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lead guitar from “should i stay or should i go” by the clash | ToneDB

should i stay or should i go

the clash

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A raw and energetic overdriven guitar sound, with a slightly fuzzy edge. Think classic rock and roll with a punk attitude.

Gear

Gibson ES-335instrument
ReverbSweetwater
Fender Twin Reverbamp
ReverbSweetwater
Neumann U87microphone
ReverbSweetwater

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The Story

Recorded at Wessex Sound Studios with engineer Bill Price, the lead guitar on 'Should I Stay or Should I Go' features a Gibson ES-335 through an overdriven Fender Twin Reverb amplifier. The signal was captured using a Neumann U87 microphone placed close to the speaker cabinet, creating the song's signature raw, slightly fuzzy punk-rock guitar sound.

Production Credits

Producer: The Clash

Engineer: Bill Price

Recorded at: Wessex Sound Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson ES-335

Amp: Fender Twin Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U87

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Gibson ES-335 and plug into a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier.
  • Increase the gain on the amp until it starts to overdrive, but not too much to maintain clarity.
  • Use a Neumann U87 placed close to the speaker to capture the raw and energetic sound.
  • Adjust the amp's EQ to taste. Try to keep it balanced. Maybe boost mids a bit.

Original Gear

  • Gibson ES-335(guitar)
  • Fender Twin Reverb(amp)
  • Neumann U87(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Epiphone ES-335$400-$600

Alternative to: Gibson ES-335

Semi-hollow body construction provides the same warm, slightly compressed tone as the original Gibson at a budget-friendly price

ReverbSweetwater
Fender '68 Custom Twin Reverb$1,200-$1,500

Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb

Modern reissue of the classic Twin Reverb with the same clean headroom and natural overdrive characteristics when pushed

ReverbSweetwater
Boss Blues Driver BD-2$50-$70

Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb

Budget option that adds natural tube-like overdrive to any clean amp, mimicking the Twin Reverb's overdriven sound

ReverbSweetwater
Shure SM57$100-$120

Alternative to: Neumann U87 mic setup

Industry standard dynamic mic that captures aggressive guitar tones with excellent presence and midrange punch

ReverbSweetwater
Universal Audio Fender '65 Twin Reverb Plugin$150-$200

Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb amp

Accurate digital emulation of the Twin Reverb's tone and overdrive characteristics for direct recording

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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