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bass guitar from “boys don't cry” by the cure | ToneDB

boys don't cry

the cure

bass guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A bright and punchy bass tone with a slightly compressed and subtly chorus-effected character, providing a solid foundation for the song's new wave energy.

Gear

Fender Jazz Bassinstrument
ReverbSweetwater
Ampeg SVTamp
ReverbSweetwater
Boss CE-1processing
Reverb$747Sweetwater

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The Story

Simon Gallup's bass tone on "Boys Don't Cry" was achieved using a Fender Jazz Bass through an Ampeg SVT amplifier. The track was recorded at Morgan Studios in London with producer Chris Parry and engineer Mike Hedges. A chorus effect, likely from a Boss CE-1, was applied to give the bass its characteristic shimmer and movement that became a signature element of The Cure's early sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Chris Parry

Engineer: Mike Hedges

Recorded at: Morgan Studio (London)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Jazz Bass

Amp: Ampeg SVT

Processing: Boss CE-1

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Jazz Bass and dial in a bright, clear tone.
  • Use a bass amp sim or real Ampeg SVT to add warmth and punch.
  • Apply a subtle chorus effect using a Boss CE-1 or similar chorus pedal/plugin.
  • Compress the signal lightly to even out the dynamics and add sustain.

Original Gear

  • Fender Jazz Bass(guitar)
  • Ampeg SVT(amp)
  • Boss CE-1(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jazz Bass$400-450

Alternative to: Fender Jazz Bass

Delivers the bright, punchy Jazz Bass character at a budget-friendly price point

ReverbSweetwater
Ampeg SVT-VR$2400-2600

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Modern reissue of the classic SVT that provides the same tube warmth and punch

ReverbSweetwater
Boss CE-2B Bass Chorus$130-150

Alternative to: Boss CE-1

Bass-specific chorus designed to retain low-end clarity while adding the chorus shimmer

ReverbSweetwater
Neural DSP Darkglass Ultra$110-130

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Includes accurate SVT modeling for the tube warmth without needing the massive physical amp

ReverbSweetwater
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone$70-90

Alternative to: Boss CE-1

Vintage-style chorus that can approximate the CE-1's warm, liquid chorus sound

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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