Riff Tone
Boys Don't Cry (Single Version)
The Cure
Guitarpunk1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-175 (single pickup, black, as seen in official music video and period photos)
AmpRoland JC-160 Jazz Chorus (likely, based on period-correct live/studio use and signature clean tone)
PickupsGibson P-90 single-coil (likely, based on era and model)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble7.5
reverb3
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1978/1979 (Single Version). Guitar confirmed via video/photo evidence. Amp inferred from period-correct live/studio use and signature clean chorus sound. No evidence of pedal overdrive/distortion for clean riff section.
Tone Character(10)
bright and janglyarticulate and percussiveclear note separationchorus shimmertight, snappy rhythmslight compression feelno audible distortionopen, airy highsfast attack80s new wave/post-punk clarity
Difficulty
The riff is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight, fast strumming and clean chord transitions at tempo.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarpunk1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson ES-175 (single pickup, black, as seen in official music video and period photos)
AmpRoland JC-160 Jazz Chorus (likely, based on period-correct live/studio use and signature clean tone)
PickupsGibson P-90 single-coil (likely, based on era and model)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble7.5
reverb3
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1978/1979 (Single Version). Guitar confirmed via video/photo evidence. Amp inferred from period-correct live/studio use and signature clean chorus sound. No evidence of pedal overdrive/distortion for clean riff section.
Tone Character(10)
bright and janglyarticulate and percussiveclear note separationchorus shimmertight, snappy rhythmslight compression feelno audible distortionopen, airy highsfast attack80s new wave/post-punk clarity
Difficulty
The riff is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight, fast strumming and clean chord transitions at tempo.
Boys Don't Cry (Single Version) settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
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