rhythm guitar from “zombie” by the cranberries | ToneDB
zombie
the cranberries
rhythm guitar
Tone Profile
The rhythm guitar has a dark, grungy, and slightly scooped sound. It provides a strong harmonic foundation with a touch of aggression.
The Story
The rhythm guitar tone on 'Zombie' was recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin with producer Stephen Street. Noel Hogan used a Gibson ES-335 semi-hollow guitar through a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amplifier, captured with a Shure SM57 microphone. The Dual Rectifier's high-gain, scooped midrange character combined with the ES-335's semi-hollow body resonance created the song's distinctive dark, grungy rhythm foundation.
Production Credits
Producer: Stephen Street
Engineer: Unknown
Recorded at: Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin
Signal Chain
Recreation Tips
- Use a semi-hollow guitar like a Gibson ES-335.
- Choose a high-gain amplifier such as a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier.
- Dial in a tone with scooped mids for the rhythm part.
- Use a Shure SM57 or similar dynamic microphone close to the speaker cone when recording.
Original Gear
- Gibson ES-335(guitar)
- Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier(amp)
- Shure SM57(mic)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Gibson ES-335
Semi-hollow construction delivers the same resonance and sustain characteristics as the original Gibson at a more accessible price point
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Current production Dual Rectifier that maintains the original's high-gain, scooped midrange character that defined 90s alternative rock
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Budget option that provides high-gain distortion with scoopable mids, can approximate the Rectifier's aggressive character through any clean amp
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Digital recreation of high-gain tube amps with rectifier-style voicing and built-in cab simulation for direct recording
Alternative to: Shure SM57
The exact same microphone model used on the original recording, still the industry standard for guitar cabinet miking
Frequently Asked Questions
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