In the past year, Mark Jacob Lenderman, better known as MJ Lenderman, has made waves in the indie rock scene. From his work in alt-country to becoming one of the most talked-about names in rock, Lenderman has caught the attention of both alt-country fans and slacker rock enthusiasts alike.
His 2024 album Manning Fireworks pushed him into the spotlight, showcasing his impressive shoegaze-inspired guitar work, sharp songwriting, and laid-back vocals. As the recent alt-country movement fades, Lenderman’s casual yet powerful style keeps the love for pedal steel and classic rock alive.
But beneath his sardonic lyrics and signature curly hair, Lenderman is also known for being a gear nerd. Today, we take a closer look at the equipment behind his unique sound.
Fender Jazzmaster
Before going solo, Lenderman was part of the band Wednesday, where he was often seen playing a Fender Jazzmaster. The guitar’s ability to create noise and its suitability for shoegaze made it a perfect fit for his style. Lenderman owns a 2008 model and a J Mascis signature version, both of which were influenced by his admiration for Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and Dinosaur Jr.’s J Mascis.
1979 Gibson SG: The “Firebrand”
Since stepping into his solo career, Lenderman has turned to his 1979 Gibson SG, known as the “Firebrand” model. This rare guitar, made with walnut instead of mahogany, offers a distinct sound, especially for rhythm parts. Lenderman loves its iconic look and the unique tone it provides.
Fender American Vintage II 1977 Reissue Telecaster
However, the SG doesn’t always work with Lenderman’s preferred tuning of D Standard. To overcome this, he also tours with a Fender American Vintage II 1977 Reissue Telecaster. He uses it for songs that need a cleaner tone, but his Jazzmasters, especially the Mascis model, are still on the road for tunes like “You Are Every Girl To Me,” which features the unusual CGDGGE tuning.
Vox AC30 and Hiwatt Custom 50 Amps
Lenderman keeps his amp setup straightforward. While on tour with Wednesday, he used a two-amp setup with a Vox AC30 and a Fender Blues Deluxe. For his solo work, he prefers a single Hiwatt Custom 50, which offers a more rounded tone and deeper bass. He pairs it with a 4×12 cabinet containing Celestion speakers for that signature sound.
Pedals: Simple Yet Powerful
Lenderman’s pedalboard is surprisingly minimal. His touring setup includes a Death By Audio Interstellar Overdriver Deluxe, a Dunlop Wah, a TC Electronic Flashback 2, and a D’Addario tuner. Despite its small size, this setup delivers powerful results. The Overdriver Deluxe creates rich fuzz tones, while the Flashback 2 adds delay effects. The Wah is used as a filter to accentuate certain harmonics and frequencies.
This minimal approach to pedals is a perfect reminder that in shoegaze-inspired music, sometimes less is more. With just a fuzz, delay, and wah, Lenderman can create a wide range of sounds without overcomplicating things.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky Strings
To accommodate his lower tuning, Lenderman opts for Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky strings. These heavy-gauge strings (ranging from .011 to .054) are ideal for players who tune down, as they help maintain the right tension despite the drop in pitch.
For aspiring musicians looking to recreate Lenderman’s sound, the key is simplicity. A Jazzmaster guitar, a clean amp with plenty of headroom, a fuzz box, a delay pedal, and a wah are all you need to start sounding like your new favorite indie rock hero.
Of course, Lenderman’s talent and playing style are what truly set him apart. Influenced by classic rock, country, and shoegaze, his sound draws from a variety of genres. But most importantly, Lenderman never overdoes it. His gear choices and playing always serve the song, making him a standout in the indie rock world. With more records and gear to come, Lenderman is sure to continue influencing the scene for years to come.
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