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Riff Tone
Prison Sex
TOOL
Guitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst (late 1970s/early 1980s, likely 1979-1981)
Amp1976 Marshall Super Bass + Diezel VH4 (studio blend, Undertow era)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 1993 Undertow album. Adam Jones is confirmed to have used a late 70s Silverburst Les Paul Custom and a blend of Marshall Super Bass and Diezel VH4 amps for 'Prison Sex' riff. Mesa Boogie 2x15 bass cab used as guitar cab. No evidence of live rig or later gear for this recording.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesaturated and harmonically richarticulate low endaggressive attackcomplex layered gainfocused midrangeslightly scooped but not hollowclear note separationdense and heavyminimal ambience
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, syncopated palm muting and precise alternate picking in a low tuning, demanding good right-hand control and muting technique. The rhythm complexity and heaviness make it moderately challenging for intermediate players.
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst (late 1970s/early 1980s, likely 1979-1981)
Amp1976 Marshall Super Bass + Diezel VH4 (studio blend, Undertow era)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1993 Undertow album. Adam Jones is confirmed to have used a late 70s Silverburst Les Paul Custom and a blend of Marshall Super Bass and Diezel VH4 amps for 'Prison Sex' riff. Mesa Boogie 2x15 bass cab used as guitar cab. No evidence of live rig or later gear for this recording.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesaturated and harmonically richarticulate low endaggressive attackcomplex layered gainfocused midrangeslightly scooped but not hollowclear note separationdense and heavyminimal ambience
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, syncopated palm muting and precise alternate picking in a low tuning, demanding good right-hand control and muting technique. The rhythm complexity and heaviness make it moderately challenging for intermediate players.