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lead guitar from “the spirit of radio” by rush | ToneDB

the spirit of radio

rush

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

This is a bright, harmonically rich guitar tone with a slight overdrive that allows the guitar's natural characteristics to shine. It's articulate and cutting, perfect for riffs and solos.

Gear

Fender Stratocasterinstrument
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Hiwatt DR103amp
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Neumann U67microphone
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MXR Distortion+processing
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The Story

Alex Lifeson recorded the lead guitar parts for "The Spirit of Radio" using a Fender Stratocaster through a Hiwatt DR103 amplifier, with an MXR Distortion+ pedal providing additional overdrive. The track was recorded at Le Studio in Quebec with producer/engineer Terry Brown, using a combination of direct input and a Neumann U67 microphone to capture both the clarity and room ambience of the amplifier.

Production Credits

Producer: Terry Brown

Engineer: Terry Brown

Recorded at: Le Studio, Morin Heights, Quebec

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster

Amp: Hiwatt DR103

Microphone: Neumann U67

Processing: MXR Distortion+

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Stratocaster-style guitar and a Hiwatt-style amp. Dial in a clean tone with just a touch of overdrive.
  • Add an MXR Distortion+ to taste to achieve the desired level of grit and sustain.
  • Use a Neumann U67 or similar microphone to capture the amp's tone accurately. Adjust the microphone placement to fine-tune the sound.
  • Blend the direct input signal with the mic'd amp signal to add clarity and punch to the overall tone.

Original Gear

  • Fender Stratocaster(guitar)
  • Hiwatt DR103(amp)
  • MXR Distortion+(pedal)
  • Neumann U67(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Fender Player Stratocaster$800-$900

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster

Modern Fender with the same single-coil pickup configuration and maple neck that delivers Lifeson's bright, cutting tone

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Reeves Custom 100$2800-$3200

Alternative to: Hiwatt DR103

Hand-wired amp built to original Hiwatt specifications with the same clean headroom and harmonic richness

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MXR M104 Distortion+$80-$100

Alternative to: MXR Distortion+

Current reissue of the exact same pedal Lifeson used, providing the signature hard-clipped overdrive character

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Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret$180-$220

Alternative to: Hiwatt DR103

Pedal recreation of classic Marshall/Hiwatt amp tones that captures the harmonic complexity at bedroom volumes

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Neural DSP Archetype Plini$100-$130

Alternative to: Complete signal chain

High-quality amp simulation with clean British-style amps and drive pedals suitable for recreating this articulate rock tone

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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