GuitarDistortedRiff
(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding Guitar Tone Settings
Elvis Costello & The Attractions · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Jazzmaster (likely 1960s, sunburst, as used by Elvis Costello in late 1970s studio recordings)
Pickups
Fender Jazzmaster single-coil pickups
Amp
Fender Twin Reverb (Blackface, late 1960s/early 1970s model, typical for Attractions era studio work)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1978, recorded for the album 'Armed Forces'. No direct evidence of pedals or alternate amps for the riff section. Jazzmaster confirmed as Costello's main studio guitar for this era; Twin Reverb is the most documented amp for Attractions sessions. Settings estimated based on genre, era, and amp type.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass5.5
Gain5.5
Reverb2.5
Treble7
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- bright and biting
- jangly and percussive
- slightly gritty edge
- clear note separation
- tight, punchy chords
- articulate highs
- midrange-forward
- dynamic response
- no heavy saturation
- classic new wave/post-punk drive