Vox Valvetronix VT20X settings
1979 settings for Vox Valvetronix VT20X
The Smashing Pumpkins · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the The Smashing Pumpkins "1979" riff tone on a Vox Valvetronix VT20X, select the BOUTIQUE CLASSIC preset, then set Gain 4, Volume 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Reverb 1.5. Use the neck pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
updated 2026-09-02
- Preset / mode
- BOUTIQUE CLASSIC
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Vox Valvetronix VT20X knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Volume
- 7
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 6
- Reverb
- 1.5
- Tap tempo
- 0
- Power level
- 10
- Amp models selector
- 3
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 2
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in chorus set to a moderate level for a shimmering effect.
- Engage the reverb to add depth to your clean tone.
- Experiment with picking dynamics to achieve the elegant feel of the original riff.
The original rig
What The Smashing Pumpkins used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Vox Valvetronix VT20X 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 Vox Valvetronix VT20X for 1979?
Start from the BOUTIQUE CLASSIC preset, then set Gain 4, Volume 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Reverb 1.5.
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?
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 Vox Valvetronix VT20X
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Walk · Pantera
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Sultans of Swing · Dire Straits
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Do I Wanna Know? · Arctic Monkeys
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
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.