Riff Tone

The Fly

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (early 1970s, black, likely with original humbuckers)

AmpVox AC30 (vintage, likely 1964 Top Boost, as used by The Edge on Achtung Baby)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or original PAF-style, not swapped out)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5.5

mid7

treble7.5

reverb2

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

modulationKorg Korg A3 Multi-Effects (Preset 54 'The Fly')

distortionUnknown Distortion pedal (model unknown, likely ProCo Rat or Boss DS-1/SD-1 era-correct)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, likely rack or Korg A3 digital delay)

Notes

Studio recording, Achtung Baby sessions (1991). Guitar and amp confirmed for this era and song by multiple sources and interviews. Effects chain includes rack and pedalboard with Korg A3 and analog pedals. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Edge rig for this track.

Tone Character(10)

trashy and saturatedmidrange-forward crunchswirling flanger modulationtight and compressed attackaggressive, biting rhythmlayered, processed studio soundpercussive and rhythmicslightly nasal upper midsnot scooped, strong presencedistinctive modulated texture

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, percussive playing with precise muting and timing to lock in with the delay and flanger effects, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

U2 - The Fly | The Gear Page Guitar Pedal/Korg A3 guys - looking for some guidance and input U2 The Fly cover (the Edge)... what fx ?? (no delay thread)Achtung Baby guitar tone : r/U2Band - Reddit Does the Edge play all his guitars? : r/U2Band - Reddit

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