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rhythm guitar from “cherub rock” by the smashing pumpkins | ToneDB

cherub rock

the smashing pumpkins

rhythm guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A thick, fuzzy, and slightly scooped rhythm guitar tone that is a signature of Billy Corgan's sound. The tone is both aggressive and melodic, providing a strong foundation for the song.

Gear

Fender Stratocasterinstrument
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Soldano SLO-100amp
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Shure SM57microphone
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Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Piprocessing
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The Story

Billy Corgan achieved this iconic rhythm guitar tone using a Fender Stratocaster through an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal into a Soldano SLO-100 amplifier. The track was recorded at Smart Studios with producer Butch Vig, and the guitar parts were double-tracked to create the thick, wall-of-sound effect that became a signature of the Smashing Pumpkins' sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Butch Vig

Engineer: Butch Vig

Recorded at: Trippin' Balls Studios

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster

Amp: Soldano SLO-100

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Stratocaster and a high-gain amp like the Soldano SLO-100.
  • Use an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi for the fuzz effect, adjusting the sustain and tone controls to match the original sound.
  • Experiment with different microphone placements on the speaker cabinet to find the sweet spot.
  • Double-track the guitar part to add thickness and depth to the tone.
  • Slightly scoop the midrange frequencies to achieve the characteristic scooped sound.

Original Gear

  • Fender Stratocaster(guitar)
  • Soldano SLO-100(amp)
  • Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi(pedal)
  • Shure SM57(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi$80-$100

Alternative to: Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi

Modern reissue of the specific Big Muff variant used in the 90s, delivers the same saturated fuzz and midrange scoop

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Soldano SLO-100 Super Lead Overdrive$4000-$5000

Alternative to: Soldano SLO-100

Same amp model Corgan used, still in production and delivers identical high-gain foundation

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Boss HM-2W Heavy Metal$120-$150

Alternative to: Soldano SLO-100

Budget alternative that provides similar midrange scoop and aggressive saturation when combined with tube amp

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Fender Player Stratocaster$700-$900

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster

Modern Stratocaster with single-coil pickups that provide the same bright, cutting tone as Corgan's vintage Strats

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Neural DSP Soldano SLO-100 Plugin$100-$140

Alternative to: Full signal chain

Digital recreation of the exact Soldano amp model with built-in cab simulation, includes fuzz pedal models

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Sources

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