TONEDB

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

boys don't cry

the cure

rhythm guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

Bright and jangly with a slightly chorus-laden, new-wave sensibility. It provides a clean but present rhythmic backbone.

Gear

Fender Jazzmasterinstrument
ReverbSweetwater
Roland JC-120amp
ReverbSweetwater
Boss CE-1processing
Reverb$747Sweetwater

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

The Story

Robert Smith used a Fender Jazzmaster through a Roland JC-120 amp for the rhythm guitar on "Boys Don't Cry." The JC-120's built-in stereo chorus effect creates the signature shimmery, spacious quality of the guitar tone, while the amp's clean headroom allows the Jazzmaster's bright single-coil pickups to cut through clearly. Additional chorus processing from a Boss CE-1 was layered in to enhance the depth and movement of the sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Chris Parry

Engineer: Mike Hedges

Recorded at: Morgan Studios (London)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Jazzmaster

Amp: Roland JC-120

Processing: Boss CE-1

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Jazzmaster or another guitar with single-coil pickups for a similar bright tone.
  • Use the Roland JC-120's chorus effect or a similar chorus pedal like the Boss CE-1 to add depth and texture.
  • Set the amp to a clean setting with minimal gain to maintain clarity.
  • Experiment with different pickup selections and tone settings on the guitar to fine-tune the sound.

Original Gear

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

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Jazzmaster

Provides the same offset body design and bright single-coil pickups as the original Jazzmaster at a budget-friendly price point

ReverbSweetwater
Fender Player Jazzmaster$800-$900

Alternative to: Fender Jazzmaster

Mid-priced option with authentic Jazzmaster electronics and that distinctive bright, cutting single-coil tone essential for this jangly sound

ReverbSweetwater
Boss Katana-100$350-$400

Alternative to: Roland JC-120

Offers pristine clean tones and built-in chorus effects that can replicate the JC-120's signature stereo chorus sound

ReverbSweetwater
Boss CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus$180-$200

Alternative to: Boss CE-1/Roland JC-120 chorus

Recreates both vintage CE-1 and CE-2 chorus sounds with the lush, dimensional sweep needed for that new-wave shimmer

ReverbSweetwater
UAD JC-120 plugin$150-$200

Alternative to: Roland JC-120

Digitally models the JC-120's clean tone and built-in stereo chorus effect for direct recording applications

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!