GuitarDistortedSolo80% confidence
When She Begins Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Social Distortion
Social Distortion · 1990s · punk
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (likely goldtop, mini-humbuckers, as used by Mike Ness in studio in early 1990s)
Pickups
Mini-humbuckers (Gibson stock, late 1970s Les Paul Deluxe)
Amp
Fender Bassman (vintage, likely silverface, cranked, as per studio rig for Social Distortion in early 1990s)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1992 (Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell album). Mike Ness is known for using a late 1970s Gibson Les Paul Deluxe with mini-humbuckers into a cranked vintage Fender Bassman for Social Distortion's studio tones in this era. No evidence of pedal use for the solo, but amp is likely cranked for natural overdrive. No explicit evidence of effects loop or pedalboard for this solo.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain7
Reverb2.5
Treble6.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- thick midrange punch
- open, dynamic overdrive
- slightly compressed attack
- singing sustain
- vintage amp breakup
- articulate pick attack
- warm, harmonically rich lead tone
- touch-sensitive response
- classic punk/roots rock solo sound
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source lists specific amp or pedal settings for 'When She Begins' solo; settings estimated based on Mike Ness's known studio rig and typical tones for this era.
- No evidence of pedal use for the solo; overdrive/distortion is likely from cranked amp.
- No explicit mention of effects loop or additional effects in the solo section.
- Pickup choice inferred from typical Social Distortion solo tones and Ness's playing style.
- Reverb setting is estimated low, as Bassman amps do not have built-in reverb; any reverb is likely minimal and added in studio or via outboard gear.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Mike Ness typically uses a Les Paul through vintage Marshall amps with a mid-forward, crunchy tone. The solo in 'When She Begins' has classic punk/hard rock crunch, pronounced mids, and moderate bass/treble, with subtle reverb for space, matching Social Distortion's early 90s production style.