(Don't Fear) The Reaper — Blue Öyster Cult1 / 2
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(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

Mids
7.5
Bass
4.5
Gain
4
Reverb
1.5
Treble
6
Presence
5

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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

Sources