GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
The Summer Ends Riff Guitar Tone Settings — American Football
American Football · 1990s · other
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Jazzmaster (exact model unknown, likely late 90s MIJ/CIJ or vintage reissue, as used by Mike Kinsella and Steve Holmes on the debut album)
Pickups
Fender Jazzmaster single coil pickups
Amp
Marshall Valvestate 8080 (Steve Holmes, confirmed for first album rhythm/riff sections)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup (likely, based on tone and typical Jazzmaster usage for clean/edge tones)
Studio recording, 1998-1999. Steve Holmes used a Marshall Valvestate 8080 for the first American Football LP, specifically for rhythm/riff sections. Mike Kinsella used a Fender '65 Twin Reverb, but Holmes' parts are the main riff. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; clean to edge-of-breakup amp tone. No explicit pickup selector info, but Jazzmaster neck or middle position is typical for this sound.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain3.5
Reverb3
Treble7
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- clean and glassy
- slight edge-of-breakup on strong strums
- chiming, bell-like highs
- open and airy
- dynamic and touch-sensitive
- warm but clear low end
- clear note separation
- modest amp reverb for space
- no audible modulation or delay
- articulate, ringing chords
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source for exact pedal or effect use on 'The Summer Ends' riff section; settings estimated based on amp model, genre, and era.
- No explicit pickup selector stated; neck pickup inferred from typical Jazzmaster clean/edge tones.
- No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; no delay, chorus, or modulation audible in the main riff.
- Amp settings estimated based on typical Marshall Valvestate 8080 clean/edge-of-breakup tones for 90s Midwest emo.
- Reverb is likely amp spring reverb at low setting; no evidence of external reverb or delay.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The tone on 'The Summer Ends' is clean with slight breakup, chimey, and mid-forward, typical of a Fender amp (likely a Twin Reverb or Hot Rod) with moderate bass, pronounced mids, and bright but not harsh treble. Reverb is present but not overwhelming, matching the band's signature Midwest emo sound and late-90s indie production.