GuitarCleanRiff
September Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire · 1970s · other
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1972 Gibson ES-335 (left-handed, vintage, as used by Al McKay on studio recording)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (vintage, likely T-Top or similar 1970s spec)
Amp
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (modified, as used by Al McKay in studio for 'September')
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (for maximum clarity and snap on funk rhythm)
Studio recording, 1978. Al McKay played the main riff on a left-handed 1972 Gibson ES-335 through a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus. Some sources mention a Vox Super Beatle as an alternative, but JC-120 is most cited for this era and style. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the studio riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass5.5
Gain0
Reverb3.5
Treble7.5
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- shiny and jangly
- bright and articulate
- tight and percussive
- clean with glassy attack
- crisp, defined top end
- snappy, syncopated feel
- warm but clear
- slightly compressed
- major-7th embellishments
- minimal breakup