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lead guitar from “no surprises” by radiohead | ToneDB

no surprises

radiohead

lead guitar

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A clean and slightly compressed guitar tone with a touch of chorus, creating a subtle shimmer and spaciousness. The sound is smooth and warm, fitting perfectly within the melancholic and introspective atmosphere of the song.

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The Story

The clean guitar tone on 'No Surprises' features a Fender Telecaster through a Vox AC30 amplifier with Boss CE-1 chorus, recorded at Abbey Road Studios with Nigel Godrich producing. The Vox AC30 was set to a clean setting with slight natural compression, while the Boss CE-1 provided the characteristic subtle shimmer and width that defines the track's ethereal quality.

Production Credits

Producer: Nigel Godrich

Engineer: Nigel Godrich

Recorded at: Abbey Road Studios

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a clean amp setting on a Vox AC30 or similar amp model.
  • Add a subtle chorus effect using a Boss CE-1 or a comparable chorus pedal.
  • Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot that captures the amp's character without harshness.
  • Use light compression to even out the dynamics and enhance sustain.
  • Adjust EQ to taste, aiming for a warm and smooth sound with no harsh frequencies.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Boss CE-2W Waza Craft ChorusShop on Reverb$150-$180

Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble

Contains both CE-1 and CE-2 modes, closely replicating the vintage chorus sound with the warmth and subtle modulation needed for this atmospheric tone

Vox AC30C2Shop on Reverb$1400-$1600

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Current production AC30 that maintains the classic EL84 tube warmth and natural compression characteristics essential to this clean tone

JHS 3 Series ChorusShop on Reverb$99-$120

Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble

Budget option that captures vintage-style chorus with the subtle, musical modulation needed for this delicate clean tone

UAD Vox AC30 pluginPlugin Boutique$149-$199

Alternative to: Vox AC30 and recording setup

Accurately models AC30 tube saturation and speaker response, ideal for direct recording while maintaining the amp's characteristic warmth

Fender Player TelecasterShop on Reverb$800-$900

Alternative to: Fender Telecaster

Modern Telecaster that delivers the bright, clear single-coil pickups essential for this clean, articulate tone

Sources

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