GuitarCleanRiff
Pumped Up Kicks Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Foster the People
Foster the People · 2010s+ · other
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Mustang (likely 1970s reissue, sunburst, as seen in official video and live performances)
Pickups
Fender single-coil Mustang pickups
Amp
Fender Hot Rod DeVille (studio recording, as confirmed by producer Paul Epworth in interviews and visible in live setups)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (Fender Mustang, single-coil)
Studio recording, 2010-2011. Guitarist Mark Foster played the main riff. Gear based on studio photos, interviews, and live rig evidence from the Torches era. No evidence of pedals used for the riff in the studio; effects are subtle and likely from amp or post-processing.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass5.5
Gain3
Reverb3.5
Treble7
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- bright and plucky
- clean and articulate
- tight and percussive
- slightly compressed
- minimal sustain
- subtle amp reverb
- no audible overdrive
- dry, focused attack
- pop/indie clarity
- distinct single-coil snap