Sound Like Robert Smith
Robert Smith is one of the most recognisable voices in gothic rock — a dark and atmospherically rich player who shaped the sound of a defining era for electric guitar. Robert Smith of The Cure turned the guitar into a melancholic, atmospheric instrument — heavy chorus on clean tones, minor arpeggios on the neck pickup and a dark romanticism that defined the 1980s gothic rock sound. Below are complete rig guides at four budget levels, so you can start building their sound whether you're just starting out or ready to invest in the full setup.
Budget Comparison
Pick Your Budget Level
£200 · Beginner
~£188
- ModulationTC Electronic Vibraclone
- AmpFender Frontman 15R
£500 · Sweet Spot
~£496
- OverdriveJoyo Vintage Overdrive
- ModulationWalrus Audio Julia
- AmpBoss Katana 50 MkII
- DelayTC Electronic Flashback 2
£2,500 · Premium
~£2495
- GuitarEpiphone ES-339
- ModulationStrymon Mobius
- AmpFender Deluxe Reverb (Reissue)
- DelayStrymon Timeline
- ReverbBoss RV-6 Reverb
Tone Profile
Robert Smith's Sound
Gibson ES-345 or Fender Jazzmaster into a Roland JC-120 or Fender clean amp, with an Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger and heavy chorus. The tone is always clean — never overdriven. The Electric Mistress flanger is almost always engaged, creating the slightly detuned, ethereal quality.
Tone Match
Closest Real-World Tone Match
If you like Robert Smith's tone, these players use a similar approach — same gear philosophy, comparable sound characteristics.