GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
(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
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
Adapt to MY Gear →7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
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
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source confirms exact amp or pedal settings for the studio recording of this song; all settings are estimated based on typical Fender Twin Reverb usage in late 1970s new wave/rock context.
- No evidence found of any distortion/overdrive/fuzz pedals used on the original studio riff section; tone is likely amp-driven crunch.
- No pedalboard or effects chain documentation for this specific recording; effects listed are based on what is audibly present and typical for the era.
- Pickup choice inferred from tone and common practice with Jazzmaster for bright, cutting rhythm parts.
- If new evidence arises of alternate gear or effects, settings may need revision.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Nick Lowe's jangly, punchy riff tone on this track is classic late-70s British pub rock: edge-of-breakup to light crunch, forward mids, moderate bass, and enough treble for clarity without harshness. The Attractions often used Fender or Vox amps set for midrange bite and minimal reverb, matching the dry, upfront production of the era.