Personality Crisis

The recording

Recorded at the Record Plant in New York City in early 1973, the track was produced by Todd Rundgren and engineered by Jack Douglas. Both guitars were captured live in the studio with a Shure SM57 close‑miked on the amp speaker and a Neumann U67 as a room mic, preserving the raw, in‑the‑room energy of the Dolls' performance.

Reported gear

1965 Gibson Les Paul Standard

Guitar

Johnny Thunders used a 1965 Gibson Les Paul Standard for the searing lead parts, giving the song its raw, biting edge.

1965 Marshall Super Lead 100-watt

Amp

The Les Paul was driven into a 1965 Marshall Super Lead 100‑watt head, cranked to produce the thick overdriven tone that carries the solo.

1965 Marshall 4x12 Cabinet

Cabinet

The amp was paired with a classic 1965 4×12 cabinet loaded with Celestion speakers for a tight low‑mid punch.

1962 Fender Telecaster

Guitar

Sylvain Sylvain contributed the rhythm parts on a 1962 Fender Telecaster, delivering a bright, cutting tone that underpins the groove.

1960 Vox AC30 (30‑watt)

Amp

Sylvain's Tele was run through a 1960 Vox AC30, providing a chime‑like clean tone with a touch of natural breakup.

1960 Vox 2x12 Cabinet

Cabinet

The AC30 was paired with a matching 2×12 speaker cabinet, delivering the signature Vox chime.

Alternatives

Epiphone Les Paul Standard (2020)

Modern equivalent · for the 1965 Gibson Les Paul Standard

$500 to $650

Fender Player Telecaster (2020)

Modern equivalent · for the 1962 Fender Telecaster

$600 to $750

Marshall 1960 Super Lead Reissue

Reissue · for the 1965 Marshall Super Lead 100-watt

$1,500 to $2,200

Vox AC30 Reissue (2020)

Reissue · for the 1960 Vox AC30 (30‑watt)

$1,200 to $1,600

Marshall 1960 4x12 Cabinet

Modern equivalent · for the 1965 Marshall 4x12 Cabinet

$900 to $1,200

Vox AC30 2x12 Cabinet (2020)

Modern equivalent · for the 1960 Vox 2x12 Cabinet

$700 to $1,000

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Select the bridge pickup on the Les Paul for maximum bite.
2. 2.Crank the Marshall amp volume and drive to achieve natural overdrive.
3. 3.Use aggressive downstrokes and tight palm‑muting for the rhythm parts.
4. 4.Add subtle vibrato to bends to capture Thunders' phrasing.
5. 5.Dial the amp EQ to accentuate mids and let the high end sing.