Riff Tone

Don't Look Back

Boston

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

Guitar1968 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (modded, likely with DiMarzio Super Distortion pickups)

AmpMarshall Super Lead 100 (1970s, likely modded, into custom Scholz speaker cabs)

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6.5

mid7.5

treble7

reverb2

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionMXR MXR Distortion+ (modded, likely preamp boost/EQ)

eqUnknown Graphic EQ pedal (model unknown, likely MXR or DBX rack unit)

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown, likely analog)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, likely analog or tape echo)

Notes

Studio recording, 1978. Tom Scholz used a heavily modified Les Paul Deluxe with DiMarzio pickups, Marshall Super Lead 100, and extensive use of outboard EQ and effects. Not the Rockman (which was invented later).

Tone Character(10)

singing sustaintight, compressed rhythm crunchharmonically rich power chordsmid-forward EQ curve (800 Hz emphasis)smooth, saturated overdriveclear note separation in chordsslight chorus shimmerstudio-polished, layered soundchunky, articulate attacknotably compressed and EQ’d

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, articulate rhythm playing with palm muting and precise timing, plus the challenge of matching the layered, harmonically rich studio sound.

Sources

Tom Scholz How do you get that "Boston" tone Tom Scholz BOSTON guitar tone?The Tom Scholz "Boston" tone: The Key is in the Cabs

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