lead guitar from “the man who sold the world” by david bowie | ToneDB

the man who sold the world

david bowie

lead guitar

70% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A warm, slightly overdriven guitar tone with a touch of fuzz and a distinct mid-range character, creating a haunting and memorable sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Tony Visconti

Engineer: Ken Scott

Recorded at: Trident Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Les Paul

Amp: Marshall Supa Fuzz

Recording Notes

  • Mick Ronson's use of the Marshall Supa Fuzz pedal was integral to achieving the guitar tone.
  • The specific amplifier used isn't well-documented, but the Marshall Supa Fuzz and Gibson Les Paul combination is a key factor.
  • The absence of a specified microphone suggests a direct or close-miking technique.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Gibson Les Paul or similar guitar with humbucker pickups.
  • The most critical component is the Marshall Supa Fuzz pedal. If unavailable, experiment with other fuzz pedals to find a similar tone.
  • Adjust the fuzz pedal for a moderate amount of overdrive and sustain. Avoid excessive distortion.
  • Use a clean amp setting as a foundation, allowing the fuzz pedal to shape the tone.
  • Experiment with EQ to achieve the desired mid-range character. Slight boosts in the 500Hz-1kHz range can help.

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