Billion Dollar Babies — Alice Cooper1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff

Billion Dollar Babies Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper · 1970s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (Hunterburst, Steve Hunter's guitar on the recording)
Pickups
Humbuckers (likely Gibson PAF-style, original to the Les Paul Standard)
Amp
Marshall amplifier (exact model not specified, likely a Plexi or Super Lead, as used in early 1970s rock sessions)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1972-1973, Billion Dollar Babies album. Steve Hunter played the main riff section using his Hunterburst Les Paul through a cranked Marshall amp. No evidence of live/touring rig or alternate guitars for this part.

Amp Settings

Mids
3.5
Bass
4.5
Gain
7.5
Reverb
2
Treble
8
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • Overdrive pedal (model unknown) · overdrive

Gibson Les Paul Standard → Overdrive pedal (if used) → Marshall amp (spring reverb low)

Tone Matcher

Match This Tone to Your Gear

Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.

7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.

Tone Character

  • aggressive British crunch
  • tight and percussive attack
  • bright and cutting
  • focused mid-scoop
  • classic 1970s hard rock edge
  • saturated but not fuzzy
  • articulate riff clarity
  • punchy low end (though not boomy)
  • slightly compressed dynamics
  • raw, in-your-face presence

Sources