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The Passenger — Iggy Pop1 / 2
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The Passenger Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop · 1970s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (1970s, likely black finish, used by Ricky Gardiner on studio recording)
Pickups
Humbuckers (Gibson stock, 1970s)
Amp
Marshall JMP 50-watt head with 4x12 cabinet (likely model, based on era and genre; no direct source for exact amp, but this is the consensus for Iggy Pop/Bowie Berlin era sessions)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1977. Guitarist: Ricky Gardiner (not Iggy Pop or Bowie). No evidence of pedals or effects beyond possible amp spring reverb. No evidence of Telecaster or acoustic for main riff. No pedalboard evidence for studio recording; live pedalboards are not relevant.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
4
Reverb
2
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

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Tone Character

  • chiming and open
  • slightly gritty edge-of-breakup
  • clear and articulate attack
  • punchy midrange
  • tight and percussive rhythm
  • bright but not harsh
  • classic British amp crunch
  • subtle amp reverb
  • no audible modulation or delay
  • dynamic response to picking

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source confirms the exact amp or settings for the studio recording; settings estimated based on typical 1970s Marshall JMP usage for classic rock rhythm tones.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedals or effects used on the studio recording; live pedalboard photos are from much later eras and are not relevant.
  • ⚠️Some sources mention Telecaster or acoustic guitars in Iggy Pop's general gear, but for 'The Passenger' studio riff, all credible references and listening point to a Les Paul Custom with humbuckers.
  • ⚠️Amp model and settings are inferred from era, genre, and typical studio setups for Ricky Gardiner and the Berlin sessions.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The guitar tone on 'The Passenger' is classic edge-of-breakup, with a slightly jangly, mid-forward British rock character typical of late 70s recordings. The amp settings reflect a Vox or Fender amp with moderate bass, strong mids, and moderate treble, with minimal reverb and no excessive gain or presence.

Sources