Riff Tone
Only If
Steve Lacy
Guitarother2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (model not fully confirmed, but highly likely based on Steve Lacy's known use and tone on 'Only If')
AmpAmp model unknown (likely direct input or small solid-state amp, possibly with amp sim or plugin, as Steve Lacy is known for recording with GarageBand on iPhone or laptop)
PickupsSingle-coil (Fender stock or similar, exact model unknown)
Amp Settings
gain2.5
bass5.5
mid6
treble6.5
reverb3.5
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 2019 (album 'Apollo XXI'). Steve Lacy is widely documented to use minimal setups, often recording direct into GarageBand with little to no pedals or traditional amps. No evidence of live rig or alternate gear for this song's riff section.
Tone Character(10)
clean and glassyslightly compressedwarm but articulatefunk-inspired claritydirect, lo-fi indie pop soundno audible overdriveno time-based effectsno modulation effectsopen, dynamic pickingminimal studio coloration
Difficulty
The riff requires clean, accurate picking and good timing, but uses straightforward chord shapes and no advanced techniques.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarother2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarFender Stratocaster (model not fully confirmed, but highly likely based on Steve Lacy's known use and tone on 'Only If')
AmpAmp model unknown (likely direct input or small solid-state amp, possibly with amp sim or plugin, as Steve Lacy is known for recording with GarageBand on iPhone or laptop)
PickupsSingle-coil (Fender stock or similar, exact model unknown)
Amp Settings
gain2.5
bass5.5
mid6
treble6.5
reverb3.5
presence5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 2019 (album 'Apollo XXI'). Steve Lacy is widely documented to use minimal setups, often recording direct into GarageBand with little to no pedals or traditional amps. No evidence of live rig or alternate gear for this song's riff section.
Tone Character(10)
clean and glassyslightly compressedwarm but articulatefunk-inspired claritydirect, lo-fi indie pop soundno audible overdriveno time-based effectsno modulation effectsopen, dynamic pickingminimal studio coloration
Difficulty
The riff requires clean, accurate picking and good timing, but uses straightforward chord shapes and no advanced techniques.