lead guitar from “1979” by the smashing pumpkins | ToneDB
1979
the smashing pumpkins
lead guitar
Tone Profile
The lead guitar has a bright, slightly fuzzy tone with a chorus effect that gives it a dreamy, shimmering quality. It blends well with the other instruments, creating a melancholic atmosphere.
Shop This Rig
ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
The Story
Billy Corgan used a Fender Stratocaster with Lace Sensor pickups through an ADA MP-1 preamp to create this iconic tone. The dreamy shimmer came from an Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger/chorus, while a Urei 1176 compressor helped smooth the dynamics and add sustain. The track was recorded at Pumpkinland with Butch Vig producing and Alan Moulder engineering.
Production Credits
Producer: Alan Moulder
Engineer: Butch Vig
Recorded at: Pumpkinland (Chicago, IL)
Signal Chain
Instrument: Fender StratocasterShop on Reverb
Processing: EHX Electric MistressShop on Reverb, Urei 1176Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a Fender Stratocaster-style guitar with single-coil pickups.
- Use a preamp like the ADA MP-1 or a similar model to dial in a slightly overdriven tone.
- Apply a chorus effect with moderate depth and rate to get the shimmering quality.
- Use a compressor such as a Urei 1176 to even out the dynamics and add sustain.
- Experiment with EQ to brighten the tone without making it harsh.
Original Gear
ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
- Fender StratocasterShop on Reverb(guitar)
- ADA MP-1Shop on Reverb(amp)
- EHX Electric MistressShop on Reverb(pedal)
- Urei 1176Shop on Reverb(compressor)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster with Lace Sensor pickups
Vintage-voiced single coils provide the bright, clear foundation tone needed for this dreamy lead sound
Alternative to: ADA MP-1 preamp
Offers clean-to-moderate overdrive tones with the digital precision and versatility similar to the MP-1's character
Alternative to: Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress
Current production version of the same flanger/chorus that creates the signature shimmer on this track
Alternative to: ADA MP-1 preamp
Provides the clean, bright platform with built-in chorus that can approximate the MP-1's clean tones plus modulation
Alternative to: Urei 1176 compressor
Authentic emulation of the original 1176 used on the recording for the same smooth compression and sustain
Alternative to: Urei 1176 compressor
Studio-quality optical compression that can replicate the smooth sustain and dynamic control of the 1176
Frequently Asked Questions
Community Insights
No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!