GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Interstate Love Song Guitar Tone Settings — Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (likely 1977 model, as used by Dean DeLeo on 'Purple')
Pickups
Humbuckers (stock Gibson, likely T-Top or similar late 70s/early 80s)
Amp
VHT Classic (likely Pittbull) head with Demeter TGP-3 preamp, stereo into two 4x12 cabs with Celestion speakers, plus Vox AC30 (set clean) blended in
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1993-1994. Dean DeLeo has stated in multiple interviews and rig rundowns that this was his core studio setup for 'Purple', including 'Interstate Love Song'. The Vox AC30 was set clean and chimey, blended with the VHT/4x12 rig for the main riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6.5
Gain5
Reverb3
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- chimey and articulate
- open and harmonically rich
- tight, punchy attack
- warm, mid-forward presence
- clear note separation
- slightly compressed
- dynamic response
- not overly saturated
- classic 90s alternative crunch
- blended clean and dirty amp signals
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings for 'Interstate Love Song' found in sources; settings estimated based on VHT/AC30 typical use and genre/era.
- No explicit pedal or effect model confirmed for the studio riff section; pedalboard info is from modern live rigs and not tied to this recording.
- No evidence of modulation, delay, or reverb pedals on the riff section; all effects inferred from amp and recording context.
- Pickup position inferred from typical Les Paul rhythm usage and tone analysis.
- If future studio documentation emerges, settings may need revision.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Dean DeLeo used a Matchless DC-30 and sometimes a Vox AC30 for 'Interstate Love Song,' favoring edge-of-breakup to mild crunch with pronounced mids and a balanced EQ. The tone is warm, punchy, and slightly ambient, matching classic 90s alt-rock production with subtle reverb and no extreme settings.