GuitarDistortedRiff
Stockholm Syndrome Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Muse
Muse · 2000s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Manson MB-1
Pickups
Manson custom humbuckers (likely MBK-2 or PF-1, bridge position)
Amp
Diezel VH4
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2003. Matt Bellamy used the Diezel VH4 for virtually everything on the 'Absolution' album, including 'Stockholm Syndrome' riff. Guitar is a Manson MB-1 with custom humbuckers. No evidence of live/tour gear or alternate guitars for the studio riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass6
Gain9
Reverb0
Treble6.5
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Fuzz pedal (model unknown, likely Zvex Fuzz Factory or similar) · fuzz
- Phaser pedal (model unknown) · phaser
Manson MB-1 (bridge humbucker) → Fuzz pedal → Phaser pedal → Diezel VH4 amp (no reverb)
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Tone Character
- fuzzed-out saturated distortion
- tight and percussive
- aggressive attack
- crushing low end
- mid-scooped modern metal edge
- articulate note separation
- clear pick attack
- sustained power chords
- slight single-coil 'shine' from pickup voicing
- minimal ambience (dry, no reverb)