Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 settings
1979 settings for Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3
The Smashing Pumpkins · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the The Smashing Pumpkins "1979" riff tone on a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3, select the Clean Warm preset, then set Gain 4, Volume 6, Isf 7, Dly level 0, Mod level 5, Rev level 3. Use the neck + middle pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Fender Stratocaster · updated 2026-08-26
- Preset / mode
- Clean Warm
- Pickup
- Neck + Middle
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Volume
- 6
- Isf
- 7
- Dly level
- 0
- Mod level
- 5
- Rev level
- 3
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 2
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in chorus set to a moderate level to add shimmer to the clean tone.
- Engage the reverb to create a spacious feel in the riff.
- Consider using a compression pedal to smooth out dynamics and enhance sustain.
The original rig
What The Smashing Pumpkins used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 actually has.
- Guitar
- Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 80s, as used by Billy Corgan in studio)
- Amp
- Marshall JCM800 (modded with KT88 tubes, as used on Mellon Collie sessions)
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 5.5
- Reverb
- 2.5
Different guitar or pedals? Get 1979 adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts The Smashing Pumpkins's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What preset should I use on the Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 for 1979?
Start from the Clean Warm preset, then set Gain 4, Volume 6, Isf 7, Dly level 0, Mod level 5, Rev level 3.
Which pickup should I use for 1979?
Neck + Middle, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did The Smashing Pumpkins use on 1979?
Guitar: Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 80s, as used by Billy Corgan in studio). Amp: Marshall JCM800 (modded with KT88 tubes, as used on Mellon Collie sessions).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Fender Stratocaster. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
1979 on other amps
Popular songs on the Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.