Time Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Studio recording, 1972-1973, The Dark Side of the Moon sessions. Gilmour's main Strat with single-coil pickups, Hiwatt DR103 head, WEM 4x12 cab, Alembic F-2B preamp. Effects include Univox Uni-Vibe, Binson Echorec, and Colorsound Power Boost. No evidence of Big Muff or Fuzz Face on the riff section. Phaser/Univibe and delay are clearly audible. Settings are estimated from era-typical Gilmour rigs and available interviews/gear rundowns.
Amp Settings
Effects Chain
- Univox Uni-Vibe · modulation
- Binson Echorec · delay
- Colorsound Power Boost · boost
Fender Stratocaster → Colorsound Power Boost → Univox Uni-Vibe → Binson Echorec → Alembic F-2B preamp → Hiwatt DR103 head → WEM 4x12 cab
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Tone Character
- modulated, swirling phase/vibe effect
- clear, glassy Stratocaster single-coil tone
- slightly compressed attack
- moderate sustain, not high-gain
- spacious, ambient delay repeats
- warm, rounded low end
- articulate highs without harshness
- dynamic, touch-sensitive response
- classic British clean/edge-of-breakup amp character
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings for 'Time' riff found; settings estimated based on typical Gilmour Hiwatt/Alembic rig and era.
- Pickup position inferred from typical Gilmour usage and tone; some sources suggest neck or neck+middle.
- Pedal models confirmed for DSotM era, but exact knob settings not available for this song.
- No evidence of Big Muff or Fuzz Face on the riff section; fuzz is not audible in the main riff.
- Delay and modulation effects are clearly audible and confirmed by multiple sources.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. David Gilmour's 'Time' riff tone is classic edge-of-breakup/crunch from a Hiwatt DR103, with strong mids, rounded bass, and smooth treble, plus moderate presence for clarity. The amp is set for British rock with a touch of plate reverb added in production, matching the song's warm, punchy, and articulate character.