Zero amp settings — Marshall Mg15r
The Smashing Pumpkins guitar tone for “Zero”, dialed in for a Marshall Mg15r with a Jackson JS22 Dinky. Studio version, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995)
Fender Stratocaster (Lace Sensors, bridge pickup) → Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (NYC) → Marshall JCM900 4100 Dual Reverb
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 10 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 4 |
01Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. This pedal is essential for the 'Zero' tone; the amp alone cannot replicate the Big Muff's woolly, harmonically-rich fuzz. A budget alternative like the EHX Green Russian reissue or Behringer SF300 gets you close.
The MG15R lacks a presence knob, so that value is null. Your Jackson's high-output humbuckers are hotter than Corgan's Lace Sensors, so the amp will saturate faster — I've kept gain maxed since the Big Muff is the primary dirt source, but your humbuckers will add thickness the original lacked. Mid pushed to 7 compensates for the MG's tendency to scoop; treble dropped to 5 prevents the fizz that solid-state Marshalls add at high gain.
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These settings are for a Marshall Mg15r. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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