[Nick Valensi] How to Recreate the The Strokes Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

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Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Nick Valensi, the guitarist of The Strokes, has captivated listeners with his sharp mid-range tone and dry sound that eschews reverb. His cutting riffs and rhythms, particularly evident in their debut album “Is This It,” symbolize the garage rock revival of the early 2000s.

His playing style is characterized by simple yet catchy phrases that blend seamlessly into the band’s overall sound while maintaining a strong presence. Valensi occupies a unique position between rhythm and lead guitar, and his interplay with Albert Hammond Jr. showcases the essence of The Strokes’ twin-guitar dynamic.

Notable examples of his sound include the mid-range cutting in “Last Nite” and “Someday,” the gritty crunch of the Epiphone Casino in “Hard to Explain,” and the recent incorporation of synth-like approaches in “At The Door.” Despite a straightforward gear setup, his innovative playing and settings highlight his distinctive appeal.

Furthermore, Valensi consistently delivers a powerful and straightforward tone using Fender amps and the Epiphone Riviera during live performances. By almost entirely avoiding reverb and utilizing compression and distortion, he adds an edge that gives the band a sharpness.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of The Strokes

List of Amplifiers and Features

Amplifiers play a crucial role in Nick Valensi’s sound design. The Strokes’ sound is characterized by a dry, forward tone with minimal reverb, making amplifier selection and settings directly impactful. One of his signature amplifiers is the Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212, known as his main amp during early recordings. Valensi has often mentioned setting it to “everything at 7,” which creates a clean yet edgy sound that became emblematic of The Strokes’ early tone.

The Fender Super-Sonic has also been noted in live performances and recordings, suggesting it offers a broader range of tonal possibilities. When paired with a Fender 4×12″ cabinet, it adds thickness to riffs and backing, ensuring clarity in the interplay of the twin guitars.

Additionally, boutique amps like the Carr Slant 6V combo and Carr Rambler have been used extensively in the studio, chosen for their ability to produce a more nuanced and dynamic sound. These amps can articulate the nuances from clean to crunch, faithfully reflecting Valensi’s guitar play.

On the other hand, the Vox AC30 is recommended for recreating the sound in “Hard to Explain,” with its signature chime fitting seamlessly into The Strokes’ music. The smaller Vox AC4TV has also been utilized in solos like “You’re So Right,” providing a unique distortion and lively character. This approach allows for distinct roles in live and recording settings while broadening the overall sound palette.

The choice of amplifiers reflects Valensi’s pursuit of a “dry, forward rock sound,” which has varied over time. Overall, his style is anchored around Fender amps, supplemented by Vox and Carr as needed, creating The Strokes’ signature tight and dry sound.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

At the core of Nick Valensi’s tone is the Epiphone Riviera P-94, a guitar he has cherished for years. This model, which is also his signature, features a semi-hollow body equipped with P-94 pickups that have characteristics close to single coils. The sharp mid-range cutting sound in early The Strokes heavily relies on this guitar, making it ideal for his position that balances rhythm and lead, consistently appearing as his main instrument in live settings.

In “Hard to Explain,” he uses the Epiphone Casino, which features a full hollow body and P-90 pickups, known for its slightly raw crunch and airy sound. This guitar pairs well with his reverb-less amp settings, adding depth to the band’s sound while maintaining clarity.

Valensi has also utilized the Epiphone Dot, which features two P-94 pickups, offering a character similar to the Riviera but with different nuances. Additionally, he has frequently used various Gibson guitars, such as the Gibson Faded Special Double Cutaway (with P-90s) and the Gibson Les Paul Custom (Black), as well as the Les Paul Junior (TV Yellow reissue) for situations requiring a simpler, thicker tone.

For vintage tones, he has been seen using a Gibson Les Paul (Tobacco Burst, resembling a ’58 Plain Top) and a Fender Telecaster (Custom Shop). As The Strokes’ albums have evolved, so has Valensi’s choice of guitars, expanding his tonal palette. Recently, a Duesenberg semi-hollow has been confirmed in use, indicating his exploration of more modern and diverse tones.

