GuitarDistortedRiff
I Love Playin' With Fire Riff Guitar Tone Settings — The Runaways
The Runaways · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1965-66 Gibson Melody Maker Double
Pickups
Red Rhodes Velvet Hammer 54 ceramic magnet humbucker (bridge)
Amp
Music Man 212-HD 130 2x12 Combo Amplifier
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1977. Joan Jett played the riff section on the original studio recording using her Melody Maker with Velvet Hammer bridge pickup into a Music Man 212-HD 130. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; distortion comes from amp and high-output pickup. Settings inferred from era, amp, and similar documented tones.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass5
Gain7
Reverb2
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- aggressive and punchy
- raw and gritty
- forward, biting attack
- tight and percussive rhythm
- unpolished, high-energy
- midrange-focused crunch
- slightly scooped lows
- bright but not harsh
- dynamic response to picking
- sustained power chord drive