Fender Sessions: Jeff Beck Rumbles with the American Vintage II ’57 Strat

Known as one of rock's greatest guitarists, Jeff Beck has a style that’s truly unique. 

Melding classic rock, blues, jazz fusion and even electronica, Beck rose to prominence with the Yardbirds in the mid-1960s, embarked on a prolific solo career and became one of the most sought-after session musicians in the world. 

An eight-time Grammy Award winner and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Beck has plenty of hits he could have chosen to play for his appearance on Fender Sessions, but he decided to go back to one of his original influences — the iconic 1958 instrumental “Rumble.” 

Originally released by Link Wray & His Ray Men, “Rumble” utilizes a heavy dose of distortion and tremolo, two effects that were just beginning to be explored in the burgeoning rock space. And since then, it’s been covered by countless artists and featured in several high-profile movies and television programs. 

For Beck, it reminds him of those exciting early days of rock. 

“My sister and I used to listen to Armed Forces Radio — it was the only source of American rock and roll at the time — and I remember ‘Rumble,’” he said. “My sister also introduced me to Jimmy Page, and one of the first things he played me was that, because it was so simple to play. 

“Ironically, we’re still playing it, the same three chords.”

For his “Rumble” performance, Beck brought out an American Vintage II 1957 Stratocaster. A longtime Strat player, Beck was a perfect fit to showcase the authentic tone of its Pure Vintage ’57 Stratocaster pickups, bringing together a timeless artist and timeless instrument on a timeless track. 

To watch Beck in action, check out the video above. Learn more about the American Vintage II Series here.