Tom Sawyer Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Rush
Rush · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
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
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
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Hiwatt/Marshall use in early 80s rock and Alex Lifeson's known tone.
- No explicit mention of pickup selector, but bridge humbucker is confirmed as main pickup for riff.
- No evidence of chorus, delay, or reverb on the riff section; only flanger is confirmed.
- Some sources mention other amps (Marshall, Fender Twin), but Hiwatt DR103 is most consistently cited for this song's riff.
- Pedal settings for the Electric Mistress flanger are not available; effect is confirmed by both sources and audio.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Alex Lifeson used a Hiwatt DR103 and Marshall amps with moderate gain for a crunchy, articulate tone; mids are pushed for cut, bass is tight but not boomy, treble and presence add clarity, and the track is very dry with little reverb, matching the early 80s production style.