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Gold On the Ceiling — The Black Keys1 / 2
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Gold On the Ceiling Riff Guitar Tone Settings — The Black Keys

The Black Keys · 2010s+ · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Ibanez Custom SG (white, triple humbucker, late 60s/early 70s model)
Pickups
Ibanez humbuckers (likely original, triple configuration)
Amp
Unknown vintage tube amp (likely Fender or Marshall, but not confirmed for this recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Gear is for studio recording of 'Gold On the Ceiling' (2011, El Camino album). Guitar confirmed by Equipboard and live footage; amp model not explicitly identified in any source for this song/recording. Pedals confirmed from studio rig rundown.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6.5
Gain
6
Reverb
2
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Fuzz · fuzz
  • EarthQuaker Devices Tone Job · eq

Ibanez Custom SG (bridge pickup) → EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Fuzz → EarthQuaker Devices Tone Job EQ → Vintage tube amp (likely Fender/Marshall) with light spring reverb

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Tone Character

  • fuzzy and saturated
  • thick and mid-heavy
  • punchy attack
  • raw garage rock edge
  • slightly compressed
  • vintage fuzz texture
  • clear note separation
  • aggressive but not harsh
  • bridge pickup bite
  • classic rock fuzz

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No explicit amp model or settings for the studio recording found; amp settings estimated based on genre, era, and typical Black Keys tones.
  • ⚠️Pedals confirmed from studio rig rundown and visual evidence, but exact knob settings not available.
  • ⚠️Amp effects (reverb) estimated at low level based on genre and audible tone.
  • ⚠️Pickup position inferred from tone and forum discussion; bridge pickup is most likely for main riff.
  • ⚠️If future sources confirm amp model/settings, update accordingly.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Dan Auerbach’s 'Gold On the Ceiling' riff uses a thick, crunchy, mid-forward tone typical of vintage British amps (often a cranked Marshall or similar), with strong mids and presence for punch, moderate gain for fuzzy breakup, and minimal reverb due to the dry, upfront production style.

Sources