Rock1995Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

1979 Amp Settings

by The Smashing Pumpkins

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Original Recording Settings

Well-SourcedResearched tone data for "1979" by The Smashing Pumpkins

Original Gear

Guitar: Fender Stratocaster (various — Bat Strat and #2 Strat)
Pickups: DiMarzio (custom-spec for Corgan) (bridge and neck (different sections))
Amplifier: Marshall JCM800 (KT88 mod) for overdubs; Marshall JMP-1 Rack Preamp + Mesa Boogie Strategy 500 Power Amp for primary rhythm
Channel: Various
Tuning: Eb Standard
Pickup Selector: varies by section
Strings: Not documented for these sessions

For Mellon Collie, Corgan expanded his amp setup. The Marshall JMP-1 rack preamp with Mesa Strategy 500 power amp became the primary rhythm rig, delivering super-saturated distortion. The JCM800 was still used for overdubs and leads. '1979' specifically has a more restrained, dreamy guitar tone compared to the heavier tracks on the album.

Amp Settings

Gain

4.0

Bass

5.0

Mid

6.0

Treble

6.0

Presence

5.0

Master Volume

6.0

Volume

5.0

1979 has a more restrained, shimmery tone than typical Pumpkins heavy tracks. The gain is lower, with more emphasis on the dreamy, layered quality. Estimates reflect the cleaner, more textured approach of this particular song within the Mellon Collie sessions.

Effects Chain

→

Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi

fuzz

→

MXR Phase 100

phaser

→

Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor

noise_gate

→

1.Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi — Used with lower sustain/gain settings than on Siamese Dream for a more textured, less overwhelming fuzz.

2.MXR Phase 100 — Part of Corgan's Mellon Collie pedalboard. Speed set low for subtle movement.

3.Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor — On Corgan's Mellon Collie pedalboard.

Playing Technique

Dreamy, layered arpeggiated patterns with a hypnotic, repetitive quality. Less aggressive than typical Pumpkins fare — the guitar plays a more atmospheric, supporting role. Loops and programmed elements (Alesis drum machine) are central to the song's structure. The guitar tone is processed and textured rather than raw.

Sources+

Billy Corgan in Guitar World interview (Mellon Collie era): confirms JMP-1/Strategy 500 setup and JCM800 for overdubs
MusicRadar — Billy Corgan Reverb sale (JMP-1 preamps confirmed as 'main preamps for Mellon Collie album and tour', Alesis drum machine 'used for the loops on 1979')
Equipboard.com — Billy Corgan (Mellon Collie era pedalboard: Op-Amp Big Muff, MXR Phase 100, Boss NS-2, Boss FZ-2, Moog Ring Modulator)
Mixdown Magazine — Smashing Pumpkins gear rundown