TONEDB

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

not strong enough

boygenius

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

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.

Gear

Fender Telecasterinstrument
ReverbSweetwater
Vox AC30amp
ReverbSweetwater
Shure SM57microphone
ReverbSweetwater
Boss CE-1processing
Reverb$747Sweetwater

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Production Credits

Producer: Catherine Marks

Engineer: Unknown

Recorded at: Sound City Studios, Los Angeles

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Telecaster

Amp: Vox AC30

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Boss CE-1

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

  • Fender Telecaster(guitar)
  • Vox AC30(amp)
  • Shure SM57(mic)
  • Boss CE-1(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster$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

ReverbSweetwater
Vox AC15C1$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

ReverbSweetwater
Boss CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus$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

ReverbSweetwater
Shure SM57$100-$120

Alternative to: Shure SM57

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

ReverbSweetwater
UAD Vox AC30 plugin$150-$200

Alternative to: Vox AC30

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

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!