Big Star Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Big Star band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Big Star is an American rock band hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, lauded for their influential role in the power pop genre. Formed in the early 1970s, the group was primarily led by the dynamic duo of Alex Chilton (vocals, guitar) and Chris Bell (vocals, guitar), with Andy Hummel (bass) and Jody Stephens (drums) rounding out the lineup. Big Star's music is a vibrant fusion of rock, power pop, and elements of folk and psychedelia, drawing inspiration from the British Invasion sound and delivering it with an American twist. Despite their initial commercial struggles, the band's albums like #1 Record and Radio City have gained legendary status, influencing countless artists in the indie and alternative rock scenes.
How to Sound Like Big Star
Big Star's sound is characterized by its jangly, melodic guitar work and lush vocal harmonies, often evoking a sense of melancholic nostalgia. The interplay between clean and slightly overdriven guitar tones is a hallmark of their style, reminiscent of the Fender Stratocaster and the warm, responsive tones of the Fender 'Narrow Panel Tweed' Bassman amp used by Chris Bell. Their music balances the raw energy of rock with the detailed, shimmering quality of pop, often employing acoustic guitars like the Yamaha FG-230 12-String for a fuller, more expansive sound. The band's rhythm section maintains a driving yet unobtrusive groove, allowing the guitars and vocals to take center stage, crafting songs that are as emotionally resonant as they are sonically rich.
Discography
Get the Big Star Sound
Want to sound like Big Star? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
