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Do I Wanna Know? Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys · 2010s+ · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Vox Starstream XII 12-String
Pickups
Vox Starstream XII single coils (stock, 12-string configuration)
Amp
Selmer Zodiac Twin 30 (main), Magnatone Custom 410 (secondary, blended in studio)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2013. Alex Turner tracked the riff with the Vox Starstream XII 12-string through a Selmer Zodiac Twin 30 and Magnatone Custom 410, using a Coopersonic Valveslapper Dual-Valve Distortion for the signature heavy riff tone. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the studio riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6.5
Reverb4
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
Effects Chain
- Coopersonic Valveslapper Dual-Valve Distortion · distortion
Vox Starstream XII 12-String → Coopersonic Valveslapper Dual-Valve Distortion → Selmer Zodiac Twin 30 (with spring reverb and subtle tremolo) + Magnatone Custom 410 (blended in studio)
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Tone Character
- thick and saturated
- fuzzy edge with clarity
- heavy, percussive attack
- rich, harmonically complex overtones
- slightly compressed sustain
- subtle tremolo movement
- lush, splashy reverb
- tight, focused low end
- mid-forward British crunch
- 12-string shimmer layered into distortion
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings for Selmer Zodiac Twin 30 or Magnatone 410 found for this song; settings estimated based on typical British amp usage for heavy rock riff and genre/era conventions.
- Pedal settings for Coopersonic Valveslapper not specified in sources; pedal confirmed as primary distortion for riff.
- Subtle amp tremolo and reverb are described in sources but not quantified; values estimated from typical usage and audible effect.
- All gear, effects, and settings are for the STUDIO riff section only; live rigs and alternate guitars not included.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Alex Turner’s tone on 'Do I Wanna Know?' is a thick, mid-forward British crunch with moderate gain, slightly boosted bass and mids, restrained treble, and minimal reverb, typical of a Vox or Fender amp pushed to breakup with a pedal. The sound is warm, punchy, and not overly bright, matching the song’s heavy, bluesy riff.