Solo Tone

Turn Me Loose

Loverboy

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (modified, likely late 1970s or early 1980s, as per Paul Dean's statements and forum consensus)

AmpHiwatt 50-watt (modified, as per Paul Dean's own statements and forum consensus)

PickupsSingle coil (stock or possibly hot-wound, bridge position used for solo)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1980/1981. Paul Dean has stated he used a modified Strat and a modified 50-watt Hiwatt for 'Turn Me Loose' solo. No evidence of JCM800 or JCM900 on the original studio recording. No confirmed pedal use in studio for this solo; all distortion likely from amp and possible studio delay/reverb. Live rigs and later interviews mention Marshalls and digital profilers, but these are not relevant for the original recording.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustaincutting lead tonetight, focused attackcrisp, articulate highsmidrange-forward for solo cutpunchy, aggressive bridge pickuplong, clear delay repeatsslight amp reverb for spacerich harmonic overtones80s arena rock lead sound

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate to advanced lead technique, including fast runs, expressive bends, and precise synchronization with delay repeats for the signature 80s lead sound.

Sources

Turn Me Loose - Loverboy. Lead guitar tone - equipment?Paul Dean - Equipboard [DISCUSSION] What song has your favorite guitar tone in it? - Reddit

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