Tone Settings for Time by Pink Floyd (guitar and amp)

1. Volume

• Set amp volume to moderately high to allow the amp tubes (if applicable) to break up naturally.
• Guitar volume knob slightly rolled back (around 7–8) for dynamic playing control, increase for solos.
• Use dynamics — pick softly for subtle clean sounds and dig in harder for more saturation.

2. Tone

• Roll off the tone knob slightly on the guitar to warm up high frequencies (around 5–6).
• Use analog delay to add rhythmic echoes — settings around 400 ms delay time and moderate repeats.
• Modest reverb for space and depth, not overwhelming the dry signal.
• Mild overdrive or fuzz to recreate the sustained, singing lead tone — avoid high gain.

3. Pickup Selector

• Bridge pickup for lead parts to get a sharp, cutting tone with sustain.
• Neck pickup can be used for warmer intro rhythm sections or mellow phrasing.
• Middle pickup rarely used for this tone; combination positions not ideal.

4. Humbucker or Single Coil Preferred?

• Single coil preferred — especially vintage-voiced for clarity and articulation.
• Use noiseless single coils or shielded circuitry to reduce hum when using effects or high volume.
• If using humbuckers, choose low-output PAF-style types to retain expressiveness and dynamic touch.

5. Ideal Guitar Type

• Electric Strat-style guitar, preferably with a maple neck and alder body for classic Strat tone.
• Set up with high-quality vintage-style single-coil pickups (like Fender Custom ‘69 or equivalent).
• Gilmour-style black Stratocaster with a rosewood or maple neck is iconic for achieving this sound.
• Sustain and intonation are key — ensure the bridge, nut, and frets are properly set up.

• Fender Stratocaster: Great for Gilmour’s smooth, articulate clean tones and responsive to effects
• Hiwatt Custom 100 Amp: Delivers the punchy, clean yet powerful amp tone Gilmour is known for
• Binson Echorec (or modern delay pedal): Essential for replicating the rhythmic delay patterns
• Electro-Harmonix Ram’s Head Big Muff: Classic sustain-rich fuzz used for Gilmour’s solo
• MXR Phase 90: Adds subtle modulation that thickens lead tones
• Cry Baby Wah: Used for expressive tone shaping and filter sweeps
• Boss CE-2 Chorus: Adds depth and warmth to clean and overdriven parts
• Volume Pedal (e.g., Ernie Ball VP Jr.): Useful for swell effects and dynamic control
• Compressor (e.g., MXR Dyna Comp): Evens out picking dynamics and sustains long notes
• GHS Boomers Strings (10-46): Gilmour’s string type – good sustain and flexibility

• Use a clean, sustained delay effect to emulate the original intro ambiance.
• Set delay time around 440ms with moderate feedback for rhythmic echoes.
• Apply modulation (chorus or phaser) subtly for dimensional depth in rhythm parts.
• Use a neck pickup with rolled-off tone for the mellow arpeggiated sections.
• Add light overdrive for the solo to maintain warmth without excessive gain.
• Use a compressor to balance dynamics, especially in the cleaner intro phrases.
• Adjust EQ to emphasize mids and slightly cut highs for vintage warmth.
• Use a volume pedal or guitar volume knob sweeps to recreate fade-ins.
• Double-track solo parts for depth if recording; pan slightly left/right.
• Dial reverb conservatively—plate or spring settings to simulate analog ambience.