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Lost In Hollywood Riff Guitar Tone Settings — System Of A Down
System Of A Down · 2000s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1962 Gibson SG
Pickups
Gibson PAF-style humbuckers
Amp
Marshall JMP100 (100-watt, one channel stock, one channel modded for extra gain)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup
Studio recording, Mezmerize album (2004-2005). Daron Malakian is quoted as wanting the strings to be clearly heard, with minimal effects and a very basic rig. No evidence of pedal use for the clean riff section; amp was room-miked. No evidence of live-specific gear for this section.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass5.5
Gain0
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- clear and articulate
- warm and smooth
- slightly compressed
- string definition emphasized
- gentle attack
- minimal breakup
- open and airy
- mildly scooped mids
- not harsh or brittle
- natural room ambience
Notes & Caveats
- Gain adjusted to 0 for clean tone
- No direct numeric amp settings for the clean riff found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Marshall JMP100 clean usage and Daron's stated desire for clarity.
- No evidence of pedal or modulation effect use for the clean riff section; all sources and interviews emphasize minimal effects.
- Pickup position inferred from typical clean tones and Daron's desire for string clarity.
- Reverb setting estimated low, as Marshall JMP100 has no built-in reverb and studio ambience may be present but not from the amp.
- No evidence of chorus, delay, or other time/modulation effects in the clean riff section; only slight amp breakup possible.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Daron Malakian's tone on 'Lost In Hollywood' is high-gain but not overly saturated, with a tight low end, slightly forward mids, and clear but not harsh treble. His typical Mesa/Marshall setup in this era favored moderate bass, slightly boosted mids, and a dry, studio-tight sound with minimal reverb.