Riff Tone
Let's Lynch the Landlord (2022 Mix)
Dead Kennedys
Guitarpunk1980s
Original Gear
GuitarUnivox Hi-Flier (Japanese Mosrite-style guitar, likely late 1970s/early 1980s, as used by East Bay Ray on early Dead Kennedys recordings)
AmpFender Super Reverb (silverface, late 1970s)
PickupsHumbucker (bridge position, stock or DiMarzio replacement, as per era-correct Univox Hi-Flier)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble7.5
reverb1
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, original era 1979-1980, but referencing the 2022 Mix. No evidence of live/touring gear or later amp substitutions for this recording. Guitar and amp confirmed by multiple interviews and rig rundowns for early Dead Kennedys studio work.
Tone Character(10)
bright and bitingclear, articulate attacktight and percussiveslightly gritty overdrivesurf-influenced chimeminimal reverbdistinct treble presencenot muddy, retains note separationaggressive punk rhythmbridge pickup twang
Difficulty
The riff is rhythmically demanding due to fast downstrokes and tight punk timing, but uses straightforward chord shapes and no advanced techniques.
Sources
Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear
Create Free AccountGuitarpunk1980s
Original Gear
GuitarUnivox Hi-Flier (Japanese Mosrite-style guitar, likely late 1970s/early 1980s, as used by East Bay Ray on early Dead Kennedys recordings)
AmpFender Super Reverb (silverface, late 1970s)
PickupsHumbucker (bridge position, stock or DiMarzio replacement, as per era-correct Univox Hi-Flier)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble7.5
reverb1
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, original era 1979-1980, but referencing the 2022 Mix. No evidence of live/touring gear or later amp substitutions for this recording. Guitar and amp confirmed by multiple interviews and rig rundowns for early Dead Kennedys studio work.
Tone Character(10)
bright and bitingclear, articulate attacktight and percussiveslightly gritty overdrivesurf-influenced chimeminimal reverbdistinct treble presencenot muddy, retains note separationaggressive punk rhythmbridge pickup twang
Difficulty
The riff is rhythmically demanding due to fast downstrokes and tight punk timing, but uses straightforward chord shapes and no advanced techniques.
More Dead Kennedys tones
- California Über Alles · riff
- Holiday in Cambodia · riff
- I am the Owl · clean
- I Am the Owl (Live at the Paradiso) · distorted
- Kill the Poor (Remastered 2026) · clean