How Soon Is Now? (12" Version) Guitar Tone Settings — The Smiths
The Smiths · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Studio recording, 1984 (released 1985). Rhythm riff section was recorded with a Les Paul Standard into DI, then re-amped through four Fender Twin Reverbs with synchronized tremolo. Producer John Porter and Johnny Marr each controlled two amps for stereo spread. Some sources mention initial tracking with a Roland Jazz Chorus and DI, but the iconic tremolo rhythm is the result of the Twin Reverb re-amp. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for THIS riff section.
Amp Settings
Effects Chain
- Boss TR-2 Tremolo (or similar, possibly custom or studio rack tremolo) · tremolo
Gibson Les Paul Standard (coil-tapped bridge pickup) → DI → re-amped through four Fender Twin Reverbs (all with tremolo and spring reverb engaged, stereo panned, some tracks possibly with Boss TR-2 Tremolo in front)
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Tone Character
- pulsating and hypnotic
- rich, shimmering sustain
- stereo, bouncing tremolo pattern
- percussive, chime-like attack
- lush, modulated texture
- slightly overdriven clean tone
- ambient, swirling soundscape
- distinctive rhythmic pulse
- deep tremolo depth
- studio-crafted, multi-amp layering
Notes & Caveats
- No exact amp knob settings found; values estimated based on typical Fender Twin Reverb settings for 1980s studio rock and the described tone.
- Some sources mention initial tracking with a Roland Jazz Chorus and DI, but the iconic tremolo rhythm is confirmed to be from the Les Paul into four Fender Twin Reverbs.
- Pickup selection is inferred from interviews about the Les Paul with coil tap and the need for clarity in the riff.
- Pedal use is limited to tremolo (Boss TR-2 or similar) for additional modulation; no evidence of overdrive/distortion pedals in the riff section.
- No evidence of chorus, flanger, phaser, or delay in the riff section; all modulation is from tremolo and amp reverb.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Johnny Marr's iconic tremolo-laden riff uses a clean amp tone with a touch of breakup, typical of his Fender Twin Reverb and Roland JC-120 setup. The tone is mid-forward and chimey, but not harsh, with lush reverb and pronounced presence to enhance the shimmering, atmospheric quality of the riff.