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Going Home (Theme from the Local Hero) — Mark Knopfler1 / 2
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Going Home (Theme from the Local Hero) Guitar Tone Settings

Mark Knopfler · 1980s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Schecter Stratocaster (custom, early 1980s, maple neck, DiMarzio FS-1 in bridge)
Pickups
DiMarzio FS-1 single coil (bridge), Fender single coils (middle/neck)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo
Pickup Position
Position 4 (neck + middle)

Studio recording, 1982-1983. Guitar is a custom Schecter Strat-style with maple neck and DiMarzio FS-1 bridge pickup. Amp is a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB, as used by Knopfler in this era for studio work. No evidence of live rig or later digital profilers for the original recording.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
6
Gain
0
Reverb
4
Treble
7
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer · compression
  • Boss DM-2 Delay · delay

Schecter Stratocaster → Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer → Boss DM-2 Delay → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB (spring reverb on amp)

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Tone Character

  • clean and glassy
  • bright and articulate
  • touch-sensitive
  • slight compression
  • clear note separation
  • subtle reverb ambience
  • warm but not muddy
  • studio-polished
  • fingerstyle clarity
  • sustain without distortion

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️Gain adjusted to 0 for clean tone
  • ⚠️No direct source lists exact amp knob settings for the original 'Going Home' studio recording; settings are estimated based on typical Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB clean tones and Guitar World Knopfler tone guide.
  • ⚠️Pickup position inferred from Knopfler's signature clean tones and live footage; most sources agree on Position 4 (neck + middle) for his classic clean sound.
  • ⚠️Pedal/effect models are inferred from era-correct gear and audible effects; no studio session sheet with pedalboard for this track is available.
  • ⚠️Some sources list multiple amps (Music Man, Fender, Mesa/Boogie) for Knopfler in this era; Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB is most likely for this recording per Equipboard and era context.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Knopfler's 'Going Home' riff tone is clean but has a touch of breakup and warmth, likely from a vintage Fender or Mesa amp with mid-forward, balanced EQ. The reverb is lush but not overwhelming, and the presence is set to add clarity without harshness, matching his signature expressive, dynamic style from the early '80s.

Sources