rhythm guitar from “even flow” by pearl jam | ToneDB
even flow
pearl jam
rhythm guitar
Tone Profile
A raw, crunchy, and slightly dark rhythm guitar tone that provides a strong foundation for the song. It has a good amount of gain with a clear and present midrange.
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The Story
Stone Gossard's rhythm guitar tone on "Even Flow" was recorded at Studio X in Seattle, produced by Brendan O'Brien for Pearl Jam's "Ten" album. The core sound comes from a Gibson Les Paul through a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amplifier, captured with a Shure SM57 microphone. This combination delivers the song's signature raw, high-gain crunch that became a defining sound of the early 1990s grunge movement.
Production Credits
Producer: Brendan O'Brien
Engineer: Nick DiDia
Recorded at: Studio X, Seattle
Signal Chain
Instrument: Gibson Les PaulShop on Reverb
Amp: Mesa/Boogie Dual RectifierShop on Reverb
Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a Les Paul style guitar for its humbucker pickups and thick tone.
- Use a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amp model and dial in a high-gain sound, focusing on the midrange frequencies.
- Experiment with different microphone placements to capture the amp's sweet spot.
- Consider using a slight boost or overdrive pedal before the amp to tighten up the low end and add clarity.
Original Gear
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Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Gibson Les Paul
Offers the essential humbucker tone and sustain of the original at a fraction of the cost, perfect for achieving that thick rhythm foundation
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Modern iteration of the classic Dual Rectifier circuit with the same aggressive high-gain character that defined the original tone
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Budget option that can push a clean amp into similar high-gain territory, though requires careful EQ adjustment to avoid harshness
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Accurate digital modeling of Mesa Rectifier amps with built-in cab simulation, eliminating the need for separate microphone setup
Alternative to: Shure SM57
The same microphone used on the original recording, still the industry standard for capturing guitar amps with that focused midrange presence
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