What fuzz pedal did Keith Richards use on Satisfaction?

Keith Richards used a Gibson Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone pedal on 'Satisfaction'. This was one of the first commercially available fuzz boxes and created the song's distinctive buzzy, aggressive guitar tone.

What amp did the Rolling Stones use on Satisfaction?

The guitar tone on 'Satisfaction' was recorded through a Vox AC30 amplifier. The AC30's bright, chimey tube sound was essential to the British Invasion tone and complemented the fuzz pedal perfectly.

How to get Keith Richards Satisfaction guitar tone?

To recreate Keith Richards' 'Satisfaction' tone, you need a fuzz pedal similar to the Gibson Maestro FZ-1 running into a Vox AC30 or similar British-style tube amp. Set the fuzz for maximum sustain and aggression while keeping the amp fairly clean to let the pedal do the work.

Was Satisfaction guitar supposed to be replaced by horns?

Yes, Keith Richards originally intended the fuzzy guitar riff to be a demo that would later be replaced by a horn section. However, the raw power of the fuzz tone was so compelling that it became the final version heard on the record.

What guitar did Keith Richards play on Satisfaction?

While the exact guitar model used on the 'Satisfaction' recording isn't definitively documented, Keith Richards was known to use various guitars during this period including Gibson and Epiphone models. The fuzz pedal and amp were more crucial to achieving this particular tone than the specific guitar.

lead guitar from "(i can't get no) satisfaction" by the rolling stones

(i can't get no) satisfaction

the rolling stones

lead guitar

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Tone Profile

Fuzzy, sustained, and aggressive, this tone defines raw rock and roll energy. It's the sound of rebellion and primal guitar riffing.

Shop This Rig

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Gibson Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone(instrument)
Vox AC30(amp)

The Story

Keith Richards' iconic lead guitar tone on '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' was created using a Gibson Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone pedal into a Vox AC30 amplifier. The FZ-1 was one of the first commercially available fuzz pedals, and Richards originally intended the fuzzy guitar riff as a placeholder that would later be replaced by horns. The raw, aggressive sound of the fuzz pedal through the AC30's British tube tone became one of rock's most recognizable riffs.

Production Credits

Producer: Andrew Loog Oldham

Engineer: Glyn Johns

Recorded at: RCA Studios, Hollywood

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-ToneShop on Reverb

Amp: Vox AC30Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a guitar equipped with humbucker pickups for a thicker tone.
Use a fuzz pedal modeled after the Gibson Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone. Many modern fuzz pedals can emulate this sound.
Pair the fuzz pedal with a Vox AC30 model or similar British-style amplifier known for its bright and chimey tone.
Experiment with the fuzz and amp gain settings to find the sweet spot between saturation and clarity.

Original Gear

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Gibson Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-ToneShop on Reverb(pedal)
Vox AC30Shop on Reverb(amp)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Dunlop Fuzz Face Mini GermaniumShop on Reverb$180-$200

Alternative to: Gibson Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone

Germanium transistors provide vintage-style fuzz saturation similar to the FZ-1's aggressive, buzzy character

Boss FZ-5 FuzzShop on Reverb$100-$130

Alternative to: Gibson Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone

Budget option with vintage fuzz modes that can approximate the harsh, sustained fuzz tone of the original

Vox AC30C2XShop on Reverb$1400-$1600

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Modern reissue of the original AC30 with the same bright, chimey tube tone that shaped the recording

Vox AC15C1Shop on Reverb$600-$700

Alternative to: Vox AC30

Lower-wattage version with similar Vox tube character and EL84 breakup at manageable volumes

Amplitube 5 Fuzz-Tone + AC30 modelsPlugin Boutique$200-$300

Alternative to: Complete signal chain

Digital recreations of both the Maestro Fuzz-Tone and AC30 allow precise tone matching in a DAW

Sources

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lead guitar from “(i can't get no) satisfaction” by the rolling stones | ToneDB