lead guitar from “stellar” by incubus | ToneDB

stellar

incubus

lead guitar

85% ai confidence

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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