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Barracuda — Heart1 / 2
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Barracuda Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Heart

Heart · 1970s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
1970s Gibson SG Standard (likely 1968, as per studio photos/interviews)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (original late-60s/early-70s spec, likely patent sticker or T-Top)
Amp
Fender 'Narrow Panel Tweed' Bassman 5F6 (1958-1960)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1977. The riff section was tracked by Nancy Wilson using her Gibson SG into a Fender Bassman. The signature flanger effect was achieved with a custom-built analog flanger (Phoenix Systems/Erickson Audio Research PFL-1 Pro Flanger). No evidence of additional overdrive/distortion pedals in the studio chain; amp was cranked for natural overdrive. All gear confirmed for studio recording of 'Barracuda' riff, not live or other songs.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
6.5
Reverb
0.5
Treble
7
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Phoenix Systems/Erickson Audio Research PFL-1 Pro Flanger (custom kit) · flanger

Gibson SG → Phoenix Systems/Erickson Audio Research PFL-1 Pro Flanger → Fender Bassman 5F6 (cranked, no reverb)

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Tone Character

  • aggressive and biting
  • tight and percussive
  • distinct analog flanger sweep
  • mid-forward classic rock crunch
  • articulate and dynamic
  • full-bodied with harmonic richness
  • swirling modulation texture
  • amp-driven overdrive
  • clear note separation
  • not overly compressed

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct numeric amp knob settings found; values estimated based on typical Fender Bassman settings for classic rock crunch and era.
  • ⚠️Some sources reference live rigs and modern recreations (e.g., Budda amps, TS9, modern flangers), but these are NOT used on the original studio recording.
  • ⚠️Flanger pedal was a custom Phoenix Systems/Erickson Audio Research unit, not a commercial pedal; settings not documented.
  • ⚠️No evidence of reverb, delay, or additional gain pedals on the original studio riff section.
  • ⚠️Pickup choice inferred from classic rock convention and tone analysis; bridge pickup is most likely for the riff.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The 'Barracuda' riff features a classic mid-forward, crunchy 70s hard rock tone, likely from a cranked Marshall with moderate gain, strong mids, and slightly boosted treble and presence for bite. The recording is quite dry, with minimal reverb, and the bass is tight but not overwhelming to keep the riff articulate.

Sources