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Alison Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1970s Fender Telecaster
Pickups
Fender single-coil (stock Telecaster pickups, 1970s)
Amp
Peavey Deuce VT Series 212 Combo
Pickup Position
Neck pickup
Studio recording, 1977. Gear confirmed for 'My Aim Is True' era and specifically associated with Costello's early clean tones. No evidence of pedals or additional effects for the clean riff section. Live setups may vary, but this matches the original studio recording.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain0
Reverb3
Treble6.5
Presence5
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Tone Character
- clean and chimey
- bright and articulate
- warm low end
- slightly scooped mids
- clear note separation
- touch-sensitive dynamics
- slight amp reverb for space
- no audible compression or modulation
- present but not harsh highs
- classic pub rock clean
Notes & Caveats
- Gain adjusted to 0 for clean tone
- No direct source lists exact amp knob settings for 'Alison' studio recording; settings estimated based on typical Peavey Deuce clean settings for 1970s pub rock and Telecaster pairing.
- No evidence of pedals or additional effects in the clean riff section; all effects inferred from audio and amp capabilities.
- Some sources mention other guitars (Jazzmaster, J-160E) in Costello's collection, but Telecaster is most consistently cited for this era and song.
- If new evidence emerges of a different amp or pedal used on the studio recording, settings may need revision.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Costello's 'Alison' riff features a clean, slightly warm tone typical of late 70s pub rock, likely using a Fender amp (like a Twin Reverb) set just above clean with forward mids and moderate treble. The production is dry but not completely, with subtle spring reverb and no pronounced breakup or scooping.