What guitar did Tom Scholz use on More Than a Feeling?

Tom Scholz used a Gibson Les Paul with humbucker pickups for the lead guitar parts on "More Than a Feeling." The Les Paul's thick, sustained tone was essential to achieving Boston's signature sound.

What amp was used to record More Than a Feeling guitar solo?

The lead guitar was recorded through a Marshall 1968 Super Lead amplifier. This classic plexi-era Marshall provided the tube saturation and harmonic richness that defined the tone.

How to get Tom Scholz guitar tone from More Than a Feeling?

Start with a Les Paul-style guitar through a cranked Marshall plexi-type amp, then add compression and EQ similar to what the Rockman units provided. Layer multiple guitar tracks to create the thick wall of sound heard on the recording.

What is a Rockman and why did Tom Scholz use it?

The Rockman was a guitar preamp/processor system that Tom Scholz invented and used extensively on Boston recordings. It provided consistent tone shaping, compression, and EQ that became integral to Boston's signature sound.

Where was More Than a Feeling recorded?

"More Than a Feeling" was recorded in Tom Scholz's home studio in Massachusetts. Scholz, who was also the producer and engineer, meticulously crafted the guitar tones through extensive experimentation in his personal recording setup.

lead guitar from "more than a feeling" by boston

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Tone Profile

This lead guitar tone is characterized by its soaring, sustained notes and rich harmonic overtones, achieved through a combination of humbucker pickups, cranked tube amps, and a touch of studio magic. It's a classic rock sound that's both powerful and melodic.

Shop This Rig

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Gibson Les Paul(instrument)
Marshall 1968 Super Lead(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Rockman EQ(processing)
Rockman Compressor(processing)

The Story

Tom Scholz achieved the lead guitar tone on "More Than a Feeling" using a Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall Super Lead amp, recorded with an SM57 microphone in his home studio. The signal was processed through his custom Rockman units, which provided EQ and compression to create the sustained, harmonically rich sound that became Boston's signature. Scholz layered multiple guitar tracks to build the wall of sound heard on the recording.

Production Credits

Producer: Tom Scholz

Engineer: Tom Scholz

Recorded at: Tom Scholz's home studio

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Les PaulShop on Reverb

Amp: Marshall 1968 Super LeadShop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: Rockman EQShop on Reverb, Rockman CompressorShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Gibson Les Paul or similar guitar equipped with humbucker pickups. These pickups provide the necessary output and tonal characteristics for this sound.
Use a Marshall Super Lead amp, known for its powerful and articulate overdrive capabilities. If a Marshall is not available, try a similar high-gain tube amp.
Experiment with a Shure SM57 microphone, a standard choice for recording guitar amps. Place the microphone slightly off-axis to capture a balanced sound.
If you can get your hands on the Rockman modules, try using them to shape the tone. If not, you can try similar eq and compressor pedals.
Consider layering multiple guitar tracks to create a fuller and more complex sound.

Original Gear

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Gibson Les PaulShop on Reverb(guitar)
Marshall 1968 Super LeadShop on Reverb(amp)
Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)
Rockman EQShop on Reverb(pedal)
Rockman CompressorShop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50sShop on Reverb$500-$600

Alternative to: Gibson Les Paul

Budget option with humbucker pickups that delivers the fundamental Gibson Les Paul tone character needed for this classic rock sound

Marshall Studio Vintage SV20HShop on Reverb$800-$900

Alternative to: Marshall 1968 Super Lead

20-watt reissue of the classic plexi circuit that captures the cranked tube saturation and harmonic complexity of the original Super Lead

Boss CS-3 Compression SustainerShop on Reverb$100-$120

Alternative to: Rockman EQ and Compressor modules

Provides the sustain and compression characteristics that were key to the Rockman sound, helping achieve those soaring sustained notes

Neural DSP Archetype PliniPlugin Boutique$100-$120

Alternative to: Marshall 1968 Super Lead

High-quality amp modeling plugin that includes vintage Marshall tones with built-in effects to recreate the layered, processed guitar sound

Rockman X100Shop on Reverb$200-$400

Alternative to: Complete signal chain

Vintage Rockman unit (when available) that provides the exact preamp circuit Tom Scholz designed, delivering authentic Boston tones in a single box

Sources

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lead guitar from “more than a feeling” by boston | ToneDB