GuitarCleanRiff80% confidence
Only If Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Steve Lacy
Steve Lacy · 2010s+ · other
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Stratocaster (model not fully confirmed, but highly likely based on Steve Lacy's known use and tone on 'Only If')
Pickups
Single-coil (Fender stock or similar, exact model unknown)
Amp
Amp model unknown (likely direct input or small solid-state amp, possibly with amp sim or plugin, as Steve Lacy is known for recording with GarageBand on iPhone or laptop)
Pickup Position
Position 4 (neck + middle)
Studio recording, 2019 (album 'Apollo XXI'). Steve Lacy is widely documented to use minimal setups, often recording direct into GarageBand with little to no pedals or traditional amps. No evidence of live rig or alternate gear for this song's riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass5.5
Gain2.5
Reverb3.5
Treble6.5
Presence5
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Tone Character
- clean and glassy
- slightly compressed
- warm but articulate
- funk-inspired clarity
- direct, lo-fi indie pop sound
- no audible overdrive
- no time-based effects
- no modulation effects
- open, dynamic picking
- minimal studio coloration
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source confirms the exact guitar, amp, or pedal models/settings for 'Only If' riff section.
- Steve Lacy is widely known to record direct into GarageBand/iPhone with little to no pedals or traditional amps, as supported by multiple interviews and forum posts.
- Settings are estimated based on typical single-coil direct/clean indie tones and Steve Lacy's known minimalist approach.
- No evidence of pedals or amp effects used on this specific recording.
- Pickup position is inferred from the glassy, quack-like clean tone typical of Strat position 4.
- If more specific studio notes or interviews surface, update accordingly.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Steve Lacy favors a clean, slightly gritty tone with forward mids and balanced EQ, typical of neo-soul/indie R&B. The riff in 'Only If' is articulate, warm, and present, suggesting edge-of-breakup gain, moderate bass, strong mids, and subtle reverb for space.