Upside Downside

The recording

Stern’s lead on the title track "Upside Downside" was captured using his custom "Mutt" Telecaster routed through an MXR Distortion+ into a Fender Twin Reverb. He selected the bridge pickup at full volume, rolled the tone knob back, and applied moderate gain on the Distortion+ to add sustain while retaining note definition. The clean, high‑headroom Twin Reverb allowed the overdriven signal to retain clarity, placing the guitar prominently in the mix. The parts were recorded at RPM Sound Studios, New York (March–April 1986) under producer Hiram Bullock.

Tuning E A D G B E

Reported gear

1976 Fender Telecaster ("Mutt" Telecaster)

Guitar

Mike Stern used his custom ‘Mutt’ Telecaster, a modified 1970s Fender Telecaster bought from Danny Gatton, to achieve the bright, cutting tone heard on the album.

MXR Distortion+ (1974)

Distortion Pedal

Stern’s early tone relied on the MXR Distortion+, which he used to add mid‑range driven overdrive while preserving the Telecaster’s clarity.

Fender Twin Reverb (1978)

Amplifier

The Telecaster signal was sent to a Fender Twin Reverb, a high‑headroom clean amp that, when pushed, provides natural breakup complementing the pedal’s distortion.

Alternatives

Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster

Modern equivalent · for the 1976 Fender Telecaster ("Mutt" Telecaster)

$350 to $500

Fender '68 Custom Twin Reverb Reissue

Reissue · for the Fender Twin Reverb (1978)

$2,300 to $3,200

MXR Distortion+ (reissue)

Reissue · for the MXR Distortion+ (1974)

$80 to $130

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 for a brighter edge.
2. 2.Engage the MXR Distortion+ at moderate output to add sustain while keeping note clarity.
3. 3.Set the amp’s volume high enough to achieve natural breakup without heavy compression.
4. 4.Use a medium‑gauge pick and alternate‑pick fast to articulate bebop lines.
5. 5.Position the guitar slightly off‑center from the amp speaker for a balanced blend of direct and reflected sound.