Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V4 settings
1979 settings for Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V4
The Smashing Pumpkins · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the The Smashing Pumpkins "1979" riff tone on a Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V4, select the Crunch preset, then set Gain 4, Reverb 1.5, ISF 6, Effect type 0, Effect level 0, Power reduction 1. Use the neck pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Squier Starcaster · updated 2026-11-11
- Preset / mode
- Crunch
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V4 knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Reverb
- 1.5
- ISF
- 6
- Effect type
- 0
- Effect level
- 0
- Power reduction
- 1
Built-in effects
- Chorus on
- Reverb on (Spring) · 1.5
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in chorus set to a moderate level to add shimmer to your clean tone.
- Engage reverb to create a spacious feel, but keep it subtle to maintain clarity.
- Play with a light touch to emphasize the clean, elegant nature of the riff.
The original rig
What The Smashing Pumpkins used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V4 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 Stereo 20 V4 for 1979?
Start from the Crunch preset, then set Gain 4, Reverb 1.5, ISF 6, Effect type 0, Effect level 0, Power reduction 1.
Which pickup should I use for 1979?
Neck pickup, 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 Squier Starcaster. 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 Stereo 20 V4
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Walk · Pantera
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Wonderwall · Oasis
- Layla · Derek and the Dominos
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
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.