The Crying Machine — Steve Vai1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedSolo

The Crying Machine Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Steve Vai

Steve Vai · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Ibanez JEM777
Pickups
DiMarzio Evolution (HSH configuration, bridge humbucker for solo)
Amp
Carvin X100B
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1996 (Fire Garden album). Gear confirmed for this era and song by multiple sources. Vai is known to use the bridge humbucker for solos on the JEM. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this studio solo.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
6
Gain
7.5
Reverb
3
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • Morley Bad Horsie 2 Contour Wah · wah
  • Ibanez Jemini Distortion · distortion
  • Boss DD-7 Digital Delay · delay

Ibanez JEM777 (bridge pickup) → Morley Bad Horsie 2 Wah → Ibanez Jemini Distortion → Boss DD-7 Delay (in effects loop) → Carvin X100B amp (spring reverb)

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

  • singing sustain
  • fluid legato runs
  • expressive wah sweeps
  • crystal-clear articulation
  • tight low end
  • cutting upper mids
  • harmonic overtones
  • dynamic pick attack
  • rich delay trails
  • modern shred lead tone

Sources