GuitarDistortedSolo80% confidence
I Just Need Myself (PSI Studio Demo 1/78) Guitar Tone Settings
The Cure · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Jazzmaster (likely 1970s model, as used by Robert Smith in early Cure recordings)
Pickups
Fender Jazzmaster single-coil pickups
Amp
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, demo tracked in January 1978. Gear inferred from period-correct sources and Robert Smith's known setup for early Cure demos. No evidence of later-era amps/pedals. No evidence of live rig use for this demo.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain5
Reverb3
Treble7
Presence5
Effects Chain
- Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger/Filter Matrix · flanger
Fender Jazzmaster → Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger → Roland JC-120 (with spring reverb)
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
Adapt to MY Gear →7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- bright and cutting
- modest crunch with clear note definition
- pronounced flanger sweep
- slightly compressed attack
- percussive and articulate
- upper-mid emphasis
- subtle amp reverb
- not overly saturated
- modulation swirl is slow and deep
- bridge pickup bite
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source confirms exact pedal models or amp settings for this specific 1978 demo; gear and settings are estimated based on Robert Smith's known early setup and period-correct equipment.
- No studio logs or interviews reference pedals for this demo; flanger effect is included due to clear audibility in the solo.
- No evidence of Boss or later-era pedals on this 1978 demo; Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger included based on period use and audible effect.
- Amp settings are estimated based on typical Roland JC-120 usage for driven tones in late 1970s post-punk/rock context.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The solo tone is edge-of-breakup with a clear, jangly attack typical of Robert Smith's late 70s/early 80s Cure sound, likely using a clean-ish amp (e.g., Hiwatt or Roland JC-120) with mids pushed for British character, moderate bass for body, and slightly boosted treble for articulation. Reverb is subtle, matching the dry, direct demo vibe.