Riff Tone

Single-Handed Sailor

Dire Straits

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1961-1962, stock single coils)

AmpFender Vibrolux (early 1960s, brown-tolex 6G11/6G11-A circuit)

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (original vintage spec)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

otherMorley Morley Volume Pedal

delayMXR MXR Analog Delay

Notes

Studio recording, 1978-1979. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this section. Amp is confirmed as early 60s Fender Vibrolux. Effects are minimal, with only a volume pedal and slapback delay confirmed for this era and album. No chorus, flanger, or phaser used on this track.

Tone Character(10)

warm and smoothbright and articulatetouch-sensitivedynamic and expressiveslightly compressedclear and bell-likesubtle slapback echorich midrangeclean with slight breakup when pushedclassic Stratocaster sparkle

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate fingerstyle technique, dynamic volume control, and precise articulation to achieve the signature Knopfler sound. The clean tone exposes any mistakes, and the syncopated rhythm demands tight timing.

Sources

Dire Straits – Sultans of Swing - Gear & Equipment Used on the Single Mark Knopfler's Guitars, Amps, Pedals & Other Gear | Equipboard Dire Straits – Dire Straits - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard what effects pedals were primarily used on guitar? : r/direstraits

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