In this exploration, we delve into the iconic guitar sound of Mark Knopfler, specifically dissecting the intro and first solo of ‘Lions’ from Dire Straits’ debut album (1978). Through a comparative approach, we’ll analyze how different guitars—a Fender-style ‘Partocaster,’ a Suhr, and a Schecter Dream Machine replica—capture and interpret Knopfler’s signature tone. Each guitar will be put to the test, played three times over a backing track to showcase its unique sonic characteristics in relation to Knopfler’s distinct style.
This isn’t about creating a carbon copy of the original recording, but rather an insightful journey into the nuances of Knopfler’s sound across various guitar configurations. Expect to hear familiar licks with slight variations, a different second rhythm guitar part, a re-imagined bass line, drum variations, and altered guitar licks, all contributing to a fresh yet recognizable rendition of ‘Lions’. All guitars are recorded using a Soundcraft UI24R digital mixing desk, with all effects and amp emulations sourced directly from this versatile device, ensuring a consistent recording environment throughout the demonstration.
The Guitars in Focus: A Trio of Tones
Let’s break down the specifications of each guitar used in this demonstration, highlighting how they contribute to achieving different facets of the Mark Knopfler Guitar sound.
A) Fender Sound: The ‘Partocaster’
This ‘Partocaster’ embodies the classic Fender Stratocaster vibe, a cornerstone of Knopfler’s early sound. Featuring a body from a 1983 JV Squier Strat, complemented by a neck from a similar Squier model, this guitar is built with vintage sensibilities in mind. The tremolo system is upgraded with a Callaham steel block, enhancing sustain and resonance. The pickup configuration is a thoughtful blend: a Fender Strat pickup in the neck position for smooth, articulate tones, a DiMarzio FS-1 in the middle for added punch and output, and a MK61 at the bridge for a hotter, more modern edge. Both the neck and body are finished in nitro lacquer, contributing to the guitar’s vintage feel and sonic character.
The pickup combination is key here. The vintage-style bridge pickup paired with the hotter DiMarzio in the middle creates a unique sonic palette, reacting dynamically to volume and tone pot adjustments. Unlike a setup with two vintage pickups, this configuration offers greater versatility. Experimentation with the volume and tone pots is crucial to dial in the desired sound. Rolling back the volume softens any harshness, while adjusting the tone pot from a bright amp setting allows for fine-tuning to achieve a pleasing and balanced tone. The guitar is strung with 09 gauge nickel strings, typical for achieving that classic Fender snap and playability.
B) Suhr MK-1: Modern Refinement
Representing Knopfler’s 90s sound, the Suhr MK-1 offers a more contemporary take on the Stratocaster formula. While ‘Lions’ was not a staple of Knopfler’s 90s setlists, this guitar embodies the refined tones associated with his Pensa-Suhr era. This particular Suhr model, featured in previous demonstrations, boasts stainless steel frets, which contribute to a brighter, more articulate tone and enhanced durability. Interestingly, the neck and middle pickup combination is utilized here, mirroring Knopfler’s occasional preference for this configuration on his Pensa Suhr guitars during the 90s, deviating from the more common bridge and middle pickup pairing often associated with his Stratocaster sound.
The licks played on this Suhr are inspired by the 1981 live renditions of ‘Lions’, showcasing a blend of vintage inspiration and modern playability. The guitar is strung with 10 gauge nickel-plated strings, offering a slightly thicker tone and enhanced sustain compared to the 09s on the Partocaster.
C) Schecter Dream Machine Replica: The 80s Icon
This self-built Schecter Dream Machine replica aims to capture the essence of Knopfler’s 80s guitar sound, specifically reminiscent of his red Schecter Stratocaster. Constructed from a solid block of Bubinga wood for the body and Pao Ferro for the neck, this guitar is a unique and substantial instrument. Bubinga, known for its hardness and density, results in a heavier Stratocaster with a distinct sonic character. It features a brass Dream Machine Tremolo and a ‘Making Movies’ style brass pickguard loaded with F500T pickup replicas, mirroring the specifications of the original Schecter Dream Machines. While in 1981 Knopfler’s red Schecter featured non-tapped Seymour Duncan pickups, by 1980, he was using tapped pickups similar to those in this replica for songs like ‘Lions’ on stage.
The heavy Bubinga wood gives this guitar a unique and powerful sound, making it versatile across various musical styles. The tapped pickups offer an impressive 26 different sound combinations, providing a wide tonal palette. For this demonstration, the bridge and middle pickup combination is used, with both mini-switches in the down position, engaging the tapped coil on both pickups. A treble bleed capacitor on the volume pot ensures clarity and brightness even when the volume is rolled back, as demonstrated in the video. The tone pot is also slightly rolled off, allowing for subtle tonal shaping. Like the Partocaster, this guitar is strung with 09 gauge nickel-plated strings, providing a comfortable playing experience.
Conclusion: Exploring Knopfler’s Sonic Versatility
This exploration through ‘Lions’ and these three distinct guitars illustrates the breadth of Mark Knopfler’s guitar sound. From the vintage Fender snap of the ‘Partocaster’ to the modern refinement of the Suhr and the powerful 80s tones of the Schecter replica, each guitar offers a unique lens through which to appreciate Knopfler’s iconic style. By understanding the nuances of each instrument and their respective eras in Knopfler’s career, guitarists can gain valuable insights into recreating and adapting his legendary sound for their own musical journeys.
