GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Mary Jane's Last Dance Guitar Tone Settings
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (likely late 50s reissue or vintage, sunburst finish)
Pickups
Humbucker (Gibson PAF-style, stock Les Paul pickups)
Amp
Fender Vibrolux Reverb (blackface, mid-1960s, low-wattage combo)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1993. Mike Campbell is known for using a Gibson Les Paul Standard into a Fender Vibrolux Reverb for the main riff on the studio version. No evidence of pedal use for the riff; amp is set for edge-of-breakup. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Campbell rig. No explicit pedalboard or amp settings found for the studio recording.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain4
Reverb3
Treble6.5
Presence5
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Tone Character
- edge-of-breakup clean with slight grit
- warm and round
- articulate and dynamic
- classic American tube amp chime
- slightly compressed
- clear note separation
- organic, vintage rock tone
- touch-sensitive
- slightly scooped mids
- amp-driven breakup
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source gives exact amp or pedal settings for the studio recording; settings estimated based on typical Mike Campbell rig and era.
- No explicit mention of pedals or effects for the riff section; all evidence points to amp-only edge-of-breakup tone.
- Guitar and amp model inferred from multiple interviews and Campbell's known studio choices for this song, but not confirmed by direct studio documentation.
- Pickup position inferred from typical Les Paul usage for riff clarity and brightness.
- If new evidence emerges of pedal use or different amp/guitar for the studio riff, update accordingly.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The riff tone is classic Heartbreakers: edge-of-breakup, mid-forward, and slightly compressed, likely from a vintage Fender or Vox amp with moderate bass and treble. The reverb is subtle but present, matching early '90s production and Petty/Campbell's typical amp settings for rootsy rock.