Thus, Valensi’s guitar collection has transitioned from a focus on Epiphone in the early days to a broader range including Gibson, Fender, and Duesenberg models in later years. This evolution has established a simple yet rich variety of tones that support The Strokes’ musical growth.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

In Nick Valensi’s sound design, effects are used strategically, albeit fewer than his amps and guitars. His tone is fundamentally dry and edgy, centered around crunch and distortion, while maintaining a reverb-less quality. This minimalist approach to his pedalboard is crucial in supporting The Strokes’ tight ensemble.

A key component is the Visual Sound Jekyll & Hyde Ultimate Overdrive (V1), which serves as the core of his distortion sound and is often left on during live performances. By basing the distortion on the amp’s clean tone, he achieves a gritty texture while maintaining clarity. The Pro Co RAT Distortion is also used alongside Albert Hammond Jr., adding a rougher, edgier drive when needed.

The Durham Electronics Sex Drive is utilized as a booster in studio work, naturally emphasizing the guitar’s attack. Other pedals like the Vox Cooltron Bulldog Distortion and Visual Sound Double Trouble have been confirmed, indicating a variety of distortion types used across different songs. In 2022, the Ibanez No. 59 Standard Fuzz (late ’70s model) was incorporated into his board, showcasing a pursuit of more psychedelic and experimental soundscapes.

Beyond overdrive, the Klon Centaur has been frequently spotted, with two units in 2019 and one in 2022, despite its high cost. Its natural boost and shimmering tone highlight Valensi’s lead play. For spatial effects, the Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man and Maxon AD-9 Pro are used, adding depth to phrases with slapback and subtle reverberation. The MXR Micro Amp and Dyna Comp are employed to control dynamics, ensuring tight rhythm.

In terms of modulation, pedals like the Boss TR-2 Tremolo, Boss CE-2 Chorus, and BF-2 Flanger have been effective, particularly in later songs to provide mellow textures. In “Selfless,” the Electro-Harmonix Octave POG is used to introduce octave sounds actively, while “At The Door” features the Roland GR-300 guitar synthesizer, creating a soundscape distinct from traditional garage rock tones.

This pedalboard structure indicates that Valensi consistently adheres to a “simple, forward rock tone” while incorporating new pedals as needed for each album or song, showcasing an evolution over time. The minimal effects are designed to maximize impact, ensuring they serve the music without overwhelming it.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

Nick Valensi’s sound design is integral to The Strokes’ musical identity. His guitar often plays simple phrases, yet each note carries an edge that tightens the overall composition. The secret lies not just in his guitar and effects but also in the EQ settings of his amplifiers and mixing techniques.

Starting with basic amplifier settings, the Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 used in early days is famous for its “everything at 7” configuration. By raising gain, bass, mid, treble, and presence evenly, he avoids unnecessary cuts while achieving natural distortion. This bold setting creates a tight tone that stands out even without reverb, defining the sound of The Strokes’ first album, “Is This It.”

From an EQ balance perspective, Valensi’s sound is characterized by a “linear tone centered around mids.” The bass is kept minimal to avoid interference with Albert Hammond Jr.’s guitar, allowing Nick’s guitar to dominate the midrange in the mix, forming the band’s “core” while avoiding clashes with vocals and drums.

The differentiation in song usage is also noteworthy. In “Hard to Explain,” he combines the Epiphone Casino with the Vox AC30, emphasizing a unique crunch. The AC30’s chime enhances the song’s drive. In contrast, “Someday” and “Last Nite” utilize the Riviera P-94 and Fender amps to maximize the sharpness of the cuts. Additionally, “Selfless” introduces depth with the Electro-Harmonix Octave POG, adding freshness to the traditional garage rock approach.

His choice of effects is also strategic. Distortion is primarily created with the Visual Sound Jekyll & Hyde, supplemented by the Pro Co RAT or Klon Centaur for boosting. This results in a tone that is “always distorted but not squashed.” The compressor (MXR Dyna Comp) is employed to ensure clarity in the cuts, particularly enhancing rhythm accuracy during live performances.

A distinctive feature in mixing is the deliberate exclusion of reverb. While rock guitars typically use reverb or delay for depth, The Strokes intentionally adopt a dry sound. This approach highlights the tightness of the rhythm and accentuates the band’s unity. Consequently, mix engineers avoid unnecessary spatial processing on the guitar, opting for EQ and compression to maintain clarity.

