Marshall MG15R settings
1979 settings for Marshall MG15R
The Smashing Pumpkins · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the The Smashing Pumpkins "1979" riff tone on a Marshall MG15R, set Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Reverb 1.5. Use the neck + middle pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
updated 2026-10-16
- Pickup
- Neck + Middle
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Marshall MG15R knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 6
- Reverb
- 1.5
Built-in effects
- Reverb on · 1.5
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb set to a moderate level for added depth.
- Consider using a compressor pedal to smooth out dynamics and add sustain.
- For added shimmer, try a light chorus effect if available.
The original rig
What The Smashing Pumpkins used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Marshall MG15R 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 MG15R settings for 1979?
Set Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Reverb 1.5.
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?
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 MG15R
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Walk · Pantera
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- 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.