Solo Tone

City Nights

Allan Holdsworth

Guitarjazz1980s

Original Gear

GuitarSteinberger GL2T (TransTrem-equipped, custom Allan Holdsworth spec)

AmpYamaha DG80-112 (studio, late 1980s Holdsworth lead tone) or Hughes & Kettner Tube 100 (possible, but less likely for this specific track)

PickupsEMG SA single coils (active, noiseless, as used by Holdsworth in this era)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble6

reverb3.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusYamaha Yamaha SPX90 Chorus (rack unit)

delayUnknown Delay unit (model unknown, likely Yamaha or Lexicon PCM-41/42 rack delay)

compressionUnknown Compressor (rack, model unknown, likely dbx 160X or similar)

Notes

Studio recording, 1989 (Secrets album). Holdsworth was known to use Steinberger GL2T guitars with EMG SA pickups for his signature lead tones in this era. Amp is most likely Yamaha DG80-112 (confirmed by interviews and era), with possible Hughes & Kettner Tube 100 for some tracks. No evidence of live rig or other guitars for this solo. Effects are rack-based, not stompboxes.

Tone Character(10)

liquid and legatosmooth, violin-like sustainhighly compressedwarm and rounded highsfull-bodied midsminimal pick attackchorused spatial widthdelicate dynamic responseno harshness or fizzslightly glassy top end

Difficulty

The solo demands expert-level legato technique, wide intervallic phrasing, and precise dynamic control, all signature elements of Holdsworth's style. The technical requirements and phrasing complexity place it at the highest difficulty.