I Believe in a Thing Called Love — The Darkness1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedSolo

I Believe in a Thing Called Love Guitar Tone Settings

The Darkness · 2000s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (1968, 'The Darkness' Custom Shop model likely used by Justin Hawkins)
Pickups
Gibson Custombucker humbuckers (PAF-style, likely stock in 1968 Les Paul Custom reissues)
Amp
Marshall Plexi 1959SLP (Super Lead, likely through Marshall 4x12 with Celestion Vintage 30s)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 2003. Most sources confirm Justin Hawkins used a Gibson Les Paul Custom into a Marshall Plexi 1959SLP for the Permission to Land album. Some sources mention Friedman and Wizard amps for later or live use, but Plexi is most cited for the album. No evidence of pedals for the solo except possible delay; Pro Co RAT is owned but not confirmed for this track. Delay is clearly audible in the solo, likely from a Boss DM-2 or similar analog delay pedal. No chorus, flanger, or wah audible in the solo. Pickup selector likely on bridge for the solo.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
7
Reverb
2
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • Boss DM-2 Delay (black painted, as shown in rig rundown) · delay

Gibson Les Paul Custom → Boss DM-2 Delay → Marshall Plexi 1959SLP → Marshall 4x12 cab

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Tone Character

  • singing sustain
  • tight, articulate lead lines
  • harmonic-rich, saturated tone
  • aggressive pick attack
  • clear note separation
  • classic British crunch
  • cutting upper mids
  • slight analog delay repeats
  • punchy bridge pickup
  • loud, in-your-face solo presence

Sources