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Let It Happen — Tame Impala1 / 2
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Let It Happen Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Tame Impala

Tame Impala · 2010s+ · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster with Roland GK-3 synth pickup
Pickups
Single-coil Jazzmaster pickups with Roland GK-3 synth pickup
Amp
Vox-style amp emulation (likely Logic Pro X British amp with 2x12 cab or similar studio amp sim)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (with Roland GK-3 engaged for synth/MIDI processing)

Studio recording, 2015 (Currents album). Guitar is tuned down a whole step (DGCFAD). Synth sounds in the solo are generated via Roland GK-3 MIDI pickup and Roland GR synth system. No evidence of traditional amp mic'ing; likely DI or amp sim with heavy effects.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
5.5
Gain
5
Reverb
5
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Roland GK-3 Synth Pickup into Roland GR Synth System · other
  • Fuzz Face style fuzz (model unknown, e.g., GESI Face by JRRPEDALS) · fuzz
  • Donner Harmonic Square (octave down, 100% wet, 0% dry) · modulation
  • MXR Dyna Comp (or similar compressor) · compression
  • Behringer VP-1 Phaser (Small Stone clone) · phaser
  • Flamma FS03 Delay (or similar digital/tape delay) · delay
  • Holy Grail Reverb (or similar digital reverb) · reverb

Guitar (Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster with Roland GK-3) → Roland GR Synth System → Fuzz → Octave Down → Compressor → Phaser → Delay → Reverb → Amp sim/DI

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Tone Character

  • synth-like and processed
  • octave-down, bass-heavy
  • swirling phaser modulation
  • heavy, saturated fuzz
  • compressed sustain
  • ambient, washy reverb
  • pronounced delay repeats
  • psychedelic and spacey
  • smooth attack with soft pick dynamics
  • studio-processed, not raw amp

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No official studio amp model or exact pedal settings confirmed for the solo; amp is likely a Vox-style emulation or DI with plugins per user and forum reports.
  • ⚠️Synth-like solo tone is achieved via Roland GK-3 MIDI pickup and Roland GR synth system, not traditional guitar pedals.
  • ⚠️Pedal models listed are based on forum consensus and audible effects, not direct studio documentation.
  • ⚠️Settings are estimated based on genre, era, and typical Tame Impala studio practices for Currents.
  • ⚠️Signal chain is inferred from multiple sources and audio analysis; exact order may vary.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Kevin Parker typically uses edge-of-breakup to light crunch tones with mid-forward, British-voiced amps (often a Vox or Fender), and the solo section of 'Let It Happen' features a warm, saturated, mid-rich lead with moderate ambience. The tone is not high gain, has a rounded low end, and cuts through with present but not harsh highs.

Sources