Tone library / Boston / Rock & Roll Band

Rock & Roll Band amp settings — Boss GT-1

The Boston guitar tone for “Rock & Roll Band”, dialed in for a Boss GT-1 with a Jackson JS22 Dinky. Studio version, Boston (1976) — main rhythm and lead track

Original rig

1968 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop (DiMarzio Super Distortion) -> Cry Baby (cocked) -> custom graphic EQ -> Maestro Echoplex -> cranked 100W Marshall Super Lead with Power Soak attenuator

Ultra-compressed, mid-heavy crunch with a distinct 800Hz–1kHz resonant midrange peak and smooth top end
Amp settings — Boss GT-1
CHANNELMS 1959 I+II (Plexi) + 4x12 Marshall CabBRIGHToffBOOSToff
GAIN 7 BASS 5 MID 8 TREBLE 5 PRESENCE 4 REVERB 2 MASTER 6
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain7
Bass5
Mid8
Treble5
Presence4
Reverb2
Master6
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01FX1: Graphic EQ

Placed before the preamp block to recreate Tom Scholz's signature pre-amp mid hump

Low-Mid (800Hz) 8 · High-Mid (2kHz) 6 · Level 6

02FX2: Chorus (Prime Chorus)

Subtle doubling width simulating Scholz's custom prototype bucket-brigade chorus

Rate 3 · Depth 4 · E.Level 3

03Delay (Tape Echo)

Maestro Echoplex tape slap simulation (around 120-140ms)

D.Time 3 · F.Back 3 · E.Level 3
Why these settings

The Jackson JS22 ceramic humbuckers share a similar high-output bite with Tom Scholz's DiMarzio Super Distortion, so moderate preamp gain is all that's required. The core of the Boston sound is the 800Hz pre-amp mid boost paired with subtle chorus doubling, modeled here via the GT-1's EQ and Chorus blocks into a Plexi amp block. Treble and presence are dialed back slightly to prevent the GT-1's digital amp model from getting harsh on top.

PRO TIPDig in with a heavy pick right between the bridge and middle area with slight palm muting on the driving eighth notes to get that tight, chugging percussive attack.

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These settings are for a Boss GT-1. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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MayonnaiseSmashing PumpkinsI want to knowTwo door cinema clubCliffs of Dover (Live)Eric JohnsonLeft behindSlipknotKnocking on heavens doorGuns n Rosesand justice for allmetallica
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