Riff Tone

Freaks

Surf Curse

Guitarrock2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarFender Mustang Electric Guitar

AmpFender Frontman 212R 100-Watt 2x12-Inch Guitar Combo Amp

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (stock Mustang type, likely Alnico V)

Amp Settings

gain4.5

bass6

mid5.5

treble7

reverb4.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveUnknown Overdrive/Distortion pedal (model unknown)

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Gear inferred from photo/video evidence of Jacob Rubeck using a Fender Mustang and Fender Frontman 212R amp in live sessions close to the era of 'Freaks' (2017). No direct studio documentation found; likely same setup for studio and live. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

bright and janglyslightly compressedmodulated shimmerspringy reverb tailarticulate single-note claritydynamic and percussive attackmodest amp breakupclear note separationnot heavily saturatedsurf/indie rock sparkle

Difficulty

The riff is accessible to intermediate beginners but requires tight timing, clean picking, and some muting to maintain clarity and rhythmic drive.

Sources

Jacob Rubeck, Surf Curse Guitarist Gear | Equipboard Surf Curse Amp & Pedal tone : r/guitarpedals - Reddit

This tone has been researched 7 times by the community

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