GuitarDistortedSolo80% confidence
Peace of Mind Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Boston
Boston · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1970s Gibson Les Paul Goldtop
Pickups
Gibson P-90 single coils
Amp
Custom modified Marshall 1959 Super Lead (plexi, 100W, late 1960s/early 1970s, with Scholz's own mods)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1975-1976, Boston debut album. Tom Scholz is known for using a 1970s Les Paul Goldtop with P-90s for solos on the first album, running into a highly modified Marshall plexi head. No evidence of Rockman or later Scholz gear on this track. No evidence of pedal use in the studio for this solo, but heavy use of double-tracking and possible analog tape delay/ADT in mix. All gear info is for the original studio recording, not live or later re-recordings.
Amp Settings
Mids7.5
Bass6.5
Gain6.5
Reverb2.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- singing sustain
- harmonized lead lines
- clear, articulate attack
- rich, saturated midrange
- tight low end
- smooth upper mids
- classic 1970s rock lead tone
- double-tracked harmonies
- slight natural compression
- not overly scooped
Notes & Caveats
- No explicit numeric amp settings for 'Peace of Mind' solo found in sources; settings estimated based on era, amp type, and genre.
- No evidence of pedals used on the original studio solo; all effects are likely from amp, tape, or studio processing.
- Guitar and amp models are confirmed for the album/era, but not always specified for this exact solo; however, Les Paul Goldtop with P-90s and Marshall plexi is the consensus for Boston's debut album solos.
- No evidence of Rockman, chorus, or heavy modulation on this solo; those effects were used in later Boston recordings.
- Delay/reverb is subtle and likely from tape or studio, not pedals or amp.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Tom Scholz's 'Peace of Mind' solo tone is classic mid-forward 70s rock, achieved with moderate crunch from a boosted amp (often a Marshall or Scholz's own Rockman prototype), strong mids, balanced bass/treble, and moderate presence for clarity. Subtle plate reverb was used in production, not overly wet.