GuitarDistortedSolo80% confidence
Ignition Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Brian Setzer
Brian Setzer · 2000s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gretsch G6120SSL Brian Setzer Signature (likely 2001 spec, orange, both pickups active via selector)
Pickups
TV Jones Brian Setzer Signature Filter'Tron humbuckers
Amp
Fender Bassman 6G6-B head (early '60s, likely 1963) with 2x12 cabinet (Oxford 12L6 speakers)
Pickup Position
Middle position (both pickups active)
Studio recording, 2001, album 'Ignition!'. Setzer is known for using his signature Gretsch and Bassman for both live and studio, with slapback delay for solos. Settings and pedal chain are based on period-correct interviews and gear rundowns for this era. No evidence of additional distortion/overdrive pedals; amp is cranked for edge-of-breakup to crunch. Delay is always present for solos. Pickup selector typically in middle (both pickups) for solos.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass5.5
Gain4
Reverb2
Treble7.5
Presence8
Effects Chain
- Boss DM-2 Analog Delay · delay
Gretsch G6120SSL → Boss DM-2 Analog Delay (slapback) → Fender Bassman 6G6-B head → 2x12 cabinet
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
Adapt to MY Gear →7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- thick and full-bodied
- crisp treble
- growling low midrange punch
- slight overdrive
- dynamic and touch-sensitive
- percussive attack
- clear note separation
- vintage slapback echo
- Gretsch jangle and twang
- articulate, singing lead lines
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source specifies the exact pedal model or amp settings for the 'Ignition' solo, but period-correct interviews and gear rundowns for Setzer's 2001 rig consistently cite the Gretsch G6120SSL, TV Jones pickups, and Fender Bassman 6G6-B head with slapback delay.
- Settings are based on published Bassman settings from Setzer's classic rig, which matches the era and sound of 'Ignition'.
- No evidence of additional distortion or overdrive pedals; amp is cranked for crunch.
- Delay pedal model for this session is not explicitly confirmed, but slapback delay is clearly audible and is a hallmark of Setzer's solo sound.
- No amp reverb is used; all ambience is from delay or studio.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Setzer's solo on 'Ignition' uses his signature Gretsch through a vintage-style Fender amp, dialed to edge-of-breakup with bright, mid-forward rockabilly snap and moderate spring reverb for slapback. The tone is articulate, twangy, and cuts through the mix, reflecting his typical amp settings for this style.