Tom Sawyer — Rush1 / 2
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Tom Sawyer Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Rush

Rush · 1980s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Fender Stratocaster (Hentor Sportscaster, custom modded by Alex Lifeson)
Pickups
Seymour Duncan JB humbucker (bridge position, custom installed in Strat)
Amp
Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 Head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (Seymour Duncan JB humbucker)

Studio recording, 1980/1981 at Le Studio for 'Moving Pictures'. Lifeson used his custom 'Hentor Sportscaster' Strat with a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge, into a Hiwatt DR103 head and Marshall cab. Flanger effect is from an Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress pedal. No evidence of chorus or delay on the riff section. No evidence of amp reverb or other amp-based effects. All info is for the original studio recording, not live.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
6
Reverb
0.5
Treble
7
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger/Filter Matrix · flanger

Fender Stratocaster (Hentor Sportscaster, bridge humbucker) → Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger → Hiwatt DR103 head → Marshall 4x12 cabinet

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Tone Character

  • tight, percussive attack
  • crunchy and articulate
  • bright and cutting
  • full-bodied midrange
  • modulation shimmer from flanger
  • dynamic and responsive
  • slightly compressed
  • classic British amp crunch
  • not overly saturated
  • distinct flanger sweep

Sources