Riff Tone

Jailhouse Rock (First 'Stand-Up' Show - Live)

Elvis Presley

Guitarrock1960s

Original Gear

GuitarHagstrom Viking II (1967, black, semi-hollow, used by Elvis in '68 Comeback Special 'Stand-Up' Show)

AmpUnknown (no direct evidence; likely period-correct tube combo, possibly Fender or Magnatone, but not confirmed for this show)

PickupsHagstrom humbuckers (original Viking II stock humbuckers)

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb1

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Live performance, NBC '68 Comeback Special, December 3, 1968. Guitar confirmed as Hagstrom Viking II (loaned from Al Casey) for the 'Stand-Up' Show. No direct evidence of amp model or pedal use for this live TV performance.

Tone Character(10)

bright and bitingslightly overdriven, edge-of-breakupclear attackpercussive rhythmarticulate and dynamicopen midrangesnappy vintage charactertight low endminimal sustainquick note decay

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, fast rhythm playing with clear articulation and muting, but uses straightforward chord shapes and picking patterns typical of early rock and roll.

Sources

Elvis Presley's iconic '68 Comeback Special Hagstrom Viking II sells for $625,000 at auction Quintessential Rock Rigs by Decade - Premier Guitar

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