Solo Tone

I Believe in a Thing Called Love

The Darkness

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (1968, 'The Darkness' Custom Shop model likely used by Justin Hawkins)

AmpMarshall Plexi 1959SLP (Super Lead, likely through Marshall 4x12 with Celestion Vintage 30s)

PickupsGibson Custombucker humbuckers (PAF-style, likely stock in 1968 Les Paul Custom reissues)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb2

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

delayBoss Boss DM-2 Delay (black painted, as shown in rig rundown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2003. Most sources confirm Justin Hawkins used a Gibson Les Paul Custom into a Marshall Plexi 1959SLP for the Permission to Land album. Some sources mention Friedman and Wizard amps for later or live use, but Plexi is most cited for the album. No evidence of pedals for the solo except possible delay; Pro Co RAT is owned but not confirmed for this track. Delay is clearly audible in the solo, likely from a Boss DM-2 or similar analog delay pedal. No chorus, flanger, or wah audible in the solo. Pickup selector likely on bridge for the solo.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustaintight, articulate lead linesharmonic-rich, saturated toneaggressive pick attackclear note separationclassic British crunchcutting upper midsslight analog delay repeatspunchy bridge pickuploud, in-your-face solo presence

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced lead guitar techniques at a fast tempo, including quick alternate picking, accurate bends, and smooth legato phrasing, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

Justin Hawkins | Equipboard The Darkness' Justin and Dan Hawkins Swan On - Premier Guitar The Darkness' Justin and Dan Hawkins on the high-volume twin ...

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