fuzz guitar from “elephant” by tame impala | ToneDB
elephant
tame impala
fuzz guitar
Tone Profile
A searing, thick, and psychedelic fuzz guitar tone characterized by a prominent upper octave and swirling phaser, delivering a powerful vintage rock sound with a slightly unruly edge.
Signal Chain
Instrument: Fender Stratocaster (likely bridge or neck pickup)
Amp: Vox AC30 (Top Boost channel, driven to edge of breakup or slightly beyond)
Microphone: Shure SM57 (close-mic'd), potentially blended with a Royer R-121 or a DI signal
Processing: Electro-Harmonix Micro POG (or similar octave pedal, primarily for octave up), Silicon Fuzz Pedal (e.g., Dunlop JDF2 Fuzz Face, ZVEX Fuzz Factory, or a custom high-gain silicon fuzz), MXR Phase 90 (or Electro-Harmonix Small Stone)
Other: Guitar likely double-tracked for width. Experiment with guitar's volume and tone knobs to shape fuzz character. Kevin Parker is known for DI recording and re-amping, or blending DI with mic'd amp.
Recording Notes
- The core of the sound is a fuzz pedal combined with an octave-up effect.
- The phaser is integral, adding psychedelic movement, typically set to a moderate speed.
- Guitars are often double-tracked in Tame Impala productions to create a wider and thicker sound.
- The amp is likely driven to complement the fuzz, adding its own compression and harmonic richness.
- Kevin Parker often utilizes studio techniques like running signals through multiple preamps or console channels for additional saturation and character.
Recreation Tips
- Place the octave pedal before the fuzz pedal in your signal chain for better tracking and to allow the fuzz to process the octave-shifted signal.
- Follow the fuzz with the phaser for a classic psychedelic sweep.
- Use a silicon-based fuzz for a more aggressive and brighter fuzz tone, characteristic of "Elephant".
- Experiment with the blend of the octave-up signal from the POG; it should be prominent.
- Set your amp to be fairly clean but loud, or on the edge of breakup, letting the pedals do most of the heavy lifting for the distortion.
- Don't be afraid of a slightly compressed or 'blown-out' sound, as this contributes to the track's raw energy.
- Consider using your guitar's bridge pickup for more bite, or the neck pickup for a slightly rounder, woolier tone.
Recommended Gear
- Fender American Standard Stratocaster(guitar)
- Vox AC30C2(amp)
- Electro-Harmonix Micro POG(pedal)
- Dunlop JDF2 Fuzz Face Distortion (Silicon)(pedal)
- ZVEX Effects Fuzz Factory (Vertical)(pedal)
- MXR M101 Phase 90(pedal)
- Shure SM57(mic)
- Royer R-121(mic)