Solo Tone

"Heroes" (2017 Remaster)

David Bowie

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (Robert Fripp's main guitar for the solo section)

AmpHiwatt DR103 Custom 100 Head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Fripp's known studio rig for 'Heroes')

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or PAF style, stock on 1970s Les Paul Custom)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

fuzzElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (likely vintage NYC model)

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

Notes

Studio recording, 1977 (2017 Remaster is a remaster of the original 1977 recording); solo performed by Robert Fripp using his Les Paul Custom with a Hiwatt/Marshall stack. Not live settings. No evidence of Bowie playing the solo or using alternate guitars for this part.

Tone Character(10)

sustained, violin-like leadsinging sustainfuzzed-out, compressedambient and soaringfeedback-driven sustainrich, harmonically complexthick and saturatedlayered, atmosphericnotably smooth attackdistinctive Fripp sustain

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced control of feedback, sustain, and vibrato, as well as expressive phrasing and dynamic nuance to achieve the iconic Fripp sound.

Sources

David Bowie's Studio Oddities and Wizardry | Reverb News David Bowie - Heroes guitar tone | The Gear Page How to get Bowie's 'heroes' guitar sound? : r/audioengineering

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