GuitarCleanRiff80% confidence
Fire In Cairo Riff Guitar Tone Settings — The Cure
The Cure · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Jazzmaster (likely 1978-1979, as used by Robert Smith on Three Imaginary Boys sessions)
Pickups
Fender Jazzmaster single-coil pickups
Amp
Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1970s)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1978-1979; Three Imaginary Boys album sessions. No direct evidence for pedals or alternate amp. No evidence of live/tour gear for this section.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass5.5
Gain2
Reverb3.5
Treble7
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- bright and glassy
- articulate and percussive
- slightly jangly
- shimmering highs
- tight and focused
- minimal sustain
- dynamic and responsive
- single-coil clarity
- subtle spring reverb ambience
- no audible modulation
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source confirms exact guitar, amp, or pedal models/settings for the studio recording of 'Fire In Cairo'.
- Gear and settings estimated based on era, genre, Robert Smith's known gear for Three Imaginary Boys, and careful listening to the clean riff section.
- No evidence of pedals or modulation effects in the clean riff section; only amp spring reverb is audible.
- If future evidence emerges of alternate gear or effects, update accordingly.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The Cure's 'Fire In Cairo' riff features a jangly, clean-to-edge-of-breakup tone typical of late '70s post-punk, likely using a Fender or Hiwatt amp with mids pushed for clarity and presence, moderate bass, and bright but not harsh treble. Reverb is subtle, just enough for space, matching the era's production and Robert Smith's early tone preferences.