A rare photograph captures Led Zeppelin during a rehearsal at Manticore Studios in Fulham, UK, in early 1977—a session notable not only for the candid glimpse of the band behind the scenes, but also for showcasing Jimmy Page playing his elusive Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster. This semi-hollowbody guitar, with its distinctive sunburst finish and ornate controls, stands out as one of the lesser-known instruments in Page’s vast arsenal, making sightings of it exceptionally rare in both live and studio settings.
Though never considered a central tool in Page’s onstage rig, the ES-5 Switchmaster made its subtle mark during Zeppelin’s recording sessions in the mid-1970s. While there’s no definitive documentation tying the guitar to a specific track on earlier albums like Houses of the Holy or Physical Graffiti, it’s widely speculated that Page used it for rhythm guitar overdubs, likely due to its rich, resonant tone well-suited to layered production work. Its characteristically warm and rounded sound would have provided a compelling contrast to his usual Les Paul or Telecaster bite.
The only confirmed track featuring the ES-5 Switchmaster is “Candy Store Rock” from the 1976 album Presence. Page himself later revealed its use on that song, noting:
“I used this sunburst Switchmaster on ‘Candy Store Rock’ to give a rockabilly sound in the vein of, and as a homage to, Scotty Moore (although not as good). It was fun doing that song, and it’s a beautiful specimen of that guitar.”
This tribute to Elvis Presley’s legendary guitarist aligns perfectly with the retro swagger of the track, underscoring Page’s deep appreciation for rock’s early pioneers. The photo not only documents a rare moment but serves as a tangible link to one of Led Zeppelin’s more underrated studio experiments.
