Riff Tone

Quicksand

The Story So Far

Guitarpunk2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarFender Telecaster (exact model not confirmed, but Telecaster is most commonly associated with Will Levy for this era and song)

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head (3 Channel, Non Multi-Watt, NMW)

PickupsSingle-coil (likely Fender stock Telecaster pickups, exact model not confirmed for this recording)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid5.5

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9DX Turbo Tube Screamer

noise_gateBoss Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor

Notes

Studio recording, 2015 (self-titled album). Amp confirmed by multiple live and studio sources for this era and song. Guitar model inferred from era-appropriate live and studio use, but not 100% confirmed for this specific track. No explicit studio pedalboard photo for this song, so only effects with strong evidence or audible in the recording are included.

Tone Character(10)

tight and saturatedaggressive and percussivearticulate note separationpunchy and modernslight compressioncontrolled low endfocused midrangecutting top endminimal ambienceno modulation or delay audible

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, consistent alternate picking with precise palm muting and tight chord changes, typical of modern pop-punk rhythm guitar. While not technically advanced, the speed and tightness demand solid intermediate skill.