No One Knows Amp Settings

Original Gear

Guitar

1984 Ovation Ultra GP (Model 1431 solidbody) — double-cutaway, set-neck, mahogany body, maple veneer top

Pickups

DiMarzio DP-104 Super 2 (factory stock). High-output ceramic magnet — brighter than Super Distortion, tight bottom end. (Estimated: Neck pickup with tone rolled back (forum sources confirm Homme frequently favors neck with tone rolled off; Valentine described the guitar as 'dull' sounding, consistent with this))

Amplifier

3-amp blend: (1) Ampeg VT-40 tube combo (primary), (2) Peavey solid-state 'Musician' series, (3) Tube Works RT-2100 MosValve hybrid

Channel

All amps driven hard

Tuning

C Standard (C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C)

Pickup Selector

Estimated: Neck position, tone knob rolled back. Bridge pickup likely for solo/lead sections. Not explicitly documented for this session.

Strings

Dunlop Electric Nickel Wound (heavy gauge required for C Standard)

Eric Valentine (producer, primary source): The VT-40 'had more gain and volume was typically all the way up.' Peavey solid-state amps purchased at Black Market Music in LA at Valentine's suggestion. Tube Works was Homme's storage amp from Kyuss era. Valentine: 'If it said Marshall, Vox, Fender or Gibson on it, it was strictly off limits.' Mics placed OFF-AXIS because 'the amps were so scratchy and gritty sounding' — Neumann U87 and Sony C37A condensers, positioned further back pointing at center of speakers.

Amp Settings

Playing Technique

'Polka' octave bounce rhythm — Homme bounces between low C and high C octave, giving the riff a classic polka feel. Aggressive, precise picking with dynamic control. Heavy layering: at least 4 guitar tracks (2 rhythm for verses, 2 more overdriven for choruses). Palm muting for staccato verse character. Minimal vibrato, rhythmic precision, percussive attack.