Pinball Wizard
A big strummed acoustic through a bright amp, with the electric doubling the changes.
- Guitar
- Acoustic, capo 3
- Amp — Volume
- 6
- Amp — Treble
- 8
- Amp — Bass
- 5
- Reverb
- Light
All musicians
PT
The Who
Pete Townshend
Rock1964–presentUK
Windmills, Hiwatt stacks and SG Specials: Townshend built the template for the loud, chord-driven rock guitar sound, then added synths to it.
Known for: My Generation, Pinball Wizard, Won't Get Fooled Again
7
gear entries
7
with sources
Rig rundown
Amps
3Fender Vibro-King
AmpHis later-stage combo for smaller rooms.
Marshall Super Lead stack
AmpEarly stacks before the switch to Hiwatt.
Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100
AmpPaired with Fane-loaded 4x12s for a clean, deafening wall.
Guitars
3Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
GuitarThe 'Number 3' Les Pauls used from Woodstock onwards.
Gibson SG Special
GuitarP90s and a tremolo, smashed nightly through the '60s.
Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster (Knight Guitars mod)
GuitarModified with a Fishman acoustic bridge pickup and an EMG preamp.
Other gear
1Custom Audio Control Panel
OtherKnobs and switches for echo, tempo and drive.
Dial-in specs
What to dial in to chase Pete Townshend's signature sounds — knob positions, pickup choice and amp EQ as documented.
Won't Get Fooled Again
Clean, enormous and uncluttered — the power comes from the amp's headroom, not from gain.
- Guitar
- Les Paul Deluxe, bridge pickup
- Guitar volume
- 10
- Guitar tone
- 9
- Amp — Volume
- 9
- Amp — Bass
- 6
- Amp — Mid
- 5
- Amp — Treble
- 8