I Sat by the Ocean amp settings — Marshall Code 50
The Queens of the Stone Age guitar tone for “I Sat by the Ocean”, dialed in for a Marshall Code 50 with a Epiphone SG Standard. Studio version, ...Like Clockwork (2013)
Orange OR120 / Ampeg V-4, Gibson SG or Maton BB1200, minimal pedals (light fuzz/overdrive stacking)
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 6 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 8 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01Tube Screamer (TS808 or TS9)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Used as a mid-boost to tighten palm mutes and push the amp's mids further. Keep drive low; this is a clean boost, not a fuzz tone.
The Marshall Code's JTM45 model approximates the Orange OR120's mid-forward, EL34-style breakup better than the modern high-gain models. Mids are pushed to 8 to replicate Homme's signature cut-through-the-mix tone; bass is kept at 4 to avoid mud in drop tuning. Treble is dropped to 5 (vs original 6) because the Code's digital treble can get harsh. Rolling guitar volume to 8 adds touch sensitivity for dynamics between verse and chorus.
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These settings are for a Marshall Code 50. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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