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lead guitar from “not strong enough” by boygenius | ToneDB

not strong enough

boygenius

lead guitar

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

This guitar tone is bright, slightly overdriven, and features a prominent, present midrange with a touch of chorus or modulation for added dimension. It's got a modern indie rock vibe, fitting perfectly within the band's signature sound.

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Production Credits

Producer: Catherine Marks

Engineer: Unknown

Recorded at: Sound City Studios, Los Angeles

Recording Notes

  • The guitar was likely recorded with a close-miked cabinet, focusing on capturing the amp's natural overdrive. A small amount of room ambience may have been added in mixing. The chorus effect thickens the sound without being overly pronounced.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Telecaster-style guitar and a Vox AC30 or similar amp known for its chimey clean and driven tones.
  • Dial in a mild overdrive on the amp, just enough to add some grit and sustain.
  • Place an SM57 (or similar dynamic mic) close to the speaker cone, slightly off-axis to reduce harshness.
  • Add a chorus pedal like the Boss CE-1, using a slow rate and shallow depth to create a subtle thickening effect.
  • In your DAW, consider a slight high-shelf EQ boost to brighten the tone further.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '50s TelecasterShop on Reverb$350-$400

Alternative to: Fender Telecaster

Budget-friendly Telecaster with authentic single-coil pickups that deliver the bright, cutting tone needed for this indie rock sound

Vox AC15C1Shop on Reverb$650-$750

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Smaller wattage Vox with the same chimey clean-to-overdrive character as the AC30, perfect for studio recording at manageable volumes

Boss CE-2W Waza Craft ChorusShop on Reverb$170-$200

Alternative to: Boss CE-1

Modern recreation of vintage Boss chorus circuits with authentic analog warmth and subtle modulation for that dimensional indie rock texture

Shure SM57Shop on Reverb$100-$120

Alternative to: Shure SM57

Industry standard dynamic mic still in production, captures amp overdrive with presence and clarity while handling high SPL

UAD Vox AC30 pluginPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Accurate digital modeling of AC30's signature EL84 tube overdrive and top boost channel for home recording setups

Sources

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