GuitarDistortedRiff
Dreams Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Van Halen
Van Halen · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Ernie Ball Music Man EVH Signature (1985 prototype or production model, likely hardtail, maple neck, basswood body, bridge humbucker)
Pickups
Custom DiMarzio/Ernie Ball Music Man bridge humbucker
Amp
Peavey 5150 (prototype or early production, likely 100W head, 4x12 cab with Celestion G12M speakers)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1985-1986. 'Dreams' was recorded for the 5150 album, the first Van Halen record with Sammy Hagar. Eddie used his new Ernie Ball Music Man signature guitar and the prototype Peavey 5150 amp. No evidence of pedals in the riff section; chorus effect is clearly audible and likely added in post or via rack unit. No evidence of flanger or phaser in the riff. No evidence of delay in the riff section. Chorus is a defining part of the clean/chorused rhythm tone.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain6.5
Reverb3.5
Treble7
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Chorus effect (likely rack or post, model unknown) · chorus
Ernie Ball Music Man EVH → (Chorus effect, likely rack/post) → Peavey 5150 head → 4x12 cab
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Tone Character
- bright and glassy
- lush chorus shimmer
- tight and percussive
- high clarity and articulation
- wide stereo image
- slightly compressed
- cleaner than typical Van Halen rhythm
- articulate pick attack
- minimal amp breakup
- polished 80s production
Sources
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
studio