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The recording
On 'Last Train Home' Pat Metheny employs a custom Ibanez electric sitar, tuned to standard EADGBE, to produce a bright, resonant lead that mimics a sitar. The instrument’s special bridge and pickup feed a clean signal into a Roland JC‑120 Jazz Chorus amp, whose pristine tone and built‑in stereo chorus form the foundation of the sound. From the amp’s line out the signal runs into a Lexicon PCM‑70 rack unit set to a short 120 ms delay with moderate feedback and a hall reverb preset, then into a Boss CE‑2 analog chorus for a subtle modulation. This chain creates the song’s signature shimmering, sitar‑like texture that sits atop Lyle Mays’ synth layers.
Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)·Strings GHS Nickel Rockers .010-.046
Signal chain
Original gear
Ibanez Pat Metheny Signature Electric Sitar (1987)
Guitar
Custom 6‑string electric sitar built for Pat Metheny, used on 'Last Train Home' to achieve the distinctive sitar‑like lead tone.
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (1987)
Amplifier
Roland solid‑state combo amp with ultra‑clean tone and built‑in stereo chorus, providing the pristine platform for Metheny’s sitar sound on 'Last Train Home'.
Lexicon PCM-70 Digital Delay/Reverb (1987)
Delay/Reverb
Digital rack unit used for a short slap‑back delay and hall‑type reverb on the sitar part of 'Last Train Home', adding depth and ambience.
Boss CE-2 Analog Chorus (1985)
Chorus
Analog chorus pedal placed after the delay to give subtle modulation to the electric sitar tone on 'Last Train Home'.
Alternatives
Practical playing approach
Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.
- 1.Use a pick with a bright attack and play near the bridge to accentuate the sitar‑like timbre.
- 2.Set the Roland JC‑120 to the clean channel and turn the built‑in stereo chorus to full.
- 3.Dial a short slap‑back delay (~120 ms) with moderate feedback on a Lexicon PCM‑70 (or similar) before the chorus.
- 4.Add a subtle analog chorus (Boss CE‑2) after the delay for extra shimmer.
- 5.Keep the guitar tuned to standard E A D G B E and use light gauge strings (e.g., GHS .010‑.046) for smooth bending.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What gear was used for the Last Train Home guitar tone?
The available research points to Ibanez Pat Metheny Signature Electric Sitar (1987) into Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (1987). The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.
Are the original Last Train Home amp settings documented?
Exact historical knob positions are not reliably documented for most recordings. ToneTwin does not publish generated values as studio fact; it creates playable settings only for the amp and pedals a player selects.
What tuning is Last Train Home in?
The current research record lists Standard (E A D G B E). ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.
How do I recreate the Last Train Home tone on my own gear?
Use the reported pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order as the target, then translate that target to your equipment. The matcher models controls for your selected rig rather than copying undocumented studio numbers.
Researched and reviewed by the ToneTwin Research Team.
