Rocky Mountain Way

The recording

Walsh recorded the solo for “Rocky Mountain Way” in a single take at Criteria Studios, sitting in front of a small Fender Tweed Champ amp. He used a modified 1969 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, feeding the signal through a Heil Talk Box that Bob Heil had custom‑engineered for louder, rock‑ready output. The talk box’s mouthpiece was placed in front of a mic, giving the vocal‑like, wah‑shaped solo that defines the track.

Tuning E A D G B E

Reported gear

1969 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (modified)

Guitar

Walsh used a modified 1969 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, identifiable by its volute neck joint and custom pickups, for the solo on Rocky Mountain Way.

Heil Talk Box (HT-1)

Talk Box

Bob Heil engineered a Heil Talk Box (HT-1) for Walsh, which he used to shape vowel‑like tones on the solo.

Fender Tweed Champ

Amplifier

According to a 1988 Guitar Player interview, Walsh recorded the solo through a small Fender Tweed Champ amp at Criteria Studios.

Alternatives

Epiphone Les Paul Standard

Budget alternative · for the 1969 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (modified)

$500 to $800

Fender ’57 Champ Reissue

Reissue · for the Fender Tweed Champ

$600 to $800

Mooer Talk Box

Budget alternative · for the Heil Talk Box (HT-1)

$100 to $150

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Use a slide on the high‑E string and keep the bottleneck light for smooth glides
2. 2.Engage the Heil Talk Box and shape vowel sounds with your mouth while sustaining the note
3. 3.Set the Fender Champ volume high and tone around the middle for a warm, singing overdrive
4. 4.Select the neck pickup on the Les Paul for thick sustain
5. 5.Position the microphone close to the talk box speaker for clarity