GuitarDistortedRiff64% confidence
Song 2 (2012 Remaster) Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Blur
Blur · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Telecaster Custom (1972 reissue, likely Japanese or Mexican, with Wide Range humbucker in neck and single coil in bridge)
Pickups
Bridge single coil (Fender Telecaster Custom bridge pickup)
Amp
Vox AC30 (1990s UK reissue, likely Top Boost model, studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'Song 2' (1996-1997, released 1997, 2012 remaster). Graham Coxon used his Telecaster Custom into a Vox AC30. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for the studio version. All gear and settings refer to the original studio recording.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass5.5
Gain7
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6
Effects Chain
- ProCo RAT Distortion · distortion
Fender Telecaster Custom (bridge pickup) → ProCo RAT Distortion → Vox AC30 (spring reverb low)
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Tone Character
- explosive and saturated
- tight and percussive attack
- fuzzy, compressed wall of sound
- aggressive and biting
- articulate bridge pickup clarity
- raw, punk-inspired edge
- minimal note definition in chords
- loud and in-your-face presence
- slight top-end fizz
- no audible modulation or time-based effects
Notes & Caveats
- No direct studio photo or interview confirms the exact distortion pedal for the studio recording; ProCo RAT is most commonly cited for Graham Coxon's distortion in this era, but some sources mention Marshall Shredmaster or Fulltone OCD as alternatives.
- Amp settings are estimated based on typical 1990s Vox AC30 usage for high-gain Britpop/rock, and the only explicit setting found is 'Gain 7, Treble 7' from Ultimate Guitar Wiki.
- No evidence of modulation, delay, or reverb pedals in the riff section; all effects are from amp and distortion pedal.
- Reverb is set low, likely from the amp, as the recording is dry and direct.
- Pedal order and settings are inferred from genre, era, and typical Coxon rig; no direct studio documentation available.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Graham Coxon's 'Song 2' tone is a classic British high-gain fuzz/distortion sound, likely through a Marshall or similar amp with mids pushed for aggression, moderate bass for punch, and bright but not harsh treble. Presence is up for clarity, and the track is very dry with almost no reverb.