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

boys don't cry

the cure

lead guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A bright, jangly, and clean tone defined by its shimmering chorus effect, embodying the quintessential early post-punk sound. The guitar is articulate and melodic, cutting through the mix with a distinctive, slightly thin character.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Woolworth Top 20 guitar

Amp: Fender Princeton Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, Light studio plate reverb

Other: Bridge pickup selected on the Woolworth Top 20. This guitar inherently possessed a very thin, trebly character crucial for the jangle. Played with a light, precise picking style to maintain clarity.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Morgan Studios, London, in 1979 for the album *Three Imaginary Boys*.
  • The guitar tone emphasizes clarity and brightness, with minimal to no overdrive, consistent with producer Chris Parry's mention of using a 'tiny Fender combo'.
  • The prominent chorus effect is a key characteristic, most likely achieved with a Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble pedal, which was available at the time.
  • The performance is rhythmically precise, with each note of the lead melody clearly articulated.
  • The overall production aimed to capture the raw, energetic sound of the band's early post-punk style.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a guitar with bright single-coil pickups (e.g., Telecaster, Jazzmaster, or a vintage-style budget guitar if aiming for the Top 20 vibe) and select the bridge pickup.
  • Set your amplifier for a very clean tone with ample treble and upper-mid frequencies. A smaller Fender combo is ideal.
  • A chorus pedal is essential; aim for a moderate speed and depth for a shimmering, not overly warbly, effect. The Boss CE-1 sound is the target (a CE-2W offers this).
  • Employ a light to medium pick and focus on clean, articulate picking. Avoid heavy strumming for the lead part.
  • A touch of subtle plate or spring reverb can add space without muddying the tone.
  • Don't shy away from a somewhat "thin" or "plinky" initial tone; the chorus will add width and character.
  • Alternatively, a Roland JC-120 or JC-40 amp can also achieve this sound directly with its renowned built-in chorus, and Robert Smith frequently used JC-120s.

Sources