Tone Profile

A bright, spanky, and articulate Fender Stratocaster tone with a signature 'quack' from the neck/middle pickup combination, delivering a clean foundation with a hint of tube warmth and Southern rock character.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The distinct 'quack' sound is achieved by using the Stratocaster's neck and middle pickups together.
• No pedals were used for Ed King's rhythm part; the reverb came directly from the amp.
• Recorded in June 1973 at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia.
• Produced by Al Kooper.
• Ed King played the iconic opening riff and main rhythm guitar part.
• The guitar used by Ed King was his 1972/73 Fender Stratocaster.
• The amplifier was a Fender Twin Reverb, providing a clean, bright tone with spring reverb.
• A Neumann U67 microphone was used to capture the guitar amp.
• All guitars on the track were tuned down a half-step to Eb standard.

Recreation Tips

• Use a Fender Stratocaster and select the neck/middle pickup position (position 4 on a 5-way switch or the equivalent 'in-between' sound).
• Employ a Fender Twin Reverb or a similar clean, high-headroom American-voiced tube amp.
• Set the amp for a mostly clean tone: Volume 4-6, Treble 6-7, Middle 5-6, Bass 4-5, Reverb 2-4. Adjust to taste for slight breakup when picking hard.
• If your amp lacks good spring reverb, a quality spring reverb pedal can be used sparingly.
• Use a light to medium pick (.73mm - .88mm) and consider fingerpicking or hybrid picking for the main riff to enhance clarity and the characteristic 'snap'.
• Tune your guitar down a half-step (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb) for authenticity in feel and sound when playing the song in G position (sounding F#).
• Focus on a clean, articulate picking technique to let the notes ring out clearly.

Recommended Gear

• Fender American Vintage II 1970s Stratocaster(guitar)
• Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue(amp)
• Neumann U 67 Reissue(mic)
• Shure SM57(mic)
• Fender Stratocaster (any model with neck/middle pickup option)(guitar)
• Universal Audio UAD Fender '55 Tweed Deluxe(plugin)
• IK Multimedia AmpliTube Fender Collection 2 (Twin Reverb model)(plugin)