GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Son of Robot Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance · 2010s+ · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Strandberg Boden 6
Pickups
Strandberg OEM humbuckers (likely ceramic, high-output)
Amp
EVH 5150 III (Blue Channel) or Fractal Axe-FX III (Brit JM45/5153 Blue model)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2018. Gear inferred from Will Swan's known studio setup for 'Artificial Selection' era and genre-typical choices. No direct photo or interview for this specific song, but multiple sources confirm Strandberg Boden and EVH 5150 III as primary rhythm setup for this era.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass5
Gain8.5
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine · modulation
- DigiTech Whammy Pitch-Shifting Pedal · modulation
Strandberg Boden 6 → Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine → DigiTech Whammy → EVH 5150 III (Blue Channel, low reverb)
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- articulate note separation
- aggressive attack
- modern high-gain saturation
- clear and defined low end
- moderate mids for presence
- crisp, cutting treble
- complex, syncopated rhythms
- slightly compressed
- minimal ambience
Notes & Caveats
- No direct studio photo or interview confirms the exact amp and pedal settings for 'Son of Robot' riff section; settings are inferred from genre, era, and Will Swan's typical gear for this period.
- Pedalboard photos confirm use of Electro-Harmonix C9 and DigiTech Whammy, but not specifically for this song/section; included due to their characteristic synth/organ textures audible in the riff.
- Amp settings are averaged from Guitar Chalk's EVH 5150 III and Fractal Axe-FX III recommendations for DGD rhythm tones.
- No explicit mention of compressor or boost pedal for this song, but a tight, compressed attack is audible and genre-typical.
- Reverb is set low, as the tone is dry/tight for clarity in fast riffs; no evidence of heavy reverb use.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Will Swan's tone on 'Son of Robot' is modern, tight, and articulate with high gain but not overly scooped, reflecting his typical use of Mesa/Boogie amps and active pickups. The bass is controlled for clarity, mids are balanced (not scooped), treble and presence are boosted for attack and cut, and reverb is minimal to keep the riff section dry and punchy.