GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Roll With the Changes Riff Guitar Tone Settings — REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard
Pickups
Gibson PAF humbuckers
Amp
Marshall Plexi (likely Super Lead 1959, late 1960s/early 1970s model)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1977-78. Gary Richrath is visually and anecdotally confirmed to have used a '59 Les Paul and Marshall Plexi for the classic REO Speedwagon riff tones of this era. No evidence of live/touring substitutions or alternate guitars/amps for this specific recording.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6
Reverb2.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- classic British crunch
- punchy midrange
- tight, articulate riffing
- singing sustain
- full-bodied Les Paul tone
- aggressive pick attack
- clear note separation
- slightly compressed dynamics
- vintage amp breakup
- warm but cutting presence
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source lists exact amp knob settings for 'Roll With the Changes' studio recording; settings estimated based on typical Marshall Plexi + Les Paul setup for 1970s classic rock and audio analysis.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used on the original studio riff section; all effects inferred from audio and era-typical setups.
- Some forum posts mention Richrath using Fender amps live, but all photographic and anecdotal evidence for the studio era points to Marshall Plexi for the classic riff tone.
- No evidence of chorus, flanger, phaser, or delay on the riff section; only mild amp reverb is audible.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Neal Doughty and Gary Richrath favored classic rock crunch tones in the late '70s, likely using a Les Paul into a Marshall or Fender amp set for edge-of-breakup to light crunch. The riff is punchy, mid-forward, and articulate, with moderate bass and treble, and a touch of spring reverb typical of the era's production.