GuitarCleanRiff80% confidence
(Don't Fear) The Reaper Guitar Tone Settings — Blue Öyster Cult
Blue Öyster Cult · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
c. 1960s Gibson ES-175
Pickups
Gibson PAF-style humbucker (bridge position)
Amp
1975 Music Man 410-65 combo (four 10-inch Eminence ceramic-magnet speakers)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1976. Clean rhythm/riff section used the ES-175 (bridge pickup) into the Music Man 410-65, channel 2, input 1, Bright switch on. Settings from studio session notes. No pedals used for clean riff section; effects were studio plate reverb and tape delay for ambience.
Amp Settings
Mids7.5
Bass4.5
Gain4
Reverb1.5
Treble6
Presence5
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Tone Character
- bright and articulate
- haunting jangle
- clean and shimmering
- subtle studio ambience
- tight and percussive attack
- warm midrange
- slightly scooped lows
- clear note separation
- no audible distortion
- bridge pickup clarity
Notes & Caveats
- All settings and gear are for the STUDIO recording, riff/clean section only. The solo section uses a different guitar (Gibson SG) and different amp settings.
- No pedals were used for the clean riff section; all effects were applied in the studio (EMT plate reverb, tape delay).
- Amp reverb was OFF (reverb: 0); ambience is from studio plate reverb.
- Presence setting is estimated as Music Man 410-65 does not have a labeled 'presence' knob; set to 5 for neutrality.
- No chorus, flanger, or modulation effects are audible or cited for the clean riff section.
- All guitar and amp settings are from direct studio documentation and interviews; no live/touring gear included.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The riff tone is classic mid-70s rock: edge of breakup with clear note definition, moderate warmth, and forward mids typical of a cranked Fender or Vox-style amp. The bass is full but not boomy, treble is present but not harsh, and there's a touch of spring reverb for space, matching the production and Buck Dharma's known amp preferences.