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lead guitar from “less i know the better” by tame impala | ToneDB

less i know the better

tame impala

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

This lead guitar tone is characterized by its psychedelic, slightly chorus-soaked vibe with a bright and articulate top end. It's a clean yet present sound that cuts through the mix with a distinctive character.

Gear

Fender Stratocasterinstrument
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Roland JC-120amp
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Boss CE-1processing
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The Story

Kevin Parker recorded this lead guitar part using a Fender Stratocaster through a Roland JC-120 amplifier with a Boss CE-1 chorus pedal. The recording was done at Parker's home studio in Fremantle, Western Australia, with Parker handling both production and engineering duties. The Roland JC-120's built-in chorus combined with the external Boss CE-1 creates the characteristic swirling, psychedelic texture that defines this lead tone.

Production Credits

Producer: Kevin Parker

Engineer: Kevin Parker

Recorded at: Fremantle, Western Australia

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster

Amp: Roland JC-120

Processing: Boss CE-1

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Stratocaster-style guitar for a similar bright and articulate tone.
  • Use the Roland JC-120 amp's clean channel or a similar clean amp simulator as your base tone.
  • Add a chorus effect, ideally a Boss CE-1 or a similar chorus pedal, and adjust the settings to achieve a lush, swirling effect.
  • Experiment with slight overdrive or fuzz to add a touch of grit if needed, but keep the overall tone relatively clean.
  • Consider double-tracking the guitar part and panning the tracks slightly to create a wider stereo image.

Original Gear

  • Fender Stratocaster(guitar)
  • Roland JC-120(amp)
  • Boss CE-1(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Boss CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus$150-$180

Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Chorus

Offers both CE-1 and CE-2 vintage chorus modes, capturing the lush swirling texture essential to this psychedelic lead tone

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Universal Audio UAD JC-120 Plugin$150-$200

Alternative to: Roland JC-120 Amplifier

Accurately models the JC-120's pristine clean tone and built-in chorus, perfect for recreating Parker's recording chain in the box

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Fender Player Stratocaster$750-$850

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster

Provides the bright, articulate single-coil pickup tone essential for cutting through the mix with clarity

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Boss JC-40 Jazz Chorus$400-$500

Alternative to: Roland JC-120 Amplifier

Smaller version of the JC-120 with the same clean headroom and built-in chorus character at a more accessible price point

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TC Electronic Corona Chorus$100-$130

Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Chorus

Budget option with vintage chorus emulations and TonePrint technology for dialing in psychedelic swirl textures

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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