rabbix
Joined: Jul 20, 2023
Posts: 6
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Posted on Oct 15 2023 08:19 AM
Hi!
I'm currently on a quest for advice on how to replicate a guitar sound that I absolutely like, even though the original video isn't surf music, it's from the same era, and it has a sound that captivates me. The sound is very deep, with a powerful attack and minimal sustain, and I really want to recreate it.
I know Duane Eddy has some songs with that kind of deep tone, but it sounds quite different to me (more twangy, less compressed and saturated).
I particularly enjoy vintage guitar sounds with a bit of a 'cheap' quality.
I'm looking for suggestions on the type of guitar, pickups, amp, and microphone placement that might help me achieve this sound. I've tried different combinations so far, but I haven't come close to what I hear in the video.
I don't think a baritone guitar is used because it sounds tuned in EADGBE.
One thing I'm not sure about is whether this particular sound might be due to the poor quality of the recording. If that's the case, I'm curious if it's possible to achieve a similar sound with better recording quality.
I will also share the video in question so that you can listen to it and provide more specific feedback. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance for your valuable help.
Last edited: Oct 15, 2023 08:20:40
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DeathTide
Joined: Apr 13, 2018
Posts: 1379
New Orleans
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Posted on Oct 15 2023 09:40 AM
It almost sounds like a jazzmaster with flatwounds through a tweed amp, miced with a ribbon mic. I'm sure it's not, but it kind of sounds like that to me. My ears tell me it is a two-pickup Guitar.
— Daniel Deathtide
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Surfysonic
Joined: Oct 17, 2009
Posts: 530
Walkersville, MD
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Posted on Oct 15 2023 09:55 AM
From what I'm hearing, I think I'd get pretty close to replicating the sound from the recording with:
Tremolo, likely a harmonic if they're using Fender amps from the early '60s. I'd set the bass up around 7 or higher and treble down to 3 or less (if any treble is used). Pickup setting is maybe just neck pickup but possibly both pickups. Definitely not bridge pickup on its own.
While I'm not hearing reverb, if it were me, I'd prefer to use a dark reverb pedal like Mr Black Deluxe Plus Reverb & Tremolo or Mr Black Super Swell Classic Spring Reverb (reverb only). If adhering strictly to matching the recording, no reverb necessary.
Hope any of this has helped - good luck!
— The doofus formerly known as Snorre
Surfysonic on YouTube
World Famous Philistines: 2014 - 2015
K39: 2013 - 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv9JADQ4ukw
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rabbix
Joined: Jul 20, 2023
Posts: 6
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Posted on Oct 15 2023 02:43 PM
Thank your for your answers.
The closest I could get was on a Jaguar. Neck or both pickups. But it's a bit too high pitched.
Definitely not a Jazzmaster. I have one, but it does not have that percussive sound you can find in a Jaguar for example.
Last edited: Oct 15, 2023 14:44:18
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Redfeather
Joined: Jul 30, 2016
Posts: 896
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Posted on Oct 15 2023 03:07 PM
I think one key element is strings that aren't too thick. And if you have a hollowbody, try that.
Also, it does sound to me that there's reverb in play here, whether it's very low spring reverb or real space in the recording room. It's explicitly clear on the very last note that closes the song out, for instance.
Finally, if this is for a recording application, don't be afraid to try to get there via EQing in post production. Hell, nowadays you can add all the effects including the amp in post production!
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edwardsand
Joined: Jun 29, 2018
Posts: 803
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Posted on Oct 15 2023 04:08 PM
I think there's a bit of reverb with the lead guitar, but not spring reverb - maybe plate or some other studio reverb. I'd also say neck pickup, though it could be a middle pickup on a 3 pickup guitar. Definitely not a strat, but something with beefier pickups, like P90s or Dearmonds of some sort.
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synchro
Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4559
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
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Posted on Oct 15 2023 06:33 PM
I would say harmonic trem and flat wound strings. Little, or reverb.
As to the guitar, it could be almost anything. Here’s a photo of the band, if that helps. I will say that there are a lot of sounds far beyond the Fender guitars which come to mind. I have a carved-top Guild with mini-humbuckers which has a surprisingly good sound for Surf/Instrumental-Rock. Who knows which guitar from that picture was playing the lead.
— The artist formerly known as: Synchro
When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.
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LHR
Joined: Aug 23, 2006
Posts: 2123
The jungle
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Posted on Oct 16 2023 05:20 PM
What you are hearing is the recording, amigo, and not so much the guitar. And the general lo-fi pressing. At least in my opinion. I could probably make most clean guitar tracks sound like this with EQ and some minor effects in the box. You could use a ribbon mic, or just simply mangle it with EQ.
This not a classically "good" guitar recording. If you dig it, then of course, go for it. I tend to try to get things to sound a lot unlike this, if I can help it.
Flatwounds would help. Amp should be clean as a whistle, and not overdriven. Hard cut most of the high end and a lot of the lows, as well. You'll be in business. This is all mids.
Check out The String-A-Longs for similar tones. And, thinking about it for a second...a ton of other records! Most of this period, actually.
— SSIV
Last edited: Oct 16, 2023 17:41:06
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LHR
Joined: Aug 23, 2006
Posts: 2123
The jungle
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Posted on Oct 16 2023 05:46 PM
Speaking of guitar recordings of this period that are really simple, not overdriven, and have a lot of character...but that are exquisitely recorded, be sure to check out the That's Swift comp, from Norman Petty Studios. I can't find it on YouTube, but here is another compilation that might give you an idea: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO_0_jD4g-3RnBPZDP3_LSuqZ85b5tktM
— SSIV
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mike_fried
Joined: Aug 02, 2012
Posts: 162
Nashville, TN
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Posted on Oct 24 2023 01:16 PM
Sounds to me like a medium-sized, hard-walled room ambience (really nice room!) picked up by the back of a pretty close figure-of-eight ribbon mic, or perhaps close-mic'ed with an omni dynamic mic. Definately flatwounds, one pickup (none of the phasiness or attack compression of two or more pickups); it's not really bassy at all, just somewhat muted treble response. I think it could well be the bridge pickup of an archtop with highs rolled off a bit at the guitar and/or amp (with bias-modulated tremolo). I wouldn't even venture a guess as to the guitar or amp make...
Last edited: Oct 24, 2023 13:25:04
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dannylectro
Joined: Aug 18, 2008
Posts: 373
Orange, CA
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Posted on Oct 24 2023 06:36 PM
Heavy guage flatwound strings with a fairly loud tube amp will get you there.
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Tqi
Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
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Posted on Oct 24 2023 07:03 PM
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Last edited: Feb 01, 2024 02:41:14
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