Valerie

The recording

The track was recorded in 2006 at Metropolis Studios in London with Mark Ronson producing and Jeff Bhasker co‑producing. A live rhythm section laid down drums and bass before the guitar was overdubbed, using a 1965 Fender Stratocaster through a Vox AC30 into a 2×12 cabinet. Ronson added a Big Muff for subtle sustain, a Phase 90 for a gentle swirl, and a short slap‑back delay to give the guitar a tight rhythmic feel. The mix places the guitar prominently in the mid‑range, driving the groove alongside the horns and backing vocals.

Reported gear

1965 Fender Stratocaster

Guitar

Mark Ronson used a 1965 Fender Stratocaster for the bright, percussive rhythm parts that drive the groove of "Valerie".

Electro‑Harmonix Big Muff Pi

Overdrive

A touch of Electro‑Harmonix Big Muff Pi was added to thicken the guitar’s sustain without obscuring the articulation.

MXR Phase 90

Phase

A subtle MXR Phase 90 adds a swirling texture to the guitar during the verses, contributing to the song’s retro vibe.

Boss DD‑3 Digital Delay

Delay

A Boss DD‑3 digital delay provides a short slap‑back echo that enhances the rhythmic feel of the guitar part.

Vox AC30 (1965)

Amp

The Stratocaster was plugged into a Vox AC30, giving the clean, chiming tone that sits front‑and‑center in the mix.

Vox 2×12 Cabinet

Cabinet

The AC30 was paired with a Vox 2×12 cabinet, providing the tight low‑end and articulate mids heard on the track.

Alternatives

Fender Player Stratocaster

Modern equivalent · for the 1965 Fender Stratocaster

$600 to $700

Boss DD‑3 Digital Delay

Still made · for the Boss DD‑3 Digital Delay

$120 to $150

Electro‑Harmonix Big Muff Pi (reissue)

Reissue · for the Electro‑Harmonix Big Muff Pi

$120 to $150

Vox AC30 Heritage

Still made · for the Vox AC30 (1965)

$2,800 to $3,200

MXR Phase 90 (reissue)

Reissue · for the MXR Phase 90

$100 to $130

Vox 2×12 AC30 Cabinet

Modern equivalent · for the Vox 2×12 Cabinet

$500 to $700

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Set the Vox AC30 to the clean channel with the Top Boost engaged for a bright, chimey tone.
2. 2.Add a subtle overdrive using a Big Muff set low on sustain and tone to thicken the sound without distortion.
3. 3.Engage a Phase 90 set to a slow rate for a gentle swirl during the verses.
4. 4.Apply a short slap‑back delay (~120 ms) to lock the guitar rhythm with the drums.