TonesMatch
H. — TOOL1 / 2
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GuitarCleanRiff80% confidence

H. Riff Guitar Tone Settings — TOOL

TOOL · 1990s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst (late 1970s)
Pickups
Stock Gibson T-Top humbuckers
Amp
Diezel VH4 (Channel 1 or 2 for clean), possibly blended with Marshall Super Bass (studio recording, 1996/1997)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup

Studio recording for 'Ænima' (1996/1997). Adam Jones is known to layer multiple amps, but the clean sections are most likely the Les Paul Custom into the Diezel VH4 on a clean channel, possibly with some Marshall Super Bass blended in. No evidence of Fender or other guitars/amps for this part.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
6
Gain
0
Reverb
1.5
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Boss DD-3 Digital Delay · delay
  • Boss BF-2 Flanger · flanger
  • DOD FX40B Equalizer · eq

Guitar → DOD FX40B EQ → Boss DD-3 Delay → Boss BF-2 Flanger → Diezel VH4 (clean channel, light digital reverb)

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Tone Character

  • glassy and clean
  • slightly compressed
  • warm and rounded
  • clear note separation
  • subtle delay ambience
  • minimal breakup
  • articulate and dynamic
  • studio depth and layering
  • no audible overdrive
  • neck pickup warmth

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️Gain adjusted to 0 for clean tone
  • ⚠️No direct source confirms exact amp channel or knob settings for the clean section of 'H.'; settings are estimated based on typical Diezel VH4 clean channel use and Adam Jones' known studio gear from the Ænima era.
  • ⚠️Some forum speculation about Fender guitars for the clean part, but no credible evidence supports this for the studio recording.
  • ⚠️Pedal/effect settings are inferred from audible recording characteristics and Adam Jones' known pedalboard from the era, as no direct studio notes for 'H.' clean section exist.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Adam Jones on 'H.' uses a thick, mid-forward crunch with moderate gain, tight but not boomy lows, and restrained treble for a dark, vocal-like tone. The amp is likely a Diezel VH4 or Marshall Silver Jubilee, set for clarity and punch without excess fizz. Reverb is minimal, as the track is quite dry and punchy.

Sources