{"id":10950,"date":"2026-11-05T21:08:02","date_gmt":"2026-11-05T20:08:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guitareffect.fr\/10950\/2026\/11\/05\/news\/how-can-i-get-david-gilmours-sound\/"},"modified":"2026-11-05T21:09:48","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T20:09:48","slug":"how-can-i-get-david-gilmours-sound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guitareffect.fr\/en\/10950\/2026\/11\/05\/tips-tricks\/how-can-i-get-david-gilmours-sound\/","title":{"rendered":"How can I get David Gilmour’s sound?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

David Gilmour, Pink Floyd’s legendary guitarist, has left his mark on rock history with his highly melodic and expressive style. His guitar playing\u2014both minimalist and rich in texture\u2014has inspired millions of musicians around the world. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

What makes his sound so recognizable is a subtle combination of classic effects\u2014 <\/strong>overdrive, delay, compression, and modulation\u2014that create a unique, spacious atmosphere, especially <\/strong>during his memorable solos like \u201cComfortably Numb\u201d<\/em> or \u201cShine On You Crazy Diamond.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explore how to recreate this iconic sound using modern, affordable pedals<\/strong>, while also examining Gilmour\u2019s gear choices over the years.<\/p>\n\n

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David Gilmour\u2019s Pedalboard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Let\u2019s start by taking a closer look at at the gear David Gilmour uses or has used\u2026 <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Since the 1970s, Gilmour has worked with Pete Cornish<\/strong>, a sound engineer who has designed several versions of his pedalboard, incorporating specific effects for each period of his career. Gilmour\u2019s pedalboard has evolved over the years,<\/strong> but several pedals have remained constant and are emblematic of his sound.<\/p>\n\n

Here are some of the most famous pedals he has used:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Chandler Tube Driver <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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\"Chandler<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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This tube overdrive pedal is a cornerstone of Gilmour\u2019s sound, especially for his solos. It allows him to achieve a warm, controlled distortion<\/strong>, as heard on \u201cComfortably Numb\u201d<\/em> and many other songs from the *A Momentary Lapse of Reason*<\/em> era onward. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Its tube circuit gives it a natural saturation with rich mids and a dynamic response, ideal for expressive, sustained solos.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (Ram\u2019s Head)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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\"Big<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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This specific version of the Big Muff is crucial to Gilmour’s sound, especially for legendary solos such as “Comfortably Numb<\/em> ” and “Time<\/em>.” During the *The Wall*<\/em> era and beyond, the Big Muff played a key role in creating the thick, distorted sound that characterizes his solos<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

The “Ram\u2019s Head” version offers a smoother, creamier sound than other Big Muff models, with distortion rich in harmonics and excellent response to playing dynamics.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

ProCo Rat Distortion <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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\"RAT,<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Used primarily by Gilmour in the 1980s, the ProCo Rat allowed him to achieve a more aggressive and cutting distortion<\/strong>. It was part of his live setups, particularly during the tours following the album *A Momentary Lapse of Reason<\/em>*. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

The ProCo Rat is known for its abrasive character, with a gritty distortion that still maintains clarity in the high frequencies\u2014<\/strong> perfect for sharp, powerful leads.<\/p>\n\n

MXR Dyna-Comp and Boss CS-2 Compressor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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Gilmour did indeed use both of these compressors. The Dyna-Comp is known for providing extended sustain, which is ideal <\/strong>for his slow, expressive solos. The Boss CS-2 was used throughout the 1980s and 1990s\u2014particularly on tour\u2014to give him greater control over his sound. <\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

The Dyna-Comp is known for its fast attack and smooth sustain,<\/strong> while the Boss CS-2 is more versatile, with controls that let you adjust the attack and compression level,<\/strong> offering finer control over the signal.<\/p>\n\n

Binson Echorec 2 <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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\"Binson<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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This tape delay is iconic to Gilmour’s sound in the 1970s, particularly on songs like ” Echoes<\/em>.” The Binson Echorec was capable of creating unique multi-head delay effects<\/strong>. Although hard to find today, modern pedals like the Strymon Volante<\/em> or the Catalinbread Echorec<\/em> faithfully reproduce this effect. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Its multi-head tape mechanism generates complex, dense echoes with natural modulation, making it a key element of Pink Floyd’s psychedelic sound.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

MXR Phase 90 <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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This simple yet powerful phaser was used by Gilmour to add subtle, atmospheric modulation.<\/strong> It is particularly prominent in songs like “Shine On You Crazy Diamond<\/em>,” where it adds depth and movement to the sound.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

The Phase 90 is prized for its simplicity (a single control knob), producing smooth modulation with a warm, enveloping sweep that adds a subtle movement to the sound without making it too intrusive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Cry Baby Wah modified by Pete Cornish <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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\""Cry<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Gilmour often used a Wah pedal modified by Pete Cornish to add extra expressiveness to his solos. This <\/strong>pedal, adjusted to match his tonal preferences, remained a staple of his pedalboard for many years. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Cornish’s modification adjusts the wah’s frequency range, giving Gilmour greater control over the filter’s opening while reducing operational noise, resulting in a more musical and balanced effect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Guitars & Amps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

It\u2019s hard to discuss David Gilmour\u2019s sound without mentioning his guitars and amps\u2026<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

Gilmour has long remained faithful to his Fender Stratocaster<\/strong>, including the model Signed by David Gilmour<\/strong> from Fender’s Custom Shop, equipped with EMG pickups. When it comes to amps, he prefers simple setups, with a Hiwatt Custom 50-watt<\/strong> and sometimes some Reissues of the Fender Bassman<\/strong> for a clear, slightly overdriven tone. It\u2019s important to remember that the beauty of Gilmour\u2019s tone also lies in his minimalist approach: minimal gear in the signal chain, but exceptional control over frequencies and dynamics. To reproduce this tone at home, a Fender Deluxe Reverb<\/strong> could be a good, more affordable alternative, by adjusting the EQ settings to boost the mids and lows while slightly reducing the highs.<\/p>\n\n

What pedals and effects can you use to emulate the sound of David Gilmour and Pink Floyd?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Now let\u2019s get down to business! What modern gear could possibly simulate and come close to Mr. Gilmour\u2019s iconic sound? <\/p>\n\n

1. Delay and reverb: the key to a spacious sound<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Gilmour\u2019s sound relies heavily on the use of complex delays\u2014often combined with reverb\u2014to create a dreamy atmosphere.<\/strong> Delay is particularly prominent in his melodic solos, while reverb adds depth and an \u201catmospheric\u201d quality.<\/p>\n\n

Here are a few models that fit this concept: <\/p>\n\n

Strymon TimeLine (Delay)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

The Strymon TimeLine is a high-end digital delay pedal, ideal for recreating David Gilmour\u2019s delay sounds. It offers 12 different delay types, including emulations of tape delays like the Binson Echorec used <\/strong>by Gilmour. Its highly flexible parameters and intuitive user interface allow you to recreate the ambient and complex delays characteristic of Gilmour\u2019s atmospheric solos.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n