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lead guitar from “interstate love song” by stone temple pilots | ToneDB

interstate love song

stone temple pilots

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A thick, slightly fuzzy, and warm overdrive tone that's both melodic and powerful. It has a touch of harmonic richness and sustain, perfect for expressive lead lines.

Gear

Gibson Les Paulinstrument
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Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifieramp
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Shure SM57microphone
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Dunlop Cry Baby Wahprocessing
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MXR Phase 90processing
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The Story

Dean DeLeo recorded the lead guitar parts for 'Interstate Love Song' using a Gibson Les Paul through a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amplifier. The recording was done at Southern Tracks studio in Atlanta with producer Brendan O'Brien, who was known for his work capturing thick, powerful rock tones. The overdrive comes primarily from the Dual Rectifier's high-gain channel, with additional coloring from effects like a Dunlop Cry Baby wah and MXR Phase 90.

Production Credits

Producer: Brendan O'Brien

Engineer: Nick DiDia

Recorded at: Southern Tracks (Atlanta, GA)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Les Paul

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Dunlop Cry Baby Wah, MXR Phase 90

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Gibson Les Paul or similar humbucker-equipped guitar.
  • Use the bridge pickup for a brighter, more cutting tone.
  • Set the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier to a moderately high gain setting, focusing on a thick, warm overdrive rather than extreme distortion.
  • Experiment with the Dunlop Cry Baby Wah to add some tonal color.
  • Use a Shure SM57 or similar dynamic microphone positioned close to the speaker cone.
  • Slightly boost the mids to enhance the warmth and presence of the guitar.
  • Add a touch of MXR Phase 90 for subtle movement and character.
  • Double-track the guitar parts for added thickness and dimension.

Original Gear

  • Gibson Les Paul(guitar)
  • Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier(amp)
  • Shure SM57(mic)
  • Dunlop Cry Baby Wah(pedal)
  • MXR Phase 90(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s$450-$550

Alternative to: Gibson Les Paul

Provides the essential humbucker pickup sound and mahogany body tone needed for DeLeo's thick lead sound at a budget-friendly price

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Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Reborn Plugin$149-$199

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Official Mesa plugin that captures the exact Dual Rectifier tube saturation and warmth heard on the original recording

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PRS MT15 Mark Tremonti$650-$750

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

15-watt tube head that delivers similar high-gain warmth and thickness as the Dual Rectifier but at lower volumes

ReverbSweetwater
MXR Phase 90 (current reissue)$80-$100

Alternative to: MXR Phase 90

The same circuit as used on the original recording, providing that subtle phase sweep character

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Dunlop GCB95 Cry Baby$60-$80

Alternative to: Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

The current production version of the classic wah pedal used for tonal coloring on the track

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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