1901 Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Phoenix
Phoenix · 2000s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Studio recording, 2008-2009 era. Guitarist Laurent Brancowitz confirmed using Fender Bullet 2S for '1901' in Letterman performance and interviews. Amp confirmed as Fender Twin Reverb in studio, with Vox also mentioned. Custom Tube Screamer-style overdrive pedal used, built by their tech. Minimal effects, mostly dry signal except for overdrive and subtle chorus/delay. No evidence of live/touring gear for this specific recording.
Amp Settings
Effects Chain
- Custom Tube Screamer-style Overdrive · overdrive
- Ibanez Chorus Mini · chorus
- MXR M169 Carbon Copy · delay
Fender Bullet Deluxe → Custom Tube Screamer-style Overdrive → (possible) Chorus → (possible) Delay → Fender Twin Reverb (spring reverb on low)
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Tone Character
- bright and articulate
- tight and punchy
- slight breakup
- percussive attack
- clear note separation
- modest overdrive
- minimal sustain
- crisp and defined
- subtle ambience
- indie pop/rock clarity
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings found; values estimated based on typical Fender Twin Reverb settings for indie/rock edge-of-breakup tones and era.
- Pedal model is a custom Tube Screamer-style overdrive, not commercially available; settings not published.
- Chorus and delay pedals are seen on Brancowitz's board in some videos, but not confirmed as used on the studio recording of '1901' riff; included with lower confidence.
- No evidence of additional modulation or time-based effects in the riff section; chorus/delay are subtle if present.
- Amp reverb is likely used at a low setting for ambience, based on genre and amp type.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The '1901' riff tone is tight, punchy, and mid-forward with a crisp, slightly compressed attack, typical of indie rock in the late 2000s. Phoenix often used Fender amps and single-coil guitars, favoring edge-of-breakup to light crunch, with a bright, present top end and minimal reverb to keep the riff articulate in the mix.