GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Crash Course In Brain Surgery (2013 Remaster) Guitar Tone Settings
Budgie · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1971-1972, as used by Tony Bourge on the original Budgie recording)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or early patent sticker humbuckers, stock to early 70s SG Standard)
Amp
Marshall Super Lead 100 (Plexi or early JMP, 1970s era, likely through a Marshall 4x12 cabinet with Celestion Greenback speakers)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, original 1971 session (2013 Remaster is a remaster of the original). No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; classic Marshall SG setup. No evidence of live-specific gear or effects for this section.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6
Reverb0.5
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- classic British crunch
- raw, punchy midrange
- tight, percussive attack
- open, dynamic response
- slightly compressed from amp overdrive
- articulate note separation
- dry, in-your-face rhythm
- bridge pickup bite
- Marshall amp saturation
- no audible effects
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source lists for this specific recording's gear or settings; all information inferred from era, genre, and known Budgie/Tony Bourge interviews and photos.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used on the riff section; classic Marshall/SG setup inferred.
- Settings estimated based on typical Marshall Super Lead usage in early 1970s British hard rock.
- No evidence of amp reverb or time-based effects; the tone is dry and direct.
- Pickup choice inferred from tone and live footage; bridge pickup is standard for this riff.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Budgie's 'Crash Course In Brain Surgery' riff tone is classic early 70s British hard rock: crunchy but not saturated, with strong mids and a balanced EQ. The guitar is forward and dry, likely through a cranked Marshall or similar amp, with minimal reverb and no scooping, reflecting the era's production and the band's typical settings.