In recent tracks like “At The Door,” the incorporation of the Roland GR-300 guitar synthesizer and spatial effects showcases a different sonic approach. Even here, the mix preserves the guitar’s texture, maintaining The Strokes’ signature “human touch.”

Overall, Valensi’s sound design is characterized by a mid-focused, reverb-less, and simply constructed distortion setup, with adjustments made for each song. From an engineering perspective, this method maximizes presence by stripping away unnecessary processing, which is likely what makes The Strokes’ guitar sound unique.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

Recreating Nick Valensi’s sound can often require expensive and hard-to-find gear like the Epiphone Riviera P-94 or Klon Centaur. However, beginners and intermediate players can achieve a similar sound affordably and practically. Here, we focus on gear that can be acquired within a budget of approximately $100 to $500.

For guitars, the Epiphone Casino and Epiphone Dot are excellent entry-level options that can replicate Valensi’s semi-hollow tone. The Casino’s P-90 pickups can deliver a raw crunch similar to that in “Hard to Explain.” The Dot is also budget-friendly, and with modifications such as swapping pickups for P-94s or humbuckers, it can approximate the Riviera’s character.

Regarding amplifiers, while the Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 is costly, alternatives like the Fender Blues Junior or Boss Katana series are effective. The Katana, in particular, is a versatile modeling amp that allows for flexible distortion and EQ adjustments, making it easy to turn off reverb and experience Valensi’s “dry and straightforward” sound.

For effects, if the Visual Sound Jekyll & Hyde is hard to find, the BOSS DS-1 or BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver can serve as substitutes. The DS-1 offers a loud and gritty distortion, while the BD-2 provides a clear, mid-focused crunch that won’t overpower the tone. Additionally, mini pedals like the “Mooer Black Secret” can replace the Pro Co RAT at a lower price point. Introducing the BOSS CS-3 Compressor as an alternative to the MXR Dyna Comp can enhance rhythm stability.

For spatial effects, the Electro-Harmonix Memory Boy and BOSS DD-7 are reliable and affordable delay options. Setting them for slapback can easily recreate the depth of Valensi’s crunch sound. If you’re interested in experimenting with octave sounds, the Electro-Harmonix Nano POG or BOSS OC-5 can effectively substitute for the POG.

By combining these alternatives, you can achieve a “sharp mid-range and dry rock tone” reminiscent of Nick Valensi on a budget. The key points to remember are to “cut reverb,” “focus on mids in EQ,” and “set distortion to avoid excessive squashing.” The setup and playing technique can significantly bridge the gap, even more than the gear’s price.

Summary and Conclusion

Nick Valensi’s sound is a significant element that embodies The Strokes’ musical essence. The core of his sound design can be summarized in three points: “sharp mid-range without reverb,” “natural distortion that isn’t overly squashed,” and “simple yet effective use of effects.” While his playing often revolves around simple riffs and chord work, the interplay with Albert Hammond Jr. creates a layered guitar texture that has become the band’s hallmark.

His main gear, the Epiphone Riviera P-94, combines the clarity of single coils with the thickness of a semi-hollow body, achieving a “dry crunch” when played through Fender amps. This sound has been established from “Is This It” to “Room on Fire,” becoming a coveted tone for many guitarists. As time has progressed, incorporating models like the Casino, Les Paul, and Duesenberg has added breadth and experimentation to his sound.

Regarding effects, while his setup isn’t extensive, it revolves around core distortions like Jekyll & Hyde, Klon Centaur, and RAT, supplemented by minimal spatial effects. Recently, the use of POG and guitar synthesizers indicates The Strokes’ closer approach to synth sounds, showcasing flexibility. However, the underlying principle remains a “simple and tight rock guitar,” reflecting an aesthetic of stripping away excess.

For readers looking to replicate his sound, the focus should be on “setup and playing technique” rather than acquiring expensive gear. Cutting reverb from the amp, emphasizing mids in EQ, and playing with a strong attack can help achieve Valensi’s dry and aggressive tone. Furthