lead guitar from “under cover of darkness” by the strokes | ToneDB
under cover of darkness
the strokes
lead guitar
Tone Profile
A bright, jangly guitar tone with a slightly overdriven edge, reminiscent of classic garage rock with a modern indie twist. The tone is clear and articulate, cutting through the mix with a defined presence.
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The Story
Albert Hammond Jr.'s lead guitar on "Under the Cover of Darkness" was recorded using an Epiphone Casino into a Fender Deluxe Reverb, with an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 for additional drive. The track was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in NYC, with the amp likely close-mic'd using a Shure SM57 to capture the bright, jangly character of the Casino combined with the Fender amp's natural breakup.
Production Credits
Producer: Joe Chiccarelli
Engineer: Gus Oberg
Recorded at: Electric Lady Studios, NYC
Signal Chain
Instrument: Epiphone CasinoShop on Reverb
Amp: Fender Deluxe ReverbShop on Reverb
Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb
Processing: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a semi-hollow guitar like an Epiphone Casino for its characteristic tone.
- Use a Fender Deluxe Reverb or similar amp as a base.
- Add a Tube Screamer with the drive set low to mid for a subtle overdrive.
- Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot of the amplifier.
Original Gear
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Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Epiphone Casino
Still in production and provides the exact semi-hollow jangle and bright attack needed for this tone
Alternative to: Fender Deluxe Reverb
Modern reissue of the classic amp that delivers the same bright, articulate clean-to-edge-of-breakup tone
Alternative to: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808
Exact reissue of the original pedal used, providing the characteristic midrange push and light overdrive
Alternative to: Shure SM57
Industry standard dynamic mic that's still manufactured and captures the direct amp sound perfectly
Alternative to: Fender Deluxe Reverb
Budget alternative that can push a clean amp into similar territory when combined with the Casino's natural brightness
Alternative to: Entire signal chain
Includes accurate models of the Fender Deluxe Reverb and Tube Screamer for digital recreation of this exact tone
Frequently Asked Questions
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