GuitarDistortedRiff
The Crying Machine Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Steve Vai
Steve Vai · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Ibanez JEM77FP (Floral Pattern, 1990s, DiMarzio Evolution pickups)
Pickups
DiMarzio Evolution (humbucker, bridge position)
Amp
Carvin Legacy VL100
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1995-1996 (Fire Garden album). Gear confirmed for this era and song by Equipboard and multiple interviews. Pedalboard was minimal for riff section; main distortion from amp. Wah pedal present but not always engaged in riff.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain7.5
Reverb2
Treble7
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Dunlop Cry Baby Wah · wah
Ibanez JEM77FP → Dunlop Cry Baby Wah → Carvin Legacy VL100 (amp reverb on low)
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- tight and articulate
- bright and cutting
- focused midrange
- singing sustain
- percussive palm-muting
- harmonic clarity
- modern saturated overdrive
- dynamic pick response
- occasional wah filter sweeps
- fluid legato