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Lonely Boy — The Black Keys1 / 2
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Lonely Boy Riff Guitar Tone Settings — The Black Keys

The Black Keys · 2010s+ · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
1954 Fender Stratocaster
Pickups
Original 1954 Fender Stratocaster single-coil pickups
Amp
Ampeg V-2 with JBL D-130 speaker (blown speaker on recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording for 'El Camino' (2011). Guitar: 1954 Fender Stratocaster, bridge pickup. Amp: Ampeg V-2 with a JBL D-130 speaker (noted as blown on the recording). Boss PS-5 Super Shifter pedal used for riff. No evidence of fuzz or other pedals on riff section. Settings estimated based on amp type and genre as no explicit numbers found.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
6
Reverb
1.5
Treble
7
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Boss PS-5 Super Shifter · modulation

1954 Fender Stratocaster (bridge pickup) → Boss PS-5 Super Shifter → Ampeg V-2 (with spring reverb, low setting)

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Tone Character

  • bright and articulate
  • edge-of-breakup crunch
  • raw and simple
  • thick, juicy pillow of tone
  • present and clear
  • slightly gritty
  • dynamic pick attack
  • octave pitch dive effect
  • percussive
  • mild overdrive

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No explicit amp knob settings found in sources; settings estimated based on Ampeg V-2 typical use for classic rock/blues crunch.
  • ⚠️Pedal chain confirmed as only Boss PS-5 Super Shifter for riff; no evidence of fuzz or other effects on riff section.
  • ⚠️Amp reverb is possible but set low; no evidence of heavy reverb or delay on riff.
  • ⚠️Guitar and amp confirmed for studio recording; live gear may differ.
  • ⚠️Some sources mention fuzz pedals in general, but not for this riff section.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Dan Auerbach's 'Lonely Boy' riff tone is crunchy, mid-forward, and punchy, typical of his vintage amp (often Fender or Marshall) and pedal setup. The settings reflect a classic rock crunch with strong mids, moderate bass and treble, boosted presence for clarity, and very little reverb, matching the dry, upfront production style of the track.

Sources