TONEDB

lead guitar from “where is my mind” by pixies | ToneDB

where is my mind

pixies

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A clean but slightly gritty guitar tone with a sense of space and subtle chorus. It's bright and clear, cutting through the mix without being overly harsh.

Gear

Fender Telecasterinstrument
ReverbSweetwater
Vox AC30amp
ReverbSweetwater
Neumann U87microphone
ReverbSweetwater
Boss CE-1processing
Reverb$747Sweetwater

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

The Story

Joey Santiago's lead guitar on "Where Is My Mind" was recorded using a Fender Telecaster through a Vox AC30 amplifier with a Boss CE-1 chorus pedal. The track was recorded at Fort Apache Studios in Cambridge, MA and produced by Steve Albini. The tone features the AC30's characteristic clean-to-edge-of-breakup sound, enhanced by the vintage Boss chorus for subtle width and movement.

Production Credits

Producer: Steve Albini

Engineer: Steve Albini

Recorded at: Fort Apache Studios (Cambridge, MA)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Telecaster

Amp: Vox AC30

Microphone: Neumann U87

Processing: Boss CE-1

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Telecaster or similar single-coil guitar.
  • Use a Vox AC30 amp or a similar amp known for its clean and slightly overdriven tones.
  • Dial in a clean amp tone with a touch of grit.
  • Add a subtle chorus effect to thicken the sound.
  • Experiment with mic placement on the amp to find the sweet spot.
  • Use minimal reverb to keep the guitar tone clear and present.

Original Gear

  • Fender Telecaster(guitar)
  • Vox AC30(amp)
  • Neumann U87(mic)
  • Boss CE-1(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Boss CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus$150-$180

Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble

The CE-2W includes vintage CE-1 voicing that captures the subtle, warm chorus movement heard on the original recording

ReverbSweetwater
Vox AC30S1$800-$1000

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Single-channel AC30 that delivers the classic chime and edge-of-breakup character essential to this Pixies tone

ReverbSweetwater
Universal Audio Lion 68 Super Lead Plexi Plugin$150-$200

Alternative to: Vox AC30

While not the exact amp, provides the tube saturation and brightness that can approximate the AC30's clean-to-driven response

ReverbSweetwater
Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster$350-$400

Alternative to: Fender Telecaster

Delivers authentic single-coil Telecaster bite and clarity at a budget-friendly price point

ReverbSweetwater
TC Electronic Corona Chorus$100-$130

Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble

Budget option that can dial in subtle vintage-style chorus similar to the CE-1's gentle modulation

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!