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Quiet — The Smashing Pumpkins1 / 2
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Quiet Riff Guitar Tone Settings — The Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
1988 Fender Stratocaster (modded with Lace Sensor pickups)
Pickups
DiMarzio Lace Sensor Blue (neck), Silver (middle), Red (bridge)
Amp
Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi into 1970s Marshall JCM800 2203 (modded with KT88 power tubes) into Marshall 4x12 cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (DiMarzio Lace Sensor Red)

Studio recording, 1992-1993. Main riff/rhythm guitar for 'Quiet' on Siamese Dream. No modulation or time-based pedals used for riff; fuzz/distortion is from Op-Amp Big Muff. Amp set cleanish, fuzz provides main drive. No effects loop. All info specific to studio recording, not live.

Amp Settings

Mids
7.5
Bass
6
Gain
7.5
Reverb
0.5
Treble
6.5
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi · fuzz

Fender Stratocaster (Lace Sensor Red bridge pickup) → Op-Amp Big Muff Pi → Marshall JCM800 2203 (KT88) → Marshall 4x12 cab

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Tone Character

  • wall of sound
  • super saturated fuzz
  • tight and percussive attack
  • aggressive and heavy
  • mid-forward punch
  • singing sustain
  • chunky power chords
  • compressed and focused
  • minimal clarity (intentionally thick)
  • no modulation or ambience

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct numeric amp settings for 'Quiet' found; settings estimated based on Marshall JCM800 typical usage for Pumpkins' Siamese Dream era and genre.
  • ⚠️No evidence of modulation or time-based effects on riff section; all sources and audio confirm dry, pure fuzz tone.
  • ⚠️Guitar and pedal models confirmed for Siamese Dream sessions, but exact pickup selector not stated; bridge pickup inferred from tone and era.
  • ⚠️Amp reverb set to 0; all ambience is studio/mix, not from amp or pedals.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Billy Corgan's 'Quiet' tone is thick, saturated, and mid-forward, typical of early '90s Pumpkins, likely using a Big Muff into a cranked JCM800 with mids boosted, moderate bass, and minimal reverb for a dry, aggressive sound.

Sources