Solo Tone

Because the Night

Patti Smith Group

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (likely late 60s or early 70s, humbuckers)

AmpMarshall amplifier (model not specified, likely JMP or Super Lead, late 70s era)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely original PAF-style or T-Top)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1977-1978. Gear inferred from period interviews and punk-era gear lists. Lenny Kaye is documented using both Fender and Gibson guitars, but for the solo's heavy, sustaining tone, a Les Paul into a Marshall is most probable. No direct evidence of pedals or effects beyond amp overdrive and possible amp reverb. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for the studio recording.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainclassic British crunchthick, mid-forward lead toneaggressive attackwarm, harmonically rich overdrivepunchy, dynamic responsenotably saturated but not high-gainslight amp reverb for spacedistinct separation of notesvintage rock lead sound

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate technique, with expressive bends, vibrato, and dynamic control to maintain clarity and sustain in a crunchy, overdriven context. No advanced shredding or complex timing, but strong phrasing and control are essential.

Sources

Maximum Energy: The Gear of the Original Punks - Premier Guitar Why Patti Smith guitarist Lenny Kaye is finally making his solo debut | Guitar World

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