TONEDB

lead guitar from “communique” by dire straits | ToneDB

communique

dire straits

lead guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, exceptionally clean, and articulate Stratocaster tone with a subtle percussive attack and a hint of compression, characteristic of Mark Knopfler's early fingerstyle.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster (e.g., 1961 or 1962 model)

Amp: Music Man HD-130 Reverb (2x12 combo)

Microphone: Neumann U87

Processing: Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer, Studio Reverb (Plate or Chamber)

Other: Fingerpicked. Pickup selector in position 2 (bridge/middle) or 4 (neck/middle).

Recording Notes

  • Recorded December 1978 at Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas.
  • Produced by Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett.
  • Emphasis on capturing a natural, clean amp tone with minimal effects.
  • Guitars were likely recorded with high-quality condenser microphones like the Neumann U87, possibly blended with dynamic mics.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Stratocaster-style guitar with single-coil pickups.
  • Select the 'in-between' pickup positions (bridge/middle or neck/middle) for the characteristic 'quack'.
  • Play fingerstyle, focusing on dynamic control and a light, precise touch.
  • Set your amplifier for a very clean tone with ample headroom; avoid any overdrive.
  • Use a subtle compressor, such as an Orange Squeezer clone, to even out notes and add slight sustain without overly squashing the dynamics.
  • Add a touch of subtle, high-quality reverb (plate or spring emulation) for ambience and space.

Sources