GuitarDistortedRiff
Siberian Khatru Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Yes
Yes · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1963 Fender Stratocaster
Pickups
Fender single-coil pickups (original 1963 spec)
Amp
Vox AC30 (early 1960s, Top Boost)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (possibly bridge + middle position)
Studio recording, 1972. Steve Howe used his 1963 Fender Stratocaster for the main riff section of 'Siberian Khatru' on Close to the Edge. No evidence of pedals or outboard effects for the distorted riff; distortion comes from cranked amp. Pickup selector likely in bridge or bridge+middle position for brighter, cutting tone.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6
Reverb2
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- bright and articulate
- tight and percussive
- glassy highs
- dynamic and responsive
- cranked British amp crunch
- clear single-coil definition
- slight natural compression
- minimal sustain
- focused midrange
- cutting presence in mix