GuitarDistortedRiff
Who's Crying Now Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Journey
Journey · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (late 70s/early 80s, likely black finish, stock humbuckers)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or Super Humbucker, stock for era)
Amp
Marshall JMP 2203 100W head (studio recording, early 80s)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1981. Gear confirmed for this era and song by multiple interviews and period photos. PRS and later Marshalls not used until much later. No evidence of pedalboard for riff section in studio. Effects are likely rack or studio post-processing, but chorus and delay are clearly audible in the riff.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6.5
Reverb3.5
Treble6.5
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Chorus pedal (model unknown) · chorus
- Delay pedal (model unknown) · delay
Gibson Les Paul Custom → Chorus pedal → Delay pedal → Marshall JMP 2203 (with spring reverb)
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Tone Character
- warm and smooth
- chorus-laden
- singing sustain
- slightly compressed
- clear melodic articulation
- rich midrange
- tight but not harsh highs
- full-bodied rhythm
- anthemic and melodic
- polished studio sheen