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Solo Tone
Limelight
The Alan Parsons Project
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely 1970s-early 1980s, as used by Ian Bairnson on Alan Parsons Project recordings)
AmpMarshall 50-watt amplifier (likely JMP or JCM800, as per Bairnson's own statements)
Amp Settings
gain5.5
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 1982. Ian Bairnson stated he used only a Les Paul and a Marshall 50-watt amp for Alan Parsons Project recordings, with no pedals between guitar and amp; effects were added in the studio. No evidence of live-specific gear for this solo.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainsmooth and warmslightly compressedarticulate and clearmidrange-focusedmoderate gainstudio ambienceno harsh top endtouch-sensitivemelodic phrasing
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate technique, with expressive bends, vibrato, and melodic phrasing, but does not involve extreme speed or advanced technical passages.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (likely 1970s-early 1980s, as used by Ian Bairnson on Alan Parsons Project recordings)
AmpMarshall 50-watt amplifier (likely JMP or JCM800, as per Bairnson's own statements)
Amp Settings
gain5.5
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1982. Ian Bairnson stated he used only a Les Paul and a Marshall 50-watt amp for Alan Parsons Project recordings, with no pedals between guitar and amp; effects were added in the studio. No evidence of live-specific gear for this solo.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainsmooth and warmslightly compressedarticulate and clearmidrange-focusedmoderate gainstudio ambienceno harsh top endtouch-sensitivemelodic phrasing
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate technique, with expressive bends, vibrato, and melodic phrasing, but does not involve extreme speed or advanced technical passages.