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While We Cry (Live) — Kenny Wayne Shepherd1 / 2
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While We Cry (Live) Guitar Tone Settings — Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Kenny Wayne Shepherd · 1990s · blues

live

Original Recording

Guitar
Fender Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature Stratocaster (early 90s, stock or with custom neck, as per live rig photos and interviews)
Pickups
Fender Texas Special single-coils
Amp
Fender Vibro-King (primary live amp for this era, confirmed in multiple rig rundowns for live performances of this song)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup

Live performance, early/mid 1990s (circa 1995-1997). Guitar is the SRV Signature Strat, amp is Fender Vibro-King. Pedalboard includes TS808, King of Tone, BK Butler Tube Driver, CAE Wah, and analog delay. Settings are estimated based on live blues/rock context and typical Vibro-King usage. No evidence of effects loop use.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6.5
Gain
5
Reverb
4
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer · overdrive
  • Analog Man King of Tone · overdrive
  • BK Butler Tube Driver · overdrive
  • Custom Audio Electronics MC404 CAE Wah · wah
  • JAM Pedals Delay Llama+ · delay

Fender SRV Stratocaster → Ibanez TS808 → Analog Man King of Tone → BK Butler Tube Driver (for solos) → CAE Wah (for fills/solos) → JAM Pedals Delay Llama+ → Fender Vibro-King (spring reverb on amp)

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Tone Character

  • warm and smooth
  • singing sustain
  • touch-sensitive
  • glassy highs
  • full-bodied midrange
  • slight breakup on attack
  • clear note separation
  • organic analog delay repeats
  • dynamic response
  • classic Texas blues sound

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source lists exact amp knob settings for 'While We Cry (Live)'; values estimated based on typical Fender Vibro-King usage in blues/rock live settings and era.
  • ⚠️Pedalboard details are from Premier Guitar rig rundowns and interviews for live shows in the 1990s, but exact pedal settings for this song/section are not specified.
  • ⚠️Pickup choice is inferred from the warm, round tone and live video evidence; not explicitly stated in sources.
  • ⚠️No evidence of effects loop use; all effects presumed to be in front of amp.
  • ⚠️No explicit mention of amp reverb level; estimated based on genre and live context.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Kenny Wayne Shepherd's 'While We Cry (Live)' riff tone is classic Texas blues-rock: edge-of-breakup gain, thick lows, forward mids, and smooth highs, reminiscent of SRV but with slightly more modern clarity. He typically uses Fender-style amps (like a Vibroverb) with mid-to-high bass and mids, moderate treble, neutral presence, and a touch of spring reverb for warmth and space.

Sources