Riff Tone

Sometime World

Wishbone Ash

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

Guitar1971 Gibson Flying V

Amp1959 Fender Bassman (tweed)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (stock 1971 Flying V)

Amp Settings

gain5

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb2.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1972, album 'Argus'. Andy Powell played the main riff on the Flying V through a Fender Bassman. No pedals were used for the riff section, just guitar into amp. Ted Turner played the softer intro/verse sections on a Les Paul, but the main riff is Flying V. No evidence of effects loop or additional studio effects for the riff.

Tone Character(10)

clear and articulateopen and dynamicBritish crunchtouch-sensitive responseslightly gritty edge-of-breakupwarm midrangetight low endbright but not harsh highsno pedal colorationamp-driven breakup

Difficulty

The riff requires tight synchronization with another guitarist, clean articulation, and dynamic control to maintain clarity at the edge of breakup. While not technically advanced, the musicality and timing demand intermediate skill.

Sources

Wishbone Ash guitar tone | Page 2 “When I’m off the road, I have this love affair with ragtime guitar”: 7 questions with Wishbone Ash’s Andy Powell | Guitar World

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