Marshall MG15FX settings
1979 settings for Marshall MG15FX
The Smashing Pumpkins · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the The Smashing Pumpkins "1979" riff tone on a Marshall MG15FX, set Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Tap 0, Fx level 0. Use the neck pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Epiphone Les Paul Tribute · updated 2026-10-27
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Marshall MG15FX knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 6
- Tap
- 0
- Fx level
- 0
- Fx select
- 0
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (Spring) · 2
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in chorus set to a moderate level for added shimmer.
- Engage reverb for a more spacious sound, but keep it subtle to maintain clarity.
- 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 Marshall MG15FX 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 are the best Marshall MG15FX settings for 1979?
Set Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Tap 0, Fx level 0.
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 Epiphone Les Paul Tribute. 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 Marshall MG15FX
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Walk · Pantera
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- R U Mine? · Arctic Monkeys
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
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.