Riff Tone
New York Groove
Ace Frehley
Guitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom 'UFO' Light Guitar (modified, single bridge humbucker)
AmpMarshall (likely JMP or early JCM series, cranked for distortion)
PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge position, humbucker)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb2
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
fuzzUnknown Fuzz pedal (model unknown, likely Electro-Harmonix Big Muff or Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face)
Notes
Studio recording, 1978. All sources agree Ace used his modified Les Paul Custom with a single bridge humbucker for 'New York Groove.' Amp is a Marshall stack, likely JMP or early JCM, cranked for overdrive. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the studio riff section.
Tone Character(10)
classic British crunchpunchy, mid-forward riff tonetight, percussive rhythmaggressive pick attackwarm but bitingnot overly saturated, retains note clarityslightly compressedfocused low endarticulate power chordsvintage hard rock drive
Difficulty
The riff is based on straightforward power chords and rhythm, but requires tight muting and consistent attack for the classic crunch, making it slightly more challenging than basic beginner riffs.
Sources
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Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom 'UFO' Light Guitar (modified, single bridge humbucker)
AmpMarshall (likely JMP or early JCM series, cranked for distortion)
PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge position, humbucker)
Amp Settings
gain7
bass6
mid7
treble6.5
reverb2
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
fuzzUnknown Fuzz pedal (model unknown, likely Electro-Harmonix Big Muff or Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face)
Notes
Studio recording, 1978. All sources agree Ace used his modified Les Paul Custom with a single bridge humbucker for 'New York Groove.' Amp is a Marshall stack, likely JMP or early JCM, cranked for overdrive. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for the studio riff section.
Tone Character(10)
classic British crunchpunchy, mid-forward riff tonetight, percussive rhythmaggressive pick attackwarm but bitingnot overly saturated, retains note clarityslightly compressedfocused low endarticulate power chordsvintage hard rock drive
Difficulty
The riff is based on straightforward power chords and rhythm, but requires tight muting and consistent attack for the classic crunch, making it slightly more challenging than basic beginner riffs.