TONEDB

lead guitar from “sultans of swing” by dire straits | ToneDB

sultans of swing

dire straits

lead guitar

95% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A famously clean, bright, and articulate Stratocaster tone with subtle compression and a distinctive 'out-of-phase' character.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster (likely a 1961 or 1962 model)

Amp: Music Man HD-130 Reverb (or potentially a Fender Twin Reverb)

Processing: Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer

Other: Played fingerstyle. Pickup selector likely in position 2 (bridge + middle) or 4 (neck + middle).

Recording Notes

  • The sound is defined by Mark Knopfler's fingerstyle technique, avoiding a pick.
  • Minimal processing, relying heavily on the guitar, amp, and compressor interaction.
  • The 'quack' or 'out-of-phase' sound comes from using Stratocaster pickup positions 2 or 4.
  • The amp was set very clean, likely with high treble and presence.
  • The Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer adds subtle compression and sustain without heavy coloration.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Stratocaster-style guitar.
  • Select pickup position 2 (bridge/middle) or 4 (neck/middle).
  • Play fingerstyle.
  • Use a very clean amplifier setting, perhaps with slightly boosted treble.
  • Employ a subtle compressor, ideally an Orange Squeezer type, set for light compression.
  • Avoid overdrive or distortion pedals.

Sources