Something — The Beatles1 / 2
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Something Riff Guitar Tone Settings — The Beatles

The Beatles · 1960s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (1957 Goldtop, likely refinished), or possible 1961 Fender Stratocaster
Pickups
P-90 single-coil (Les Paul) or Fender single-coil (Stratocaster)
Amp
Vox 7120 hybrid amp (solid-state preamp, tube power amp)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, Abbey Road, 1969. Most sources and session photos indicate George Harrison used his 1957 Les Paul Standard for the main riff, but some suggest a 1961 Stratocaster was used for overdubs. The Vox 7120 was the primary amp for Abbey Road sessions. No evidence of live performance for this section.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
4
Reverb
2.5
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

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Tone Character

  • sweet singing overdrive
  • fast, percussive attack
  • scratchy treble
  • nasal midrange
  • tight and focused
  • warm, rounded attack
  • slight breakup
  • articulate note separation
  • classic late-60s Abbey Road studio sound
  • subtle room ambience

Sources