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lead guitar from “time” by pink floyd | ToneDB

time

pink floyd

lead guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A soaring, sustain-drenched lead tone characterized by smooth fuzz, articulate pick attack, and iconic swirling delays, creating a vast and emotive soundscape. It's both powerful and melancholic, cutting through the mix while retaining a liquid quality.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster (likely the "Black Strat" with maple neck, often bridge or neck pickup)

Amp: Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100W head with WEM Super Starfinder 200 4x12 cabinets (Fane Crescendo speakers)

Microphone: Neumann U87 or Shure SM57

Processing: Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face (silicon transistor version, e.g., BC108/BC109), Binson Echorec 2 (magnetic drum delay)

Other: Gilmour's precise picking, string bending, and vibrato. Binson Echorec typically set for rhythmic multi-tap delays (e.g., a main repeat around 300-310ms, with other heads contributing to the 'swell'). A Colorsound Power Boost might have been used for additional gain/EQ.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Abbey Road Studios between June 1972 and January 1973.
  • The solo was meticulously composed and performed, likely involving multiple takes to achieve the desired perfection.
  • Studio environment allowed for optimal microphone placement and capturing the amp's character at significant volume.
  • The Binson Echorec was a key studio unit, integral to the delay's unique texture and rhythmic complexity.
  • High-quality studio preamps and console (EMI TG12345) would have shaped the signal.
  • Minimal compression used on the guitar during tracking, sustain primarily from amp volume and fuzz.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Stratocaster-style guitar, bridge or neck pickup.
  • A high-headroom clean amp (Hiwatt-style is ideal) is crucial as a foundation.
  • Employ a silicon Fuzz Face, but use it subtly. Roll back your guitar's volume knob to clean up the fuzz, aiming for sustain and smooth overdrive rather than aggressive distortion.
  • The Binson Echorec sound is paramount. Use a multi-head tape/drum delay emulation (pedal or plugin) and experiment with multi-tap settings (e.g., a main repeat around 300-310ms with other taps creating a rhythmic 'swell').
  • Focus on emulating Gilmour's expressive vibrato, precise string bends, and articulate pick attack.
  • Consider a clean boost (like a Colorsound Power Boost clone) to drive the amp or fuzz slightly harder if needed.
  • Experiment with pick dynamics; Gilmour's tone is very responsive to how hard he picks.
  • Don't be afraid to turn up the amp to get natural sustain and interaction with the fuzz.

Sources