What guitar was used on Come On Eileen?

While a Fender Telecaster is commonly cited for the lead guitar tone, the exact model and setup haven't been definitively confirmed in official interviews or documentation. The bright, cutting tone is consistent with Telecaster characteristics.

How to get Dexys Midnight Runners guitar tone?

Start with a Telecaster-style guitar into a Vox AC30 or similar chimey amp set clean. Add subtle chorus for movement and depth, and emphasize the high frequencies for that bright, jangly character that cuts through the mix.

What amp did Dexys Midnight Runners use?

A Vox AC30 is often associated with the guitar tones on their recordings, known for its characteristic chime and EL84 tube sound. However, specific amp details for individual tracks haven't been thoroughly documented.

What chorus pedal sounds like Come On Eileen?

The Boss CE-1 is referenced for this tone, though any quality analog-style chorus that provides subtle movement without being overwhelming can work. The key is using it sparingly to enhance rather than dominate the guitar's natural jangle.

lead guitar from "come on eileen" by dexys midnight runners

come on eileen

dexys midnight runners

lead guitar

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Tone Profile

The lead guitar in "Come On Eileen" has a bright, jangly tone with a slight chorus effect, providing a catchy, upbeat melodic hook. It blends well with the song's Celtic folk influences and pop sensibilities.

Shop This Rig

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Fender Telecaster(instrument)
Vox AC30(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Boss CE-1(processing)

Production Credits

Producer: Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley

Recorded at: Mayfair Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender TelecasterShop on Reverb

Amp: Vox AC30Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: Boss CE-1Shop on Reverb

Recording Notes

The guitar was likely recorded with a close-mic'd amplifier, capturing the direct sound.
A chorus effect was added to enhance the jangly character of the guitar.
The guitar part sits prominently in the mix, providing a key melodic element of the song.

Recreation Tips

Start with a Telecaster-style guitar for its bright and cutting tone.
Use a Vox AC30 or similar amp known for its chimey clean sound.
Experiment with a chorus pedal to add depth and movement to the guitar signal.
Adjust EQ settings to emphasize the high frequencies for a sparkling tone.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '70s TelecasterShop on Reverb$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Telecaster

Provides the bright, cutting tone of a Telecaster with single-coil pickups essential for that jangly character at a budget-friendly price

Fender Player TelecasterShop on Reverb$800-$900

Alternative to: Fender Telecaster

Modern Fender with the classic Telecaster bridge pickup bite and clarity needed for bright, cutting lead tones

Vox AC15C1Shop on Reverb$600-$700

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Delivers the classic Vox chime and EL84 tube character at lower wattage, perfect for that bright, chimey clean tone

UAD Vox AC30 pluginPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Faithful emulation of the AC30's characteristic chime and compression for recording applications

Boss CE-2W Waza CraftShop on Reverb$180-$220

Alternative to: Boss CE-1

Modern recreation of vintage Boss chorus circuits, providing that subtle movement and depth to enhance the jangly character

TC Electronic Corona ChorusShop on Reverb$80-$100