GuitarDistortedRiff
(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. Rhythm/riff section used the ES-175 into the Music Man 410-65 combo, channel 2, input 1, Bright switch on. No pedals in the signal chain for the riff; effects were added in the studio. Settings and gear confirmed by Guitar World and Guitar World '25 Greatest Classic Rock Guitar Tones'.
Amp Settings
Mids7.5
Bass4.5
Gain4
Reverb1.5
Treble6
Presence5
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- bright and articulate
- haunting jangle
- warm and smooth
- slight edge-of-breakup
- clean with subtle ambience
- full-bodied jazz box tone
- clear note separation
- not heavily compressed
- airy and open
- subtle studio thickening