GuitarDistortedRiff
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