Fluorescent Adolescent

The recording

Recorded at Miloco Studios’ Garden Studios in summer 2006 with co‑producers James Ford and Mike Crossey. Alex Turner’s lead lines were captured on a vintage Fender Telecaster (bridge pickup) fed through an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer and a MXR Phase 90 before hitting a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe combo, while Jamie Cook’s rhythm parts came from a Gibson Les Paul Standard through the same amp. A Boss DD‑3 digital delay added depth to the final chorus and the guitars were double‑tracked and panned opposite each other for a bright, jangly tone.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)

Reported gear

1965 Fender Telecaster

Guitar

Alex Turner’s lead parts were recorded with a vintage 1965 Fender Telecaster, using the bridge pickup for a bright, cutting tone.

1971 Gibson Les Paul Standard

Guitar

Jamie Cook’s rhythm parts were tracked on a 1971 Gibson Les Paul Standard, providing a thicker mid‑range body that balances the Telecaster’s sparkle.

Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

Overdrive

An Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer was placed before the amp to add a subtle overdrive that tightens the lead tone without obscuring note clarity.

MXR Phase 90

Phaser

A MXR Phase 90 was used on the lead line to give a subtle swirling texture that adds motion to the riff.

Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

Delay

A Boss DD‑3 digital delay provides a short echo on the final chorus, widening the mix and giving the track extra depth.

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe

Combo Amp

Both guitars were amplified through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe combo, delivering warm tube breakup and clear articulation that sits prominently in the mix.

Alternatives

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Budget alternative · for the 1965 Fender Telecaster

$400 to $450

MXR Phase 90 (reissue)

Reissue · for the MXR Phase 90

$110 to $130

Epiphone Les Paul Standard

Budget alternative · for the 1971 Gibson Les Paul Standard

$500 to $600

Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

Still made · for the Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

$120 to $150

Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer

Reissue · for the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

$150 to $180

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Reissue

Reissue · for the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe

$450 to $550

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Use the bridge pickup on the Telecaster for a bright, cutting tone
2. 2.Add a subtle overdrive with a Tube Screamer for lead sections
3. 3.Apply a light phase effect to the main riff for movement
4. 4.Keep your picking tight and use alternate picking for the fast rhythm parts