Tone library / Pink Floyd / Comfortably Numb

Comfortably Numb amp settings — Stranger PM40

The Pink Floyd guitar tone for “Comfortably Numb”, dialed in for a Stranger PM40 with a Hertz Stratocaster. Studio version outro solo, The Wall (1979)

Original rig

Fender Stratocaster ('Black Strat' with DiMarzio FS-1 bridge pickup) -> MXR Dyna Comp -> EHX 'Ram's Head' Big Muff Pi -> Hiwatt DR103 100W Head & Yamaha RA-200 rotary cabinet

Smooth, singing violin-like fuzz sustain with slight rotary swirl and long ambient decay
Amp settings — Stranger PM40
CHANNELOverdrive Channel
GAIN 7 BASS 6 MID 5 TREBLE 5 MASTER 6
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain7
Bass6
Mid5
Treble5
Master6
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01Electro-Harmonix 'Ram's Head' Big Muff Pi

RECOMMENDED — not owned

Volume 6 · Tone 5 · Sustain 8

02Digital Delay / Tape Delay

RECOMMENDED — not owned (set to ~380ms for Gilmour ambient decay)

Time 6 · Feedback 5 · Level 4
Why these settings

The Stranger PM40 is a compact solid-state amp, so engage its built-in Overdrive channel with Gain at 7 to provide the singing sustain originally generated by a Big Muff into a loud Hiwatt DR103. Roll the Strat bridge tone knob back to 8 and keep the amp treble at 5 to tame harsh solid-state clipping and mimic Gilmour's rounded top-end. Adding a dedicated Big Muff and delay pedal down the line will instantly bridge the remaining gap.

PRO TIPPick firmly right next to the bridge saddles and apply wide, deliberate finger vibrato with the flesh of your index and middle fingers to maintain the smooth, continuous sustain without choking the notes.

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These settings are for a Stranger PM40. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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