I watched a 2005 documentary about the album, "Led Zeppelin IV." I think there were contractual difficulties regarding using the original recording, because for each song discussed (more on this locution later), they provided live performance footage. When it came to "Going To California," it's quite clear John Paul Jones was playing a Harmony Batwing.
Sorry, screen shots will have to do. This show was from 1975. No idea what he used on the album.
I rather enjoyed the movie. But I have one quibble - and it's a big one. The contributors didn't discuss "Battle Of Evermore" nor "Four Sticks." The latter is a crazy little number, and I would have liked to have heard the wonks try and sort that out. But "Battle Of Evermore" needed to be included. I don't understand what they were thinking. Therefore it is hardly definitive, being so incomplete - lacking 25% of the songs.
Of course, "mandolin" is hardly mentioned. But there is this brief bit of interview between a lady of the press and Peter Grant, band manager:
Q: On "III" you had some mandolins and dulcimers. Have you got anything different on the new album?
A: This and that. There are two tracks of acoustic. "Going To California," that's mandolin again, and acoustic guitar.
Again, no mention of "Battle Of Evermore." Wonder why?
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