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rhythm guitar from “fake plastic trees” by radiohead | ToneDB

fake plastic trees

radiohead

rhythm guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

The rhythm guitar tone is clean and slightly chorused, providing a shimmering, ethereal backdrop. It blends seamlessly with the other instruments, creating a spacious and melancholic atmosphere.

Gear

Fender Telecasterinstrument
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Vox AC30amp
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Neumann U87microphone
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Boss CE-1processing
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The Story

Jonny Greenwood's rhythm guitar part on "Fake Plastic Trees" was recorded using a Fender Telecaster through a Vox AC30 amplifier with a Boss CE-1 chorus pedal. The recording was done at Abbey Road Studios with Nigel Godrich producing, using a Neumann U87 microphone to capture the amp. The subtle chorus effect from the CE-1 adds the characteristic shimmer that defines this melancholic clean tone.

Production Credits

Producer: Nigel Godrich

Engineer: Nigel Godrich

Recorded at: Abbey Road Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Telecaster

Amp: Vox AC30

Microphone: Neumann U87

Processing: Boss CE-1

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a clean amp setting on a Vox AC30 or similar amplifier.
  • Use a Fender Telecaster with the neck pickup selected for a warmer tone.
  • Apply a light chorus effect using a Boss CE-1 or a comparable chorus pedal.
  • Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot for capturing the amp's tone.
  • Consider blending a DI signal for added clarity and definition.

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

Recreates the warm, subtle chorus character of the CE-1 with vintage-accurate circuitry, essential for the shimmering quality of this tone

ReverbSweetwater
Vox AC30C2$1200-$1400

Alternative to: Vox AC30 amplifier

Current production AC30 that maintains the classic chime and clean headroom needed for this ethereal rhythm tone

ReverbSweetwater
Fender Player Telecaster$800-$900

Alternative to: Fender Telecaster

Affordable Telecaster with authentic pickup voicing and neck feel for the clear, cutting rhythm tone

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Strymon Ola dBucket Chorus$279-$300

Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble

Premium chorus pedal that accurately recreates vintage bucket brigade chorus circuits like the CE-1 for the authentic shimmer

ReverbSweetwater
Universal Audio Vox AC30 plugin$149-$200

Alternative to: Vox AC30 amplifier

Precisely modeled AC30 amp simulation that captures the clean chime and room ambience of the original recording setup

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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