GuitarDistortedRiff
Hold the Line Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Toto
Toto · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1977 Gibson Les Paul Custom
Pickups
Stock Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top)
Amp
Marshall 1959 Super Lead (Plexi)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1978. Gear confirmed by multiple interviews and session notes for the debut Toto album. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; Lukather has stated in interviews that the riff was straight into the amp with minimal effects. Live rigs and later eras used different guitars and amps.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6.5
Reverb2.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- classic British crunch
- tight, percussive rhythm attack
- articulate chord definition
- punchy midrange
- slightly compressed, singing sustain
- warm but cutting bridge pickup tone
- dynamic response to picking
- minimal ambience
- no audible modulation or delay
- studio rhythm guitar clarity