TONEDB

lead guitar from “vertigo” by u2 | ToneDB

vertigo

u2

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A distorted, slightly compressed guitar sound with a touch of chorus and delay. It's designed to be energetic and driving, fitting the song's anthemic rock style.

Gear

Gretschinstrument
Reverb$400Sweetwater
Vox AC30amp
ReverbSweetwater
Neumann U87microphone
ReverbSweetwater
Line 6 DM4processing
Reverb$103Sweetwater
Line 6 DL4processing
ReverbSweetwater

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The Story

The Edge's lead tone on 'Vertigo' was crafted using his signature Gretsch guitar through a Vox AC30 amp, recorded with a Neumann U87 microphone. The signal chain included Line 6 DM4 for distortion and DL4 for delay effects, creating the driving, anthemic sound. The track was produced by Steve Lillywhite and engineered by Greg Collins at Hanover Quay in Dublin.

Production Credits

Producer: Steve Lillywhite

Engineer: Greg Collins

Recorded at: Hanover Quay, Dublin

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gretsch

Amp: Vox AC30

Microphone: Neumann U87

Processing: Line 6 DM4, Line 6 DL4

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Gretsch guitar or similar semi-hollow body. Use the bridge pickup for a brighter tone.
  • Set the Vox AC30 to a slightly overdriven setting, or use a similar amp known for chimey tones.
  • Use the Line 6 DM4 to add distortion with moderate gain and a slight mid boost.
  • Employ the Line 6 DL4 for a rhythmic delay effect. Experiment with delay times around 300-400ms and moderate feedback to create the desired rhythmic texture.

Original Gear

  • Gretsch(guitar)
  • Vox AC30(amp)
  • Neumann U87(mic)
  • Line 6 DM4(pedal)
  • Line 6 DL4(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Gretsch G6120T-59 Vintage Select Edition '59 Chet Atkins Hollow Body$2,800-$3,200

Alternative to: Gretsch guitar

Provides the same semi-hollow body chime and brightness that defines The Edge's signature tone on Vertigo

ReverbSweetwater
Epiphone Wildkat$400-$500

Alternative to: Gretsch guitar

Budget-friendly semi-hollow option that delivers similar jangly tones with P90-style pickups

ReverbSweetwater
Vox AC30C2X$1,200-$1,400

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Current production version of the classic AC30 that provides the chimey, slightly overdriven foundation tone

ReverbSweetwater
Boss DS-1 Distortion$50-$70

Alternative to: Line 6 DM4

Affordable distortion pedal that can provide the moderate gain and mid boost needed for this driving tone

ReverbSweetwater
Strymon Timeline$450-$500

Alternative to: Line 6 DL4

Premium delay pedal capable of recreating the rhythmic 300-400ms delay patterns essential to The Edge's sound

ReverbSweetwater
Universal Audio Galaxy Tape Echo Plugin$150-$200

Alternative to: Line 6 DL4

Software recreation of vintage tape delays that can achieve the rhythmic delay textures heard on Vertigo

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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