GuitarDistortedRiff
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
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain4.5
Reverb3.5
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
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