GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
DON'T PLAY Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Turnstile
Turnstile · 2010s+ · punk
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gretsch Duo Jet
Pickups
Gretsch Filter'Tron humbuckers
Amp
EVH 5150III 100-Watt Tube Head blended with Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'DON'T PLAY' (2021, GLOW ON album). Pat McCrory used a Gretsch Duo Jet for much of the record, specifically for the riff section to emphasize high strings and full chords. The amp tone was achieved by blending an EVH 5150III and a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, as confirmed by multiple interviews and gear rundowns. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this section.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass6
Gain7.5
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Fulltone OCD · overdrive
- Fortin Zuul Noise Gate · noise_gate
Gretsch Duo Jet → Fulltone OCD (boost as needed) → Fortin Zuul Noise Gate → EVH 5150III/Mesa Dual Rectifier (blended, minimal reverb)
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Tone Character
- fat and crunchy
- tons of clarity
- dynamic rhythm guitar tone
- full chords with high string emphasis
- very thick
- accented heaviness
- gritty
- punchy
- tight and percussive
- modern hardcore edge
Notes & Caveats
- No exact amp knob settings found in sources; values estimated based on typical EVH 5150III/Mesa Dual Rectifier settings for modern punk/hardcore and described tone.
- Pedal usage for the riff section is minimal per interviews; no evidence of modulation or time-based effects in the main riff.
- Pickup choice inferred from 'emphasizing high strings' and typical rhythm tone; bridge pickup is most likely.
- If alternate guitars (Jackson, Gibson) or amps (Peavey 6505) are mentioned, they are not confirmed for this specific recording/section.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Turnstile's 'DON'T PLAY' riff features a modern, punchy hardcore tone with high gain, tight low end, and forward mids for aggression. The treble and presence are set high enough for clarity and cut, but not harsh, and the reverb is minimal for a dry, immediate sound typical of the genre and band's production style.