Tone library / Van Halen / Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love

Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love amp settings — Line 6 Spider v 20 mkll

The Van Halen guitar tone for “Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love”, dialed in for a Line 6 Spider v 20 mkll with a Flight EIB- 10 electric guitar BLK. Studio version, Van Halen (1978 debut album)

Original rig

Frankenstrat (single bridge humbucker) → MXR Phase 90 → Boss BF-2 Flanger → Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead (Variac'd, cranked)

Crunchy, harmonically rich rhythm with aggressive pick attack, singing sustain, and swirling phase movement

Amp settings — Line 6 Spider v 20 mkll

CHANNELCrunch (select 'Crunch' amp model via channel knob)

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	5
Mid	7
Treble	6
Presence	0
Reverb	2
Master	5

Don’t have a Line 6 Spider v 20 mkll? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Spider V Built-in Phaser

Engage via FX button; use slow sweep for the main riff's warble—keep it subtle, not seasick

Speed 3 · Depth 5

02Spider V Built-in Flanger

Switch from phaser to flanger for the chorus sections; jet-plane sweep should be audible but not overwhelming

Speed 3 · Depth 4 · Regen 3

03Spider V Built-in Tape Echo

Slapback delay for width—one repeat, short time, low in mix

Time 3 · Feedback 2 · Mix 3

Why these settings

The Spider V's Crunch model approximates a pushed Plexi but has more compressed mids and less touch-sensitive breakup. Gain stays at 7 to hit Eddie's saturated-but-defined zone; mid pushed to 7 compensates for the Spider's slightly scooped voicing vs a real Plexi. Treble pulled to 6 because the Spider's digital high end can get harsh where a Plexi stays smooth. Your Flight guitar's stock ceramic humbucker is hotter and brighter than Eddie's PAF-style wind, so the rolled-back treble and tone knob at 8 prevent ice-pick highs.

PRO TIPEddie's pinch harmonics on the riff turnaround come from picking right at the bridge pickup pole pieces with your thumb grazing the string immediately after the pick attack—practice that thumb placement until the squeal pops out naturally on the G string's 2nd fret.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Line 6 Spider v 20 mkll. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.