Physical (You're So) [Single Version] — Adam & The Ants1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence

Physical (You're So) [Single Version] Guitar Tone Settings

Adam & The Ants · 1980s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Yamaha SG2000
Pickups
Yamaha SG2000 stock humbuckers
Amp
Marshall JMP 50 (likely 2203 or 2204 head) into 4x12 cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1980 single version. No evidence of pedal use on this specific recording; classic New Wave/rock production. Guitarist Marco Pirroni is known for Yamaha SG2000 and Marshall JMP setup on early Adam & The Ants recordings.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
6
Reverb
1.5
Treble
7
Presence
5.5

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • midrange punch
  • slightly gritty crunch
  • articulate and dry
  • minimal ambience
  • focused attack
  • clear note separation
  • aggressive strumming
  • British amp voicing

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source lists the exact gear or settings for 'Physical (You're So) [Single Version]'; all gear and settings are estimated based on era, genre, and known rig of Marco Pirroni for Adam & The Ants in 1980.
  • ⚠️No pedal or effects evidence found for this specific recording; effects list is based on critical listening and genre conventions.
  • ⚠️Amp and guitar inferred from multiple interviews and period photos, but not explicitly cited for this song.
  • ⚠️Settings estimated based on typical Marshall JMP usage for New Wave/rock in 1980.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Marco Pirroni's riff tone on 'Physical (You're So)' is classic early 80s British crunch: mid-forward, moderately driven, and punchy, likely using a Les Paul through a cranked Marshall with little to no reverb. The tone is thick, not overly bright, and has that signature Ants 'in-your-face' presence without excessive gain or ambience.

Sources