Solo Tone
Boys Don't Cry (Single Version)
The Cure
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Jazzmaster (likely 1970s, as used by Robert Smith on early Cure recordings)
AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
PickupsFender Jazzmaster single-coil pickups
Amp Settings
gain3.5
bass6
mid7
treble7.5
reverb3.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus (or onboard JC-120 chorus)
flangerBoss Boss BF-2 Flanger
delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording, 1978-1979 for the original single version. Evidence from gear forums and period interviews points to the Jazzmaster and JC-120 as the core rig for this era. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the solo section.
Tone Character(10)
bright and cuttingslightly gritty edge-of-breakupmodulated with chorus shimmerswirling flanger movementtight and percussive attackarticulate single-note claritymodest sustainnot heavily compressedopen and airydistinct modulation texture
Difficulty
The solo is fast and requires tight timing and clean articulation, but does not involve advanced techniques or complex phrasing.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Jazzmaster (likely 1970s, as used by Robert Smith on early Cure recordings)
AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
PickupsFender Jazzmaster single-coil pickups
Amp Settings
gain3.5
bass6
mid7
treble7.5
reverb3.5
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
chorusBoss Boss CE-2 Chorus (or onboard JC-120 chorus)
flangerBoss Boss BF-2 Flanger
delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording, 1978-1979 for the original single version. Evidence from gear forums and period interviews points to the Jazzmaster and JC-120 as the core rig for this era. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the solo section.
Tone Character(10)
bright and cuttingslightly gritty edge-of-breakupmodulated with chorus shimmerswirling flanger movementtight and percussive attackarticulate single-note claritymodest sustainnot heavily compressedopen and airydistinct modulation texture
Difficulty
The solo is fast and requires tight timing and clean articulation, but does not involve advanced techniques or complex phrasing.
Boys Don't Cry (Single Version) settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
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- I Just Need Myself (PSI Studio Demo 1/78) · solo
- 10:15 Saturday Night · riff
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- A Strange Day · riff