This Charming Man — The Smiths1 / 2
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This Charming Man Solo Guitar Tone Settings — The Smiths

The Smiths · 1980s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
1954 Fender Telecaster
Pickups
Fender single-coil (vintage 1954 Telecaster set)
Amp
Fender Twin Reverb (likely Silverface or Blackface, studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (Telecaster, for brightness and articulation)

Studio recording, 1983. Johnny Marr confirmed use of a '54 Telecaster for 'This Charming Man' (not a Rickenbacker). Amp is widely reported as a Fender Twin Reverb, set clean and loud. Solo section is multi-tracked but primary solo lines are Telecaster into Twin Reverb. No evidence of Vox or Marshall on this track. Effects are from pedals, not amp.

Amp Settings

Mids
6
Bass
5
Gain
0
Reverb
4
Treble
7.5
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Boss CE-2 Chorus · chorus
  • Compressor pedal (model unknown, likely Boss CS-2 or MXR Dyna Comp) · compression

1954 Fender Telecaster → Compressor pedal → Boss CE-2 Chorus → Fender Twin Reverb (spring reverb on)

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Tone Character

  • bright and jangly
  • crystal clear note separation
  • articulate and percussive attack
  • shimmering chorus effect
  • slight spring reverb ambience
  • tight, focused low end
  • multi-tracked lushness
  • fast, intricate picking clarity
  • compressed for sustain and evenness
  • distinctive 80s clean pop sound

Sources