Sex

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)

Reported 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

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Budget alternative · for the 1968 Fender Telecaster

$400 to $500

Boss RV-6 Reverb

Still made · for the 2003 Boss RV-6 Reverb

$140 to $170

Boss DS-1 Distortion

Still made · for the 1978 Boss DS-1 Distortion

$80 to $100

Vox AC30 Reissue

Reissue · for the 1968 Vox AC30 Amplifier

$1,200 to $1,800

Boss DD-7 Digital Delay

Modern equivalent · for the 1984 Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

$120 to $150

Vox AC30 2x12 Cabinet

Still made · for the 1968 Vox AC30 2x12 Cabinet

$600 to $800

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Select the bridge pickup and roll the tone knob back to around 6 for a tighter attack.
2. 2.Engage a distortion pedal set to high gain while keeping the level balanced to preserve note clarity.
3. 3.Set a digital delay to quarter‑note repeats with moderate feedback for the lead licks.
4. 4.Add a Hall reverb with a short decay to give depth without muddying the mix.
5. 5.Use firm down‑stroke attack and slight palm‑muting on the verses to lock in the groove.