GuitarCleanRiff
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out Guitar Tone Settings
The Smiths · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Rickenbacker 330 (likely double-tracked with a Martin D-28 acoustic)
Pickups
Rickenbacker Hi-Gain single coils
Amp
Fender '60s Blackface Twin Reverb
Pickup Position
Neck + Bridge (middle position on Rickenbacker 330)
Studio recording, 1985/1986. Johnny Marr is known to have double-tracked the main riff with a Rickenbacker 330 and a Martin D-28 acoustic for shimmer. The amp is widely cited as a Fender Twin Reverb for the clean, chimey tone. No evidence of live/tour gear or alternate guitars for this specific studio riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass5.5
Gain0
Reverb4.5
Treble7.5
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- chimey and bright
- shimmering top end
- articulate and clear
- lush and layered
- warm but present mids
- subtle spring reverb ambience
- no audible overdrive
- jangly and open
- dynamic and responsive
- classic 1980s jangle pop