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Trains Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Porcupine Tree
Porcupine Tree · 2000s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Paul Reed Smith Custom 22
Pickups
PRS Dragon II humbuckers
Amp
Unknown (likely Fender or boutique clean amp, model not confirmed for studio recording)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup
Studio recording, 2002 (In Absentia album). No direct source confirms exact amp model for the clean riff section. PRS Custom 22 confirmed as Steven Wilson's main guitar for this era. No evidence of pedals or effects used for the clean riff section beyond possible amp reverb.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass6
Gain2.5
Reverb3.5
Treble6.5
Presence5
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Tone Character
- coppery-clean
- articulate and percussive
- warm and natural
- acoustic-like clarity
- slight amp reverb for ambience
- no audible compression or modulation
- dynamic and touch-sensitive
- full-bodied clean
- slightly rounded highs
- present midrange
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source confirms the exact amp model or settings for the clean riff section of 'Trains'.
- PRS Custom 22 is confirmed as Steven Wilson's main guitar for this era, but pickup position is inferred from typical clean tone usage.
- Amp model is not specified in any source for the studio recording; settings are estimated based on typical clean amp usage with a PRS in early 2000s progressive rock.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used for the clean riff section beyond possible amp spring reverb.
- No numeric amp settings found; values are estimated based on genre, era, and typical clean amp practices.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Steven Wilson's tone on 'Trains' is edge-of-breakup to mild crunch, with British-voiced mids, moderate bass, and restrained treble for warmth. The amp is likely a clean/crunchy boutique or vintage British combo, with subtle reverb and no extreme EQ scooping, matching the song's organic, dynamic sound.