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rhythm guitar from “mayonaise” by smashing pumpkins | ToneDB

mayonaise

smashing pumpkins

rhythm guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

This rhythm guitar tone is characterized by its thick, layered distortion and a slightly scooped midrange, providing a powerful and atmospheric backdrop. It has a dreamy and ethereal quality due to the subtle modulation effects.

Gear

Fender Stratocasterinstrument
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ADA MP-1amp
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MXR Phase 90processing
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Marshall JCM800amp
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Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pipedal
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The Story

The rhythm guitar on "Mayonaise" was recorded using Billy Corgan's signature approach of layering multiple guitar tracks with different amp and effect combinations. The main tones came from Fender Stratocasters running through an ADA MP-1 preamp and Marshall JCM800, with effects including an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi and MXR Phase 90. The track was recorded at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, with Butch Vig producing, and the layered approach created the song's characteristic thick, swirling guitar sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Butch Vig, Billy Corgan

Engineer: Butch Vig

Recorded at: Smart Studios, Madison, Wisconsin

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Stratocaster

Amp: ADA MP-1

Processing: MXR Phase 90

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Stratocaster for its versatile tonal range.
  • Use a combination of a high-gain amp and a fuzz pedal to achieve the desired level of distortion.
  • Experiment with different phaser settings to add a subtle swirling effect to the tone.
  • Layer multiple guitar tracks, each with slightly different settings, to create a thick, chorus-like sound.
  • Consider using a graphic EQ to scoop out some of the midrange frequencies, emphasizing the low and high frequencies.

Original Gear

  • Fender Stratocaster(guitar)
  • ADA MP-1(amp)
  • Marshall JCM800(amp)
  • Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi(pedal)
  • MXR Phase 90(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Synergy ADA MP-1 Reissue Module$400-$450

Alternative to: ADA MP-1 preamp

Official reissue of the exact preamp used by Corgan, providing the authentic high-gain character and tonal shaping of the original

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Marshall Studio Classic SC20H$650-$750

Alternative to: Marshall JCM800

20-watt version of the classic JCM800 circuit that delivers the same aggressive midrange and saturation at manageable volumes

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

Alternative to: Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi

Reissue of the specific late-80s Big Muff variant used during the Siamese Dream era, with the scooped midrange and thick sustain

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MXR Phase 90$80-$100

Alternative to: MXR Phase 90

Still in production and unchanged from the original design, providing the same subtle swirling modulation

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Neural DSP Archetype Nolly$130-$150

Alternative to: Complete signal chain

Includes high-quality amp sims and layering capabilities that can recreate the multi-amp approach with built-in effects

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Sources

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