George Michael
Twenty Five · 1987
Amp settings (as recorded)
The recording
The track was a collaborative effort between George Michael and session guitarist Hugh Burns. Recorded between Puk Studios (Denmark) and Sarm West (London), the rhythm part was captured with a Neumann KM84 microphone on a metal-bodied acoustic. The iconic 1950s-style solo was added later at Sarm West, constructed bar-by-bar by engineer Chris Porter and Michael to mirror Michael's vocal phrasing, utilizing tape delay and plate reverb to achieve a classic rockabilly aesthetic.
Tuning
StandardRecording Signal Chain · 4 items
Metal-bodied acoustic guitar
Unknown
Rhythm guitar
Used for the primary Bo Diddley-style rhythm part.
Custom Stratocaster
Giffin
Lead guitar
Used specifically for the bridge solo.
Quarter-inch tape delay
Studio Outboard
Time-based effect
Used on the solo to achieve a 1950s Sun Records slapback sound.
SSL 3038E Console Preamp
Solid State Logic
Amplification/Interface
The guitar signals were recorded through the console at Sarm West.
Tone Characteristics
ToneTwin