Real AmpTuning: E StandardPickup: BridgeBeginner FriendlyAlternative RockCrunchBest for Beginners
Sawmills Wall of Sound — Les Paul Dual-Amp Drive
Noel used Johnny Marr’s converted Les Paul through the Marshall Valvestate 8080 and Watkins Dominator, with amp distortion rather than a conventional drive pedal. The Space Echo mainly contributed preamp coloration and occasional ambience; exact knob positions are approximated from the documented rig. Source: Ground Guitar’s Definitely Maybe song-by-song gear breakdown (2025).
Signal Chain
1953 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop conversion→Roland RE-201 Space Echo→Marshall Valvestate 8080 + Watkins Dominator blend→Marshall 1x12 + WEM 1x12 blend→Wide Rhythm Double→Output
Guitar1953 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop conversion
Tone
9
PickupBridge
TuningE Standard
Volume
10
PedalRoland RE-201 Space Echo
Intensity1
Echo Volume1
Repeat Rate3
Preamp Drive9
AmpMarshall Valvestate 8080 + Watkins Dominator blend
Blend5
WEM Volume6.5
Marshall Bass5
Marshall Gain6
Marshall Mids7.5
Marshall Treble6
Cab / IRMarshall 1x12 + WEM 1x12 blend
MicClose dynamic pair
Mic PositionOff-axis, cap-edge transition
EffectWide Rhythm Double
PanHard left and right
Layers2
Tightness8
Notes
Use firm downstrokes and allow the open strings to smear slightly into the chord changes. Keep the mids high and the low end tighter than the finished master suggests.
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See the same signal chain mapped to another platform. Knob values carry over as starting points — gain ranges differ between platforms.