lead guitar from “just like heaven” by the cure | ToneDB
just like heaven
the cure
lead guitar
Tone Profile
Dreamy and shimmering, the lead guitar tone is characterized by its chorus-laden sound and bright, slightly jangly character, contributing to the song's ethereal atmosphere.
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The Story
Robert Smith's lead guitar tone on "Just Like Heaven" was created using a Fender Jazzmaster through a Roland JC-120 amplifier with the Boss CE-1 Super Chorus providing the distinctive shimmering modulation. The track was recorded at Miraval Studios in France with producer David M. Allen, who helped craft the clean, chorus-drenched sound that became synonymous with The Cure's signature guitar tones.
Production Credits
Producer: Robert Smith, David M. Allen
Engineer: David M. Allen
Recorded at: Miraval Studios, France
Signal Chain
Instrument: Fender JazzmasterShop on Reverb
Amp: Roland JC-120Shop on Reverb
Processing: Boss CE-1Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a clean amp setting, focusing on a balanced EQ.
- Use a chorus pedal (or the JC-120's chorus) to add depth and movement. Experiment with the rate and depth settings to find the sweet spot.
- Consider using a Jazzmaster or similar guitar with single-coil pickups for a brighter, janglier tone.
- Adjust your guitar's tone controls to further refine the brightness.
Original Gear
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Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Super Chorus
Features both CE-1 and CE-2 modes in one pedal, delivering the warm analog chorus essential for this dreamy tone
Alternative to: Roland JC-120 amplifier
Smaller version of the iconic JC-120 with the same pristine clean tone and built-in chorus that defined 80s alternative guitar sounds
Alternative to: Fender Jazzmaster guitar
Provides the bright, slightly jangly single-coil pickup tone at a fraction of the cost of vintage or American models
Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Super Chorus
Budget-friendly digital chorus with multiple vintage chorus emulations including CE-1 style sounds
Alternative to: Roland JC-120 amplifier and Boss CE-1
Plugin recreation of the JX-3P chorus circuit that captures the lush, dimensional chorus character needed for this ethereal tone
Frequently Asked Questions
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