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rhythm guitar from “roxanne” by the police | ToneDB

roxanne

the police

rhythm guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A clean, slightly jangly rhythm guitar tone with a subtle chorus effect, providing a bright and rhythmic foundation for the song.

Gear

Fender Telecasterinstrument
ReverbSweetwater
Fender Twin Reverbamp
ReverbSweetwater
Shure SM57microphone
ReverbSweetwater
Roland Dimension Dprocessing
ReverbSweetwater

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The Story

Andy Summers recorded the rhythm guitar for "Roxanne" using a Fender Telecaster through a Fender Twin Reverb amplifier at Surrey Sound Studios in 1978. The distinctive sound features a Roland Dimension D chorus unit, which creates the characteristic spatial enhancement and subtle movement in the clean guitar tone. Producer Chris Thomas and engineer Nigel Gray captured the sound with close-mic'd amplifier placement.

Production Credits

Producer: Chris Thomas

Engineer: Nigel Gray

Recorded at: Surrey Sound Studios

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Telecaster

Amp: Fender Twin Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Roland Dimension D

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Telecaster or similar guitar with single-coil pickups.
  • Use a clean amp setting on a Fender Twin Reverb or similar amp.
  • Position a Shure SM57 or similar microphone close to the speaker.
  • Add a subtle chorus effect with a Roland Dimension D or similar chorus pedal.
  • Adjust EQ to taste, emphasizing high frequencies for brightness.
  • Focus on playing tight, rhythmic chords with a clean and precise technique.

Original Gear

  • Fender Telecaster(guitar)
  • Fender Twin Reverb(amp)
  • Shure SM57(mic)
  • Roland Dimension D(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Telecaster

Provides authentic single-coil Telecaster tone with the bright, jangly character essential for this clean rhythm sound

ReverbSweetwater
Boss Katana 100$350-$400

Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb

Delivers pristine clean tones with plenty of headroom and built-in effects, similar to the Twin Reverb's clean character

ReverbSweetwater
Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue$1,100-$1,300

Alternative to: Fender Twin Reverb

Authentic reproduction of the exact amplifier model used on the recording, providing the same clean tone foundation

ReverbSweetwater
Empress Chorus Deluxe$300-$350

Alternative to: Roland Dimension D

Modern chorus pedal that can replicate the subtle spatial enhancement of the Dimension D's chorus effect

ReverbSweetwater
UAD Dimension D Plugin$149-$199

Alternative to: Roland Dimension D

Digital emulation of the exact chorus unit used on the original recording, providing authentic spatial processing

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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