Zombie — The Cranberries1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedSolo

Zombie Solo Guitar Tone Settings — The Cranberries

The Cranberries · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

A reconstruction of the solo tone. Gear attributions and estimated settings are explained in the research notes below.

Guitar
Fender Telecaster (likely 1967, as used by Noel Hogan in early Cranberries recordings)
Pickups
Single-coil (Fender Telecaster stock pickups, model unspecified)
Amp
Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1993-1994. Gear confirmed for early Cranberries era and referenced as used for 'Zombie' by Equipboard and interviews. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the solo section. Chorus pedal is a signature part of the sound. No evidence of additional gain/distortion pedals; distortion likely from cranked Vox AC30 amp. DOD FX68 Super Stereo Chorus pedal confirmed as always-on for Cranberries sound.

Amp Settings

Suggested starting points on a 0–10 scale, not documented studio knob positions. Match to your gear for controls specific to your setup.

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
6.5
Reverb
3
Treble
6.5
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • DOD FX68 Super Stereo Chorus · chorus

Fender Telecaster → DOD FX68 Super Stereo Chorus → Vox AC30 (with spring reverb)

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Tone Character

  • heavy, saturated crunch
  • distinct chorus shimmer
  • aggressive, biting attack
  • full-bodied power chord sound
  • clear, articulate note separation
  • modulated, swirling texture
  • medium sustain with slight compression
  • punchy midrange presence
  • notably thick for alternative rock
  • slightly scooped but not metal

Sources

Tone Story / Why This Tone Works

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