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The recording
On 'Sex', Adam Hann tracks both rhythm and lead parts on a 1968 Fender Telecaster, using the bridge pickup for a bright attack. The guitar signal runs into a Boss DS-1 Distortion before being amplified by a Vox AC30 tube amp and a matching 2x12 cabinet. A Boss DD-3 Digital Delay set to a moderate, tempo‑synced repeat and a Boss RV‑6 Hall‑style reverb shape the lead lines, creating the thick, spacious crunch that defines the song’s aggressive pop‑rock tone.
Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)
Signal chain
Original gear
1968 Fender Telecaster
Guitar
Adam Hann recorded the rhythm and lead parts on a 1968 Fender Telecaster, using the bridge pickup for a bright attack that cuts through the mix. This guitar is listed among his gear from the era and is consistent with his setup on early recordings.
1978 Boss DS-1 Distortion
Distortion pedal
A Boss DS-1 Distortion was used to generate the heavy, saturated crunch heard on the verses of 'Sex', as described in the BOSS TONE CENTRAL tone breakdown for the track.
1984 Boss DD-3 Digital Delay
Delay pedal
The long, slapping repeats in the lead lines come from a Boss DD-3 Digital Delay set to a moderate feedback, as noted on the BOSS TONE CENTRAL page for 'Sex'.
2003 Boss RV-6 Reverb
Reverb pedal
Hall‑style reverb added depth to the lead parts, applied via a Boss RV‑6 Reverb, as indicated by the BOSS TONE CENTRAL description of the song's tone.
1968 Vox AC30 Amplifier
Amplifier
The Telecaster was driven into a Vox AC30 tube amp, giving warm mids and natural breakup that frames the distortion, a setup commonly used by the band during this period and referenced in gear rundowns for early The 1975 recordings.
1968 Vox AC30 2x12 Cabinet
Cabinet
The amp was paired with a matching Vox AC30 2x12 speaker cabinet, delivering the classic British chime heard in the track, consistent with the band's preferred speaker configuration at the time.
Alternatives
Practical playing approach
Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.
- 1.Select the bridge pickup and roll the tone knob back to around 6 for a tighter attack.
- 2.Engage a distortion pedal set to high gain while keeping the level balanced to preserve note clarity.
- 3.Set a digital delay to quarter‑note repeats with moderate feedback for the lead licks.
- 4.Add a Hall reverb with a short decay to give depth without muddying the mix.
- 5.Use firm down‑stroke attack and slight palm‑muting on the verses to lock in the groove.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What gear was used for the Sex guitar tone?
The available research points to 1968 Fender Telecaster into 1968 Vox AC30 Amplifier. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.
Are the original Sex 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 Sex 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 Sex 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.
