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lead guitar from “1979” by the smashing pumpkins | ToneDB

1979

the smashing pumpkins

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

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.

Gear

Fender Stratocasterinstrument
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ADA MP-1amp
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EHX Electric Mistressprocessing
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Urei 1176processing
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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 Stratocaster

Amp: ADA MP-1

Processing: EHX Electric Mistress, Urei 1176

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

  • Fender Stratocaster(guitar)
  • ADA MP-1(amp)
  • EHX Electric Mistress(pedal)
  • Urei 1176(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '70s Stratocaster$350-$400

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster with Lace Sensor pickups

Vintage-voiced single coils provide the bright, clear foundation tone needed for this dreamy lead sound

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Neural DSP Archetype: Plini$80-$120

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

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Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Electric Mistress$180-$220

Alternative to: Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress

Current production version of the same flanger/chorus that creates the signature shimmer on this track

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Boss JC-22 Jazz Chorus$300-$350

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

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Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection$300-$350

Alternative to: Urei 1176 compressor

Authentic emulation of the original 1176 used on the recording for the same smooth compression and sustain

ReverbSweetwater
Empress Compressor MKII$280-$320

Alternative to: Urei 1176 compressor

Studio-quality optical compression that can replicate the smooth sustain and dynamic control of the 1176

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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