Riff Tone
Time After Time
Cyndi Lauper
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 1980s, used by John McCurry on studio recording)
AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
PickupsFender single-coil pickups
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid5.5
treble7
reverb4
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
compressionMXR MXR 'Script' Compressor
Notes
Studio recording, 1983; John McCurry played the clean riff section using a Stratocaster into a Roland JC-120. The JC-120's built-in chorus is a defining part of the tone. No evidence of Marshall or Fender amps on the studio recording for this part.
Tone Character(10)
crystal-clear and cleanlush and wide stereo chorusbright and shimmery highssoft attack with smooth sustainspacious and airygentle compressionarticulate and presentdistinctive 80s chorus shimmersubtle reverb ambienceno audible breakup or distortion
Difficulty
The riff requires clean, even playing with soft dynamics and careful muting to avoid noise, but uses basic chord shapes and moderate tempo, making it accessible to most players.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 1980s, used by John McCurry on studio recording)
AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
PickupsFender single-coil pickups
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
mid5.5
treble7
reverb4
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
compressionMXR MXR 'Script' Compressor
Notes
Studio recording, 1983; John McCurry played the clean riff section using a Stratocaster into a Roland JC-120. The JC-120's built-in chorus is a defining part of the tone. No evidence of Marshall or Fender amps on the studio recording for this part.
Tone Character(10)
crystal-clear and cleanlush and wide stereo chorusbright and shimmery highssoft attack with smooth sustainspacious and airygentle compressionarticulate and presentdistinctive 80s chorus shimmersubtle reverb ambienceno audible breakup or distortion
Difficulty
The riff requires clean, even playing with soft dynamics and careful muting to avoid noise, but uses basic chord shapes and moderate tempo, making it accessible to most players.