TonesMatch
Mary Jane's Last Dance — Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers1 / 2
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Mary Jane's Last Dance Guitar Tone Settings

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Rickenbacker 660/12 (main riff), likely Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster for clean rhythm
Pickups
Rickenbacker single-coil 'toaster' pickups (for 660/12), Fender single-coil (if Strat/Tele used)
Amp
Fender Vibrolux Reverb (blackface, 1960s, studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (Rickenbacker 660/12), or bridge/middle position if Strat/Tele used

Studio recording, 1993. Mike Campbell is known for using a Rickenbacker 660/12 for the main riff and a Fender Vibrolux Reverb amp in the studio. No evidence of live/touring gear or other amp models for the clean riff section. No pedalboard evidence for clean riff; overdrive is not present in the clean section.

Amp Settings

Mids
6
Bass
6
Gain
3
Reverb
3.5
Treble
6.5
Presence
5

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Tone Character

  • chiming and jangly
  • bright and articulate
  • open and airy
  • slightly compressed
  • clear note separation
  • warm low end
  • subtle spring reverb
  • touch-sensitive
  • distinctive 12-string shimmer
  • no audible distortion

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source lists exact amp knob settings; settings estimated based on typical Fender Vibrolux Reverb clean settings for 1990s rock and Mike Campbell's known preferences.
  • ⚠️No explicit pedal or effect model is confirmed for the clean riff section; all evidence points to amp-only reverb.
  • ⚠️Some sources mention Telecaster or Stratocaster, but most credible references and audio point to Rickenbacker 12-string for the riff.
  • ⚠️No evidence of chorus, delay, or modulation effects on the clean riff; only subtle spring reverb is audible.
  • ⚠️Pickup position is inferred from typical Rickenbacker 12-string usage and the bright, jangly tone.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The riff tone is classic Heartbreakers: edge-of-breakup with a chiming, mid-forward character typical of Mike Campbell's Vox AC30/Matchless amps and Rickenbacker/Strat guitars. The sound is warm but clear, with moderate bass, strong mids, balanced treble, subtle reverb, and no excessive gain or scooping.

Sources