Song Rig
Sorrow
David Gilmour · A Momentary Lapse of Reason · 1987
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Later-era Gilmour with active EMG pickups replacing the vintage Strat wiring — tighter, brighter and more compressed than the 1970s recordings. The intro solo is the most technically demanding playing he put on a studio record: faster runs, more aggressive picking attack, with long reverb and delay washing around every note.
Signal Chain
- 1Fender Black Strat (EMG SA active pickups)
- 2Hiwatt DR103 + Mesa Boogie (dual amp)
- 3Pete Cornish pedalboard (custom routing)
- 4Digitech IPS-33B harmoniser
Amp Settings
By 1987, Gilmour ran a Hiwatt and Mesa Boogie simultaneously for a wider, layered tone. The EMG SA active pickups are brighter and more compressed than vintage passive pickups — if using a passive Strat, roll back treble slightly. The harmoniser adds a subtle sub-octave on the longer sustained notes.
Technique
How to Play It
The intro solo is the fastest Gilmour recorded — more aggressive picking attack with less reliance on pure sustain. Still emphasises vibrato and melodic phrasing over speed, but the picking motion is more decisive than 1970s material. The long-reverb tail around each note requires careful volume management so the decay doesn't obscure the next phrase.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Strat with active pickups (EMG SA or equivalent) + Big Muff Pi + Boss RV-6 (hall reverb, long decay) + DD-8 (400ms, 2 repeats) into a high-headroom amp. A Mesa Boogie Mark series adds the tighter, more modern edge. Harmoniser is optional.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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