What guitar did Robert Smith use on Boys Don't Cry?

Robert Smith used a Fender Jazzmaster for the rhythm guitar on "Boys Don't Cry." The Jazzmaster's bright single-coil pickups contribute to the song's characteristic jangly, cutting guitar tone.

How to get The Cure Boys Don't Cry guitar tone?

Use a guitar with bright single-coil pickups (like a Jazzmaster) through a clean amp with chorus effects. The key is the Roland JC-120's built-in stereo chorus, which creates that signature shimmery, spacious sound. Keep the amp clean with minimal gain to maintain clarity.

What amp did The Cure use on Boys Don't Cry?

The Cure used a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus amplifier for "Boys Don't Cry." This amp is famous for its pristine clean tone and built-in stereo chorus effect, which is essential to the song's guitar sound.

What chorus pedal sounds like The Cure?

The Boss CE-1 was used alongside the Roland JC-120's built-in chorus on "Boys Don't Cry." For modern alternatives, the Boss CE-2W Waza Craft or TC Electronic Corona Chorus can achieve similar lush, dimensional chorus effects.

Can you get The Cure tone without a JC-120?

Yes, you can approximate the tone using any clean amp with a good chorus pedal. The key elements are a bright, clean amplifier tone paired with a lush stereo chorus effect to recreate that shimmery, spacious quality.

rhythm guitar from "boys don't cry" by the cure

boys don't cry

the cure

rhythm guitar

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Tone Profile

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

Shop This Rig

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Fender Jazzmaster(instrument)
Roland JC-120(amp)
Boss CE-1(processing)

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 JazzmasterShop on Reverb

Amp: Roland JC-120Shop on Reverb

Processing: Boss CE-1Shop on Reverb

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

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '60s JazzmasterShop on Reverb$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

Fender Player JazzmasterShop on Reverb$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

Boss Katana-100Shop on Reverb$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

Boss CE-2W Waza Craft ChorusShop on Reverb$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

UAD JC-120 pluginPlugin Boutique$150-$200