Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love amp settings — Zoom G3Xn
The Van Halen guitar tone for “Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love”, dialed in for a Zoom G3Xn with a Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster. Studio version, Van Halen I (1978)
Marshall Super Lead 1959 100-watt Plexi (variac'd), Frankenstrat with PAF-style humbucker, MXR Phase 90, MXR Flanger, Echoplex EP-3 for slapback
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 7 |
01Zoom G3Xn Phaser (ZNR → Phaser block)
Slow swirl—Eddie's Phase 90 was set around 9 o'clock. Keep it subtle, not seasick.
02Zoom G3Xn Flanger (for bridge/chorus sections)
Engage only on the bridge section for that jet-sweep texture. Disable for verses.
03Zoom G3Xn Delay (Slapback)
120-150ms slapback, very low repeats. Adds width without wash—Echoplex vibe.
Your Squier CV 50s has single coils where Eddie used a hot humbucker—compensate by pushing gain +1 over the original's setting and rolling treble back to 6 (Strat bridge is ice-picky). The G3Xn's MS1959 model is your Plexi; if it feels thin, try the BG MK1 for more midrange meat. Bass dropped to 4 because single coils don't need the low-end compensation a humbucker would.
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These settings are for a Zoom G3Xn. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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