Money for Nothing

The recording

The iconic intro was recorded in April 1985 at AIR Studios Montserrat. Mark Knopfler played a Gibson Les Paul Junior fingerstyle through a Laney Klipp 2x12 combo amp, with a Morley wah pedal left half‑open. An SM57 microphone had slipped off its stand and was aimed at the floor, creating an unusual phase relationship that contributed to the distinctive nasal honk. The part was tracked over several passes and comped, with no additional post‑mix processing applied.

Reported gear

Gibson Les Paul Junior

Guitar

Knopfler used a Gibson Les Paul Junior for the intro riff, playing with his fingers rather than a pick, giving the part its bright, aggressive attack.

Morley Wah Pedal

Pedal

A Morley wah pedal was parked in a half‑open position in front of the guitar, shaping the nasal “honk” that defines the intro tone.

Laney Klipp 2x12 Combo

Amp

The guitar signal ran through a Laney Klipp 2x12 combo amp, delivering the crunchy mid‑range distortion heard on the riff.

Alternatives

Epiphone Les Paul Junior

Budget alternative · for the Gibson Les Paul Junior

$200 to $300

Laney Cub12

Budget alternative · for the Laney Klipp 2x12 Combo

$300 to $400

Boss WH-2 Wah

Budget alternative · for the Morley Wah Pedal

$80 to $120

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Play the intro fingerstyle (no pick) to capture the attack.
2. 2.Park a wah pedal in a half‑open position to create the signature nasal tone.
3. 3.Position the guitar close to the amp’s speaker for a tight, mid‑range crunch.
4. 4.Layer multiple takes and comp them for a fuller sound.