GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Stacy's Mom Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Fountains Of Wayne
Fountains Of Wayne · 2000s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (likely 1990s/early 2000s, sunburst finish)
Pickups
Humbucker (Gibson stock, likely 490R/498T or Burstbucker)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 (studio recording, likely 2203 or 2204 head with 4x12 cab)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2003. No direct evidence of pedals or alternate amps for the riff section. Gear inferred from genre, era, and Cars-inspired power pop sound. No live/tour gear included.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6
Reverb2
Treble7.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- bright and articulate
- punchy midrange
- chiming top end
- compressed attack
- crunchy rhythm
- slightly overdriven
- pop-punk clarity
- medium sustain
- no audible modulation
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source confirms the exact guitar, amp, or pedal models for the studio riff section.
- Settings are estimated based on typical Marshall JCM800 usage for early 2000s power pop/rock and Cars-inspired tones.
- No evidence of pedals or effects in the riff section; no delay, chorus, or modulation audible.
- No evidence of effects loop or amp-based effects beyond subtle reverb.
- If future evidence of alternate gear emerges, update accordingly.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The riff tone on 'Stacy's Mom' is classic power-pop crunch: Marshall-style gain, punchy mids, and bright, cutting treble with tight low end. The band favored British-voiced amps (often Marshall JCM800s) and minimal reverb, matching early 2000s production for radio clarity.