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1979 (Remastered 2012) — The Smashing Pumpkins1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence

1979 (Remastered 2012) Guitar Tone Settings

The Smashing Pumpkins · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
1974 Fender Stratocaster (blue, DiMarzio pickups, Billy Corgan modded)
Pickups
DiMarzio single coil (exact model unspecified, likely DiMarzio HS-3 or similar as per Corgan's era modded Strats)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 (studio recording, typical for Mellon Collie era, but not explicitly confirmed for '1979' riff)
Pickup Position
Position 4 (neck + middle)

Studio recording, 1995 (Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness sessions). Guitar and amp confirmed for album era, but not for this specific song section. No explicit pedalboard or amp settings for '1979' riff found in sources.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
6
Gain
4.5
Reverb
3.5
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Chorus pedal (model unknown) · chorus
  • Compressor pedal (model unknown) · compression

Guitar → Compressor → Chorus → Marshall JCM800 (with plate reverb)

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Tone Character

  • glassy and shimmering
  • chimey Stratocaster clean
  • modulated, swirling texture
  • tight, percussive attack
  • lush, dreamy ambience
  • subtle compression
  • not heavily saturated
  • distinct chorus effect
  • clear note definition
  • dynamic, touch-sensitive response

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No explicit amp or pedal settings for '1979' riff found in sources; settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Corgan studio setup.
  • ⚠️Pedal and effect models are inferred from audio and era, not directly cited for this song/section.
  • ⚠️Pickup position inferred from typical Stratocaster glassy tone and Corgan's known preferences.
  • ⚠️Amp model inferred from Mellon Collie era studio practices; not explicitly confirmed for '1979' riff.
  • ⚠️No evidence of Big Muff or high-gain fuzz on this section; clean/modulated tone is dominant.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The '1979' riff uses a clean-to-crunch tone with moderate gain, balanced EQ, and subtle ambience, typical of Billy Corgan's mid-90s approach with a Strat and JC-120 or clean Marshall. Mids are slightly forward for clarity, with restrained bass and treble for the dreamy, smooth character.

Sources