GuitarDistortedRiff
Proud Mary Guitar Tone Settings — Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival · 1960s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (late 1960s, likely Goldtop or Black Beauty, tuned down a half step)
Pickups
Gibson PAF-style humbuckers
Amp
Kustom K200A-4 (solid-state, 2x15 JBL D130 speakers, studio recording, 1968-1969)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1968-1969. John Fogerty played a Gibson Les Paul Custom into a Kustom K200A-4 solid-state amp with 2x15 JBL D130 speakers. No evidence of outboard pedals or effects for the riff section. Amp had built-in reverb, vibrato, fuzz, and a treble boost, but Fogerty stated he did not use these for 'Proud Mary' riff. Guitar was tuned down a half step. Pickup selector likely set to bridge for main riff. No evidence of pedals or effects loop in studio recording.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain4
Reverb1
Treble7
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- raw and organic
- punchy and articulate
- mid-forward
- slightly overdriven edge
- warm and vintage
- bright and clear top end
- tight rhythmic attack
- minimal sustain
- no audible reverb or delay
- focused, percussive strumming