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Distorted Tone
Boys Don't Cry (Single Version)
The Cure
Basspunk1980s
Original Gear
BassFender Precision Bass (late 1970s, likely 1978-79, as used by Simon Gallup in early Cure recordings)
AmpAmpeg SVT (1970s tube head, likely with 8x10 cab; no direct evidence for this session, but period-correct and supported by later interviews and live use)
Amp Settings
gain5.5
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1979. No direct studio documentation, but all available evidence and period photos/interviews indicate Precision Bass into Ampeg SVT. No evidence of Bass VI or Music Man for this track.
Tone Character(9)
gritty upper-midsaggressive pick attackslight tube breakupmidrange growltight, punchy lowsclanky percussive edgeforward in mixnotably presentslight overdrive, not fuzz
Difficulty
The line is rhythmically straightforward but requires fast, consistent pick technique and aggressive attack to match the song's energy and tone.
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Create Free AccountBasspunk1980s
Original Gear
BassFender Precision Bass (late 1970s, likely 1978-79, as used by Simon Gallup in early Cure recordings)
AmpAmpeg SVT (1970s tube head, likely with 8x10 cab; no direct evidence for this session, but period-correct and supported by later interviews and live use)
Amp Settings
gain5.5
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1979. No direct studio documentation, but all available evidence and period photos/interviews indicate Precision Bass into Ampeg SVT. No evidence of Bass VI or Music Man for this track.
Tone Character(9)
gritty upper-midsaggressive pick attackslight tube breakupmidrange growltight, punchy lowsclanky percussive edgeforward in mixnotably presentslight overdrive, not fuzz
Difficulty
The line is rhythmically straightforward but requires fast, consistent pick technique and aggressive attack to match the song's energy and tone.