TonesMatch
Numb — LINKIN PARK1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence

Numb Riff Guitar Tone Settings — LINKIN PARK

LINKIN PARK · 2000s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
PRS Custom 24 (likely 2001-2002, as used by Brad Delson in studio for Meteora)
Pickups
PRS HFS Treble (bridge) and Vintage Bass (neck) humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording, Meteora era)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 2002-2003 for 'Meteora'. Brad Delson is known to have used PRS Custom 24 guitars and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifiers for heavy rhythm tones in this era. No direct source confirms the exact pedal chain for 'Numb', but this is the most widely accepted setup for the album's heavy riff sections.

Amp Settings

Mids
4.5
Bass
6
Gain
8
Reverb
1.5
Treble
6.5
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Noise gate (model unknown) · noise_gate

PRS Custom 24 (bridge pickup) → Noise gate → Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (slight digital reverb)

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • scooped mids
  • chunky low end
  • modern high-gain saturation
  • articulate attack
  • slightly compressed
  • minimal note smear
  • studio-polished
  • focused rhythm
  • no audible modulation

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source confirms the exact pedal or effect chain for the 'Numb' riff; gear and settings are estimated based on era, genre, and known studio rig for Meteora.
  • ⚠️No official rig rundown or pedalboard photo for the 'Numb' studio session was found in the provided sources.
  • ⚠️No evidence of modulation, delay, or reverb effects in the riff section; all effects listed are based on critical listening and typical nu-metal production.
  • ⚠️Settings are inferred from typical Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier usage in early 2000s nu-metal and Linkin Park's known approach.
  • ⚠️If new evidence emerges (e.g., direct interview or studio notes), settings and effects should be updated.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The 'Numb' riff uses a saturated, modern nu-metal tone with tight low end, slightly scooped mids, and clear but not harsh highs, typical of Brad Delson's Mesa/Boogie Rectifier settings from this era. The reverb is minimal, keeping the sound punchy and dry, matching the genre and production style.

Sources