Riff Tone
How Soon Is Now? (Single Edit)
The Smiths
Guitarrock1980s
Original Gear
Guitar1964 Epiphone Casino
AmpFender Twin Reverb (x4, all with tremolo engaged)
PickupsEpiphone P-90 single coils
Amp Settings
gain3.5
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb7
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
tremoloBoss Boss TR-2 Tremolo (for recreation, not original recording)
Notes
Studio recording, 1984; rhythm guitar re-amped through four Fender Twin Reverbs with tremolo at different speeds for the iconic pulsing effect. Guitar confirmed as Epiphone Casino. No evidence of other guitars or amps for the riff section. Pedals possibly used for tremolo, but main effect is from amps. Studio only; live setups differ.
Tone Character(10)
pulsating tremolostereo spreadclean and janglysmooth triangle wave modulationlush sustain from amp reverbhypnotic and swirlingsumptuous layered soundpercussive rhythmbright but not harshdistinctive shimmering texture
Difficulty
The riff is technically challenging due to the need for precise timing with the complex, multi-amp tremolo pulses and the requirement for consistent, clean rhythmic strumming. Studio layering and stereo spread add to the complexity.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1980s
Original Gear
Guitar1964 Epiphone Casino
AmpFender Twin Reverb (x4, all with tremolo engaged)
PickupsEpiphone P-90 single coils
Amp Settings
gain3.5
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb7
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
tremoloBoss Boss TR-2 Tremolo (for recreation, not original recording)
Notes
Studio recording, 1984; rhythm guitar re-amped through four Fender Twin Reverbs with tremolo at different speeds for the iconic pulsing effect. Guitar confirmed as Epiphone Casino. No evidence of other guitars or amps for the riff section. Pedals possibly used for tremolo, but main effect is from amps. Studio only; live setups differ.
Tone Character(10)
pulsating tremolostereo spreadclean and janglysmooth triangle wave modulationlush sustain from amp reverbhypnotic and swirlingsumptuous layered soundpercussive rhythmbright but not harshdistinctive shimmering texture
Difficulty
The riff is technically challenging due to the need for precise timing with the complex, multi-amp tremolo pulses and the requirement for consistent, clean rhythmic strumming. Studio layering and stereo spread add to the complexity.
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