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Adam's Song Riff Guitar Tone Settings — blink-182
blink-182 · 1990s · punk
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Tom DeLonge Subcaster (prototype of Fender Sub-Sonic, 27" scale, Seymour Duncan Invader bridge pickup, orange finish)
Pickups
Seymour Duncan Invader (bridge humbucker, wired as only pickup)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier (studio recording, 1999)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (Seymour Duncan Invader)
Studio recording for 'Adam's Song' (1999, Enema of the State). Tom DeLonge used the prototype Fender Subcaster with a single Seymour Duncan Invader bridge pickup. The amp was a Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier, as confirmed for the album era. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the clean riff section; clean tone achieved via amp channel and guitar volume. No chorus, delay, or modulation audible or cited for the clean part.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass6
Gain0
Reverb2.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- bright and glassy
- articulate note separation
- tight and percussive attack
- slightly scooped mids
- clear, present highs
- controlled low end
- no audible breakup
- no modulation or delay
- bridge humbucker clarity
- studio-clean, modern punk
Notes & Caveats
- Gain adjusted to 0 for clean tone
- No direct source lists exact amp knob settings for the clean riff; settings estimated based on typical Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier clean channel use in late 1990s pop-punk context.
- No evidence of pedals or modulation/time-based effects for the clean riff section; all sources and audio indicate a dry, amp-only clean tone.
- Pickup choice is certain due to single-pickup guitar design.
- Settings may differ slightly from live performances or other songs on the album.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Tom DeLonge used a Marshall JCM900 with moderate gain for a crunchy, punchy pop-punk tone, favoring balanced mids and slightly boosted treble for clarity. The production is tight and dry with minimal reverb, matching late 90s punk rock conventions.