Solo Tone

Only Dying (Demo)

Stone Temple Pilots

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (likely late '80s, possibly '78 Sunburst as used on Core demos)

AmpVHT 2100 Classic power amp + Demeter TGP-3 preamp (stereo) into Marshall 4x12 cabinets; Vox AC30 (clean, chimey, blended in studio)

PickupsHumbucker (PAF-style, stock or vintage spec)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb3

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown, likely Roland CE-1 or Boss CE-2)

Notes

Studio recording, 1992 demo session for 'Core' album. Dean DeLeo typically used his VHT/Demeter/Marshall rig for clean and dirty tones, with a Vox AC30 set very clean and chimey blended in for clean passages. Settings estimated based on typical clean tones from this rig and era; no direct numeric settings found for this specific song/section.

Tone Character(10)

chimey and cleanwarm and smootharticulate with clear note separationslightly compressedsubtle chorus shimmerfull-bodiednot harsh or brittletouch-sensitivedynamic response to pickingslight studio ambience

Difficulty

The clean solo requires careful dynamic control and subtle phrasing, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast passages. The main challenge is maintaining clarity and musicality with a clean, slightly modulated tone.