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lead guitar from “runnin' down a dream” by tom petty | ToneDB

runnin' down a dream

tom petty

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A driving, slightly overdriven tone with a bright, clear attack and a touch of compression, perfect for rhythm and lead playing. It's got a raw, energetic sound with a touch of twang.

Gear

Fender Stratocasterinstrument
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Vox AC30amp
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Neumann U67microphone
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Urei 1176processing
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The Story

The lead guitar on 'Runnin' Down a Dream' was recorded at MCH Studios with Jeff Lynne producing and Bill Bottrell engineering. The tone was achieved using a Fender Stratocaster played through a Vox AC30 amplifier, recorded with a Neumann U67 microphone. A Urei 1176 compressor was used during mixing to even out dynamics and add sustain to the slightly overdriven sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Jeff Lynne

Engineer: Bill Bottrell

Recorded at: MCH Studios

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster

Amp: Vox AC30

Microphone: Neumann U67

Processing: Urei 1176

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Stratocaster style guitar into a Vox AC30 amplifier or similar British-voiced amplifier.
  • Use moderate gain on the amp to achieve a slightly overdriven sound. Adjust the EQ to emphasize the high-mid frequencies for clarity and bite.
  • Add a compressor, like a Urei 1176, to even out the dynamics and increase sustain. Experiment with different compression settings to find the sweet spot.
  • Consider using a combination of close and room microphones when recording to capture a balanced sound.

Original Gear

  • Fender Stratocaster(guitar)
  • Vox AC30(amp)
  • Neumann U67(mic)
  • Urei 1176(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster

Provides the classic Stratocaster single-coil pickup sound with bright attack and twang essential for this tone at a budget-friendly price point

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Vox AC30C2$1,400-$1,600

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Current production AC30 delivers the same British EL84 tube breakup and chiming clean tones that define this track's slightly overdriven character

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Vox AC15C1$700-$800

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Lower wattage version with the same AC30 circuitry and EL84 tubes, perfect for achieving that overdriven tone at more manageable volumes

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Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection$150-$200

Alternative to: Urei 1176 Compressor

Authentic digital recreation of the original 1176 used on the recording, providing the same fast attack compression that adds sustain and punch to the guitar

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Warm Audio WA76$400-$450

Alternative to: Urei 1176 Compressor

Hardware recreation of the 1176 circuit that captures the aggressive compression and sonic coloration of the original unit used on this track

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Warm Audio WA-67$900-$1,000

Alternative to: Neumann U67

Tube condenser microphone that recreates the U67's warm, smooth character perfect for capturing the AC30's full frequency response

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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