GuitarDistortedRiff
Cherub Rock Riff Guitar Tone Settings — The Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Stratocaster (likely 1988-89 American Standard, with Lace Sensor pickups)
Pickups
Fender Lace Sensor Blue (neck), Silver (middle), Red (bridge)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 (modified with KT88 power tubes), Marshall 4x12 cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (Lace Sensor Red)
Studio recording, 1992-1993 for Siamese Dream. Billy Corgan used a Stratocaster with Lace Sensor pickups, an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff (op-amp version), and a Marshall JCM800 modified with KT88 tubes for increased headroom. Rhythm guitars were heavily layered in the studio. No evidence of live/touring gear or other amps for this specific riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain8
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Electro-Harmonix Big Muff (Op-Amp, 'IC' version) · fuzz
- MXR Phase 90 (likely) · phaser
Fender Stratocaster (Lace Sensor Red bridge pickup) → Electro-Harmonix Big Muff (Op-Amp) → MXR Phase 90 (subtle) → Marshall JCM800 2203 (KT88 tubes) → Marshall 4x12 cab
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Tone Character
- massive, saturated fuzz
- thick, sustaining power chords
- aggressive attack
- tight low end
- layered wall of sound
- clear note definition despite heavy gain
- slight phaser swirl
- compressed, focused midrange
- punchy and articulate
- notably smooth, violin-like sustain