Recording electric guitar on this record was so complicated, producer Butch Vig has been quoted saying they needed a visual guitar map to keep track of all the different parts Corgan was dreaming up.1 Despite the layering needed to get closest to this tone, one thing is true, a heavy fuzz is a must. And AmpStamp delivers this in spades with the FZ104A Fuzz.
Also, after doing extensive tone tests, our ears have selected the VG302E Amplifier. Although this goes against most interviews, Vig has briefly mentioned his affinity for AC30s in the past2, and it seems possible that these combos could have been run into typical 4x12s that would be used with traditional Marshall heads. We’re also blending old and new cabs to bring out the best of both worlds. Check it out!
Cherub
Packed with a heavy fuzz, this tone is perfect for alternative rock à la 1991. Stack up separate left and right takes for an amazing stereo image. Ideally suited for a humbucker in the bridge position to help cut through the mud, anything will do really. And if you’re stuck with noisy single coils, engage the Squelch gate.
Cherub Lead
Changing Color for a darker tone and engaging the FL100 Flanger, new you can recreate blistering leads from this classic album. And when you reach post-production you can flip the Matrix switch and manually control the flange, just like the record. It doesn’t get much better than this!
VG302E Amplifier
FZ104A Fuzz
VG 4x12B 260W ’82 Cabinet
VG 4x12B 100W ’73 Cabinet
1 Harris, Sophie. “Smashing Pumpkins’ ‘Siamese Dream’: 10 Things You Didn’t Know.” Rolling Stone, Penske Business Media, LLC, 27th July 2018, https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/smashing-pumpkins-siamese-dream-10-things-you-didnt-know-699361/.
2 Robson, Paul. “Butch Vig shares the guitar recording secrets of Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters and more.” Guitar.com, BandLab Technologies, 20th December 2020, https://guitar.com/features/interviews/butch-vig-guitar-recording-secrets-nirvana-the-smashing-pumpkins-foo-fighters/.
The Musicology Group 