Frankenstein

The recording

The track is built around Edgar Winter’s ARP 2600 synth lead, but features a brief overdriven guitar solo performed by Ronnie Montrose (sometimes credited to Rick Derringer). The solo was captured by miking a Marshall Super Lead amp through a 4x12 cabinet with a close mic in the studio, letting the guitar cut through the synth‑rich mix. Montrose used a Gibson Les Paul with the bridge humbucker selected, delivering a tight, mid‑ranged attack that sits just behind the synth’s attack.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)

Reported gear

1968 Gibson Les Paul Standard

Guitar

Ronnie Montrose’s primary instrument on the track was a Gibson Les Paul, delivering the thick, humbucker‑driven tone of the solo.

Marshall Super Lead 100-watt (1969)

Amp

The Les Paul was run through a Marshall Super Lead 100-watt head, providing the aggressive overdrive heard in the solo.

Marshall 4x12 Cabinet (1967)

Cabinet

A 4x12 cabinet loaded with Celestion speakers projected the amp’s tone, captured with a close‑mic technique in the studio.

Alternatives

Epiphone Les Paul Standard

Modern equivalent · for the 1968 Gibson Les Paul Standard

$600 to $800

Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet

Modern equivalent · for the Marshall 4x12 Cabinet (1967)

$1,000 to $1,300

Marshall JTM45 reissue

Reissue · for the Marshall Super Lead 100-watt (1969)

$1,200 to $1,500

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Attack the solo with a firm pick near the bridge for a tight, aggressive tone.
2. 2.Select the bridge humbucker to maximize output and midrange bite.
3. 3.Set the amp's gain to medium overdrive and roll back the bass for clarity in the mix.
4. 4.Use subtle vibrato on sustained notes to mimic the synth’s expressive phrasing.
5. 5.Match the timing of your attack to the synth’s rhythm to blend the parts seamlessly.