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L.A. — Elliott Smith1 / 2
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L.A. Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith · 2000s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Pickups
Humbucker (stock Gibson, late 90s era)
Amp
Allen Old Flame (Fender-style boutique amp kit, likely blackface voiced)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, Figure 8 sessions (1999-2000). Multiple sources confirm Les Paul into Allen Old Flame for 'L.A.' solo. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars/amps for this section.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
5.5
Gain
4
Reverb
3
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Budda Phatman Tube Overdrive · overdrive

Gibson Les Paul Standard → Budda Phatman Tube Overdrive → Allen Old Flame amp (spring reverb on)

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Tone Character

  • crunchy and mid-forward
  • clear note separation
  • slightly compressed
  • singing sustain
  • articulate attack
  • dynamic and touch-sensitive
  • moderate sustain
  • not overly saturated
  • classic rock/alt-rock solo character
  • touch of amp reverb for space

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct numeric amp settings found; values estimated based on typical Allen Old Flame/Fender blackface settings for rock solo, era, and genre.
  • ⚠️No pedal settings found; pedal use inferred from sources and audio.
  • ⚠️No evidence of modulation or time-based effects (delay, chorus, etc.) in solo section; only mild amp reverb is present.
  • ⚠️If alternate amp (Top Hat Royale or Vox AC30) was used, it was not for this solo per cited sources.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Elliott Smith typically used low-gain, edge-of-breakup tones with balanced EQ and subtle reverb, reflecting his preference for warmth and clarity in the solo section of 'L.A.'. The tone is neither overly bright nor scooped, with mids present and just enough reverb for space, matching his late-90s/early-2000s indie production style.

Sources