GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Lump Guitar Tone Settings
The Presidents of the United States of America · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Epiphone SG 'Les Paul' Custom Reissue '62 (modded to 'guitbass' - 2 or 3 strings, heavy gauge)
Pickups
Epiphone stock humbucker (bridge position, likely only bridge pickup wired/used)
Amp
Music Man 112 RP 65W Combo
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1994-1995; Chris Ballew used a heavily modified Epiphone SG with only 2 or 3 strings for the main riff. Amp is a solid-state Music Man combo. No evidence of pedals or additional effects for the riff section. Settings estimated based on amp type, genre, and era.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain5.5
Reverb1
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- mid-forward punch
- slightly fuzzy edge
- articulate single-note riffing
- minimal sustain
- dry, direct sound
- distinctive low-string focus
- raw, garage rock character
- no audible modulation or delay
- crunchy, compressed attack
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source lists exact amp settings; values estimated based on typical Music Man 112 RP usage for 90s alternative rock.
- No evidence of pedals or additional effects for the riff section; Equipboard lists a Wrightsounds Fuzz-Stang Mark II, but no source ties it to the 'Lump' riff recording.
- Guitar is a heavily modified Epiphone SG with only 2 or 3 strings ('guitbass'), which is unique to this band.
- Pickup choice inferred from typical setup and tone; likely only bridge pickup wired/used.
- Amp reverb is set low; the recording is very dry with little ambience.
- Pedal/effect chain is left empty due to lack of evidence and no audible effects in the riff section.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The 'Lump' riff uses a crunchy, mid-forward tone typical of 90s alternative rock, achieved with moderate gain and minimal effects. The Presidents used low-stringed guitars (basitars) into solid-state or simple tube amps, favoring punchy mids, balanced bass/treble, and a very dry, direct sound.