Riff Tone

Selfless

The Strokes

Guitarrock2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarEpiphone Riviera (likely 1990s Korean model, as used by Nick Valensi on The New Abnormal sessions)

AmpFender Hot Rod DeVille 212 (studio recording, as used by Nick Valensi on The New Abnormal era)

PickupsGibson P94 single-coil-sized P90s

Amp Settings

gain5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb4.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

octaveElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix POG2 (Polyphonic Octave Generator) or similar octave pedal

reverbUnknown Reverb pedal (model unknown, possibly Strymon BlueSky or amp reverb)

modulationUnknown Chorus or Flanger pedal (model unknown, subtle modulation flavor)

Notes

Studio recording, 2019-2020, The New Abnormal album sessions. Gear inferred from multiple sources referencing Nick Valensi's studio setup for this album. No direct photo/video evidence for the exact amp on 'Selfless' riff, but DeVille is most commonly cited for this era.

Tone Character(10)

smooth and ambientslightly overdriven edge-of-breakuplush, lingering reverbclear note separationwarm midrangeairy and opensubtle octave shimmernot heavily compressedmild breakup, not high-gainsubtle modulation flavor

Difficulty

The riff requires precise timing and dynamic control to maintain clarity with ambient effects, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast passages.

Sources

Selfless guitar tone : r/TheStrokes - Reddit Nick Valensi Pedalboard 2022 : r/TheStrokes - Reddit The Strokes – The New Abnormal - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard

This tone has been researched 3 times by the community

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