The Beatles-Paperback Writer-Guitar Cover

Released as a single in 1966,
“Paperback Writer” – The Beatles
(B-side: Rain)

Recording began with all four members cutting the basic track live in the studio.

Paul McCartney – lead guitar (Epiphone Casino)
John Lennon – Gretsch guitar (an unusual choice for him on this track)
George Harrison – tambourine

At one time, it was suggested that George may have played a guide bass on the basic track, as session photographs show him holding a Burns bass. However, this is now generally considered unlikely.

Paul’s guitar on the basic track is particularly striking.
How that sound was achieved remains something of a mystery. I made many attempts, but couldn’t get especially close.

After the basic track was completed, Paul used one track exclusively to overdub the bass.

For this recording, I began by programming the drums, then laid down the bass part.
Video focusing on the bass performance only:
   • Paperback Writer-The Beatles Bass Guitar p...  
(Paperback Writer – The Beatles Bass Guitar Cover)

Gear Used

Guitars
Epiphone Casino
Strings: D’Addario EXL110 (Nickel Roundwound, Regular Light)

Gretsch G5622T
Strings: ARIA AGS-900L (Flatwound, .012–)

On the Casino, flatwound strings tend to dull the low E and A, so I use roundwounds instead.

The original recording features two additional guitar parts generally attributed to George.
Whether these were overdubbed or captured during the basic track is unclear, but I didn’t feel they were essential, so I left them out this time.

Amplification / Effects
I used AmpliTube 5 SE.
Amp: British Copper 30TB (AC-30TB)
Speakers: Brit Green
Mic: Dynamic 57

I used a tremolo pedal rather than the amp’s tremolo circuit.
Instead of driving the amp, I used an inexpensive overdrive pedal I had on hand, as it pairs well with single-pickup guitars.

#beatles #beatlescover #epiphone #gretsch