lead guitar from “stellar” by incubus | ToneDB
stellar
incubus
lead guitar
Tone Profile
This tone is characterized by its warm, clean foundation with subtle overdrive and modulation effects. It provides a clear, sustaining lead sound that cuts through the mix without being harsh.
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The Story
Mike Einziger's lead guitar tone on 'Stellar' was recorded at 4th Street Recording in Santa Monica with producer Jim Wirt. Based on documented rig information, the tone was built around an Ibanez RG series guitar through a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amp, with an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 providing the characteristic mid-focused overdrive and sustain. A Boss CE-1 chorus added the subtle modulation that gives the lead its spacious, dimensional quality.
Production Credits
Producer: Jim Wirt
Engineer: Tobias Miller
Recorded at: 4th Street Recording, Santa Monica, CA
Signal Chain
Instrument: Ibanez RG SeriesShop on Reverb
Amp: Mesa/Boogie Dual RectifierShop on Reverb
Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb
Processing: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9Shop on Reverb, Boss CE-1Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a clean amp tone and add a touch of overdrive.
- Use a Tube Screamer to push the amp into saturation and add sustain.
- Adjust the chorus effect for a subtle, swirling texture.
- Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot of the speaker.
Original Gear
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Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Ibanez RG Series guitar
Budget RG option with similar pickup configuration and neck profile for that signature Einziger feel
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amp
Official Mesa plugin captures the Dual Rectifier's tube saturation and high-gain character at bedroom volumes
Alternative to: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
The exact same pedal used on the recording, still in current production
Alternative to: Boss CE-1 Chorus
Modern recreation of vintage Boss chorus with CE-1 mode, providing the same lush modulation character
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amp
Current production Dual Rectifier maintains the same high-gain tube warmth and versatility as the original
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