Solo Tone

Bad Penny

Rory Gallagher

Guitarblues1970s

Original Gear

Guitar1961 Fender Stratocaster (stripped sunburst, original single coils)

AmpMarshall JMP 2104 50W 2x12 combo (likely, based on 1978-79 studio rig)

PickupsFender single coil pickups (1961 spec)

Amp Settings

gain3

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, Dierks Studios, Cologne, March-April 1979 for 'Top Priority'. No direct evidence of a dedicated clean amp for the solo section; Gallagher's rig at the time centered on Marshall 2104 combos, sometimes blended with Ampeg VT-40/VT-22 or Vox AC30. Clean tones likely achieved by rolling down guitar volume and picking dynamics. No evidence of additional clean amp or DI for this section.

Tone Character(10)

clear and articulatetouch-sensitivedynamic response to pickingslightly glassy highsrounded, singing sustain (when pushed)open, uncompressed feelwarm but present midrangesubtle spring reverb ambienceno audible drive or fuzzviolin-esque swells (from volume knob technique)

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate control of dynamics and touch, with expressive phrasing and subtle volume knob swells, but does not demand advanced speed or complex techniques.

Sources

Bad Penny Guitar Tone Settings — Rory Gallagher | ToneMirror Learn Rory Gallagher’s soloing techniques | Guitar World Rory Gallagher: the guitar gear behind the legend | Guitar World

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