Robert Smith's Guitar Rig - The Cure's Simple Secret to Sonic Greatness
Robert Smith defies guitar gear trends with his simple yet effective rig. Learn how The Cure frontman achieves his iconic sound
The Cure's legendary frontman, Robert Smith, is back, and he's not playing by the rules. As the band embarks on a new tour supporting their latest album, Songs of a Lost World, Smith's iconic guitar tone continues to captivate audiences worldwide. But what's the secret behind his sound? It's a simple yet defiant setup that bucks the trend of high-end gear and boutique pedals.
A No-Frills Approach
In an era dominated by meticulously crafted pedalboards and high-wattage tube amps, Robert Smith's guitar rig stands out for its simplicity. At the heart of his setup are two Roland Cube-80GX combo amps, a choice that might raise eyebrows among gearheads.
He also has the Roland Cube 60-XL bass amp, which he uses with his Schecter UltraCure VI signature model (based on the Fender Bass VI).
While once considered a budget option, these affordable solid-state amps have proven capable of producing a rich, versatile tone.
A Classic Pedalboard
Smith relies on a classic lineup of BOSS pedals to shape his sound. His pedalboard, a modest affair compared to the elaborate setups of many modern guitarists, features a mix of iconic effects like the BD-2 Blues Driver, SD-1 Super Overdrive, and various delay and modulation pedals, including the PH-3 Phase Shifter and the BF-3 Flanger.
These BOSS pedals are housed in the old silver plastic BCB-60 and BCB-30 pedal cases, and he still uses wall-wart power supplies.
The Power of Simplicity
What's truly remarkable about Smith's setup is its ability to deliver a powerful and distinctive sound. By eschewing the latest trends and sticking to a tried-and-true approach, he demonstrates that great tone isn't about the gear but rather the player's skill and creativity.
Lessons from the Master
Robert Smith's rig offers several valuable lessons for aspiring guitarists:
- Prioritize tone over trend: Don't be afraid to experiment with different gear and find what works best for you.
- Keep it simple: A minimalist setup can be just as effective as a complex one.
- Master the basics: Solid fundamentals, such as good technique and understanding your instrument, are essential.
Robert Smith's Guitar Rig
As The Cure continues to tour and inspire new generations of musicians, Robert Smith's defiant approach to gear reminds us that true artistry transcends technology.
Below is a selection of modern BOSS pedals that will get you close to what Robert Smith uses live, and they are all readily available with no boutique, rare models.
- BOSS SD-1 Overdrive
- BOSS BD-2 Overdrive
- BOSS GE-7 Equalizer
- BOSS CH-1 Chorus
- BOSS BF-3
- BOSS DD-3T Digital Delay
More Information
#The Cure #Robert Smith
- +Affordable, readily available gear
- +Proven versatility across multiple genres
- +Minimal maintenance and complexity
- +Timeless pedal selection that doesn't go out of style
- +Delivers powerful, distinctive tone
- −Solid-state amps lack some tube warmth
- −Minimal onboard effects compared to modern multi-effects units
- −Less suited to extreme high-gain metal applications
What amps does Robert Smith use in his guitar rig?
Robert Smith uses two Roland Cube-80GX combo amps as his main amplifiers. He also uses a Roland Cube 60-XL bass amp for his Schecter UltraCure VI signature bass guitar. These solid-state amps are affordable options that deliver versatile, rich tones.
What pedals does Robert Smith use?
Smith's pedalboard features classic BOSS pedals including the BD-2 Blues Driver, SD-1 Super Overdrive, PH-3 Phase Shifter, and BF-3 Flanger. His pedals are housed in old silver plastic BCB-60 and BCB-30 pedal cases with wall-wart power supplies—a no-frills, time-tested approach.
Why is Robert Smith's rig considered simple?
In an era of boutique pedals and complex pedalboards, Smith's setup stands out for its minimalism. He relies on affordable solid-state Roland amps and classic, readily available BOSS pedals rather than rare or high-end gear, proving that great tone comes from the player's skill, not expensive equipment.
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