Solo Tone

Don't Look Back

Boston

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

Guitar1970 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (modded, mini-humbuckers, stripped finish)

AmpTom Scholz custom home-built amp (Marshall-based circuit, used for Boston's first two albums)

PickupsGibson mini-humbuckers (stock on 1970 Les Paul Deluxe)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid7.5

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

wahUnknown Wah pedal (parked/fixed position, likely Cry Baby or Vox)

eqMXR EQ pedal (alternative to parked wah, possibly MXR 6-band or 10-band)

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown, likely analog)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (analog, model unknown, ~200ms)

distortionMXR Distortion+ pedal (possibly MXR Distortion+, modded)

Notes

Studio recording, 1977-1978. Tom Scholz recorded all guitars himself in his home studio using his custom amp and extensive effects chain. The Rockman was not yet invented; effects were mostly pedals and rack units. The solo section is known for its 'parked wah' or fixed wah/EQ mid boost and chorus/delay effects. No evidence of live rig or later Rockman use on this specific recording.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainnasally midrange leadsmooth, violin-likechorus-thickenedtight, compressed attackharmonic richnessmidrange boostcrystal-clear articulationlayered, studio-polishedanalog delay repeats

Difficulty

The solo demands advanced control of phrasing, fast legato lines, expressive bends, and integration with effects for sustain and tone shaping, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

Boston – Don't Look Back - Gear & Equipment Used on the ...How do you get that "Boston" tone - forum topic | Ultimate Guitar Tom Scholz BOSTON guitar tone?Tom Scholz — Equipboard

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