-gain amps. A practical version costs $5,500–$9,000.
Photo by 4TheWynne / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Key Pieces and Approximate Costs
- ESP KH or LTD model: $1,600–$2,800
- Mesa/Boogie or Marshall: $2,200–$3,500
- Wah and delay: $600–$1,000
- Effects rack or pedals: $800–$1,500
See the full Kirk Hammett rig breakdown →
Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine)
Morello’s innovative rig mixes Strat-style guitars with heavy effects and Whammy pedals. Expect $4,000–$7,000 for a core setup drawn from recent marketplace sales.
Photo by Dario De Marco / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Key Pieces and Approximate Costs
- Fender Stratocaster: $1,200–$2,200
- Digitech Whammy and delay: $400–$800
- Marshall or Randall amp: $1,800–$2,800
- Additional modulation and expression pedals: $600–$1,200
See the full Tom Morello rig breakdown →
Explore More Artist Rigs
Looking for more? Browse the full collection of artist rigs with live pricing:
John Mayer · Dimebag Darrell · Zakk Wylde · Dave Mustaine · Jerry Cantrell
Use the gear value tool and sold price research to track real transaction so you know the live market value for any of this iconic gea or budget alternatives.
