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Deep Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (Stone Gossard, studio recording, 1991)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (stock, likely 490R/498T or similar PAF-style)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Ten album studio sessions, 1991)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1991. Stone Gossard played the main riff on a Les Paul through a cranked Marshall JCM800. Mike McCready played a Strat on other parts, but the main heavy riff is Gossard. No evidence of live/touring gear or alternate amps for this section.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass5.5
Gain7
Reverb2.5
Treble6.5
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (or similar mid-boost overdrive) · overdrive
Guitar → Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer → Marshall JCM800 2203 head (with spring reverb) → Marshall 4x12 cab
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Tone Character
- mid-forward drive
- tight and punchy
- grungy and saturated
- classic British crunch
- articulate attack
- hint of reverb for space
- full-bodied low end
- present upper mids
- aggressive pick attack
- slight compression from amp/pedal
Notes & Caveats
- No direct studio documentation for 'Deep' found, but all sources agree Stone Gossard used a Les Paul into a Marshall JCM800 for Ten's heavy riff sections.
- Amp settings are estimated based on Guitar World lesson for Pearl Jam rhythm tone (Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Reverb 3) and typical Marshall JCM800 usage for this genre/era.
- Pedal use is inferred from multiple sources referencing Tube Screamer/SD9/SansAmp for Ten album, but no direct pedalboard photo for 'Deep' session.
- No evidence of modulation or time-based effects (chorus, delay, flanger, phaser) on the riff section; only mild reverb is noted.
- Pickup choice is inferred from Les Paul bridge pickup being standard for heavy rhythm sections and confirmed by multiple sources for Stone's parts.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Stone Gossard's riff tone on 'Deep' is a saturated, mid-forward, classic hard rock crunch typical of early 90s grunge, likely using a Marshall JCM800 with moderate gain, balanced EQ, and subtle room reverb. The sound is punchy and aggressive but not overly scooped or fizzy, with enough mids to cut through and a tight low end.