Tom DeLonge is the cofounder of the electric guitar music band known as Blink 182; Tom is remembered for his style that characterized pop-punk music at the end of the Nineties and in the beginning century. An important aspect of his sound is that he plays Mesa/Boogie Rectifier amplifiers. If you’re a guitarist distancing yourself from DeLonge’s recognizable sound, understanding and pleasant-tuning the perfect Rectifier settings is crucial. This article is going into Tom DeLonge Rectifier settings, revealing insights into his gear, the way to reflect his tone and recommendation for developing your personal particular sound.
Tom DeLonge’s Signature Sound
Not only does the rhythmic force and melodic tangle come through in DeLonge’s guitar line, there also is an intense, still clear, distortion to the sound. It’s a cornerstone for ‘All the Small Things’ and ‘What’s My Age Again,’ as well as many other songs. His tone sets are often the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amp with his custom Fender Stratocaster or Gibson ES-333 guitar that is equipped with humbuckers for a punchy, effective tone.
Key Mesa/Boogie Tom DeLonge Rectifier Settings
Tom DeLonge’s Rectifier settings center upon generating a gritty but articulate tone. While specific settings may vary based on your instrument and playing style, the following principles will help you get close:
- Gain: Set the gain reasonably high, approximately 2 o’clock. This offers you the proper amount of distortion without dominating the clarity.
- Bass: Keep the bass at 12 o’clock. This avoids the tone from sounding overly muddy while preserving richness.
- Midrange: DeLonge’s sound generally features scooped mids. Set this about 10 o’clock to obtain that characteristic pop-punk bite.
- Treble: Keep the treble at 2 o’clock to provide brightness and sharpness in the tone.
- Presence: Set presence about 1 o’clock. This gives an edge to your tone, helping it cut through in a mix.
- Master Volume: Adjust to your preferred loudness, however bear in mind that Rectifiers sound best when the volume is pushed higher.
Additional Equipment to Consider
To further enhance your tone and match Tom DeLonge’s approach, try these gear options:
- Guitars: Use guitars with humbuckers, such as a Gibson ES-333 or a Fender Stratocaster modified with Seymour Duncan Invader pickups. These pickups produce tremendous power, excellent for the distortion-heavy pop-punk sound.
- Effects Pedals: DeLonge’s tone is quite basic, with little effects. However, a delay pedal (like the Boss DD-5) may imitate the echo heard in songs like “I Miss You.”
- Strings & Picks: Use medium to heavy gauge strings (e.g. 10-52) for greater stability and tone during forceful strumming. Pair them with thicker picks for better attack.
Tips for Perfecting Your Sound
- Experimentation is Key: While the indicated parameters give a starting point, every amp and instrument reacts uniquely. Adjust each knob gently to obtain your ideal sound.
- Play at Volume: Mesa/Boogie Rectifiers are noted for their tube-driven power. To truly realize the amp’s capabilities, play at greater levels. Consider employing an attenuator if volume control is an issue.
- Practice DeLonge’s Techniques: Replicating his sound isn’t just about gear it’s also about technique. Focus on crisp palm muting, power chord transitions and rhythmic strumming patterns.
Tom DeLonge Rectifier Settings: FAQs
1. What amp did Tom DeLonge utilize in Blink-182’s golden years?
Tom DeLonge predominantly employed the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier during Blink-182’s golden years, notably on albums like Enema of the State and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket.
2. Can I duplicate Tom DeLonge’s tone without a Mesa/Boogie Rectifier?
Yes, you can produce a similar tone with other high-gain amps, such the Peavey 5150 or Marshall JCM2000, by duplicating the Rectifier settings. However, the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier is the most genuine option.
3. What pickups are ideal for Tom DeLonge’s tone?
Seymour Duncan Invader pickups are the closest approximation to Tom DeLonge’s tone. Their strong output and robust mids make them suitable for pop-punk and severe distortion.
4. Do I need pricey gear to sound like Tom DeLonge?
While expensive gear helps, you may approximate his tone with cheaper options. Focus on replicating his Rectifier settings, employing humbuckers and learning his playing style.
5. Why does my amp sound different even with the same settings?
Amp tone may vary depending on elements including tube quality, cabinet choice, room acoustics and instrument characteristics. Experiment with tiny tweaks to enhance your setting.
6. What songs should I practice to perfect Tom DeLonge’s tone?
Start with classics like “Dammit,” “All the Small Things” and “First Date.” These tracks emphasize his particular tone and playing technique.
By knowing Tom DeLonge’s Rectifier settings and gear choices, you can unleash the pop-punk magic that has inspired many guitarists worldwide. Experiment, modify and experiment with passion to create the tone distinctively yours.