What guitar was used on Portishead Glory Box?

While the exact guitar model hasn't been definitively confirmed by the band, the tone suggests a semi-hollow body guitar like a Gibson ES-335. The warm, woody character is characteristic of this type of instrument.

How to get Portishead Glory Box guitar tone?

Start with a semi-hollow guitar through a clean Fender-style amp with some natural breakup. Add a Tube Screamer for subtle overdrive and use tape echo delay sparingly for atmospheric depth and vintage character.

What amp did Portishead use for Glory Box guitar?

The warm, clean-to-slightly-driven character suggests a Fender-style amplifier, possibly a Deluxe Reverb. However, the exact amplifier model used on the recording hasn't been officially documented by the band.

What effects pedals were used on Glory Box guitar solo?

The tone suggests the use of a Tube Screamer-type overdrive for added sustain and grit, plus a tape echo unit like the Roland Space Echo for the atmospheric delay and reverb effects.

lead guitar from "glory box" by portishead

glory box

portishead

lead guitar

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

This is a warm, slightly overdriven guitar tone with a touch of vintage amp character and subtle reverb, creating a smoky and melancholic vibe.

Shop This Rig

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

Gibson ES-335(instrument)
Fender Deluxe Reverb(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808(processing)
Roland Space Echo RE-201(processing)

Production Credits

Producer: unknown

Engineer: unknown

Recorded at: State of Art Studios, Bristol, UK

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson ES-335Shop on Reverb

Amp: Fender Deluxe ReverbShop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808Shop on Reverb, Roland Space Echo RE-201Shop on Reverb

Recording Notes

The guitar was likely recorded with the amp in a moderately sized room to capture some natural ambience.
The Tube Screamer is used to add a touch of grit and sustain to the guitar signal.
The Roland Space Echo is used sparingly to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

Recreation Tips

Start with a semi-hollow guitar like a Gibson ES-335 or similar.
Use a Fender Deluxe Reverb amp model as your base tone, aiming for a clean but warm sound.
Add a Tube Screamer with the drive set low to add just a touch of overdrive.
Use a Space Echo plugin to add a subtle, vintage-sounding delay and reverb.
Experiment with microphone placement to capture the right amount of room ambience.

Original Gear

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

Gibson ES-335Shop on Reverb(guitar)
Fender Deluxe ReverbShop on Reverb(amp)
Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808Shop on Reverb(pedal)
Roland Space Echo RE-201Shop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Epiphone ES-335 DotShop on Reverb$500-$600

Alternative to: Gibson ES-335

Semi-hollow body construction provides the same woody warmth and natural resonance as the original at a fraction of the cost

Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb ReissueShop on Reverb$1200-$1400

Alternative to: Fender Deluxe Reverb

Current production version delivers the same warm, clean-to-edge-of-breakup tones with built-in spring reverb

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 ReissueShop on Reverb$180-$200

Alternative to: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808

Exact reissue of the original circuit providing the same subtle overdrive and midrange push

Boss RE-20 Space EchoShop on Reverb$300-$350

Alternative to: Roland Space Echo RE-201

Digital recreation of the RE-201 with authentic tape echo character and multiple head combinations

Universal Audio Galaxy Tape EchoPlugin Boutique$149-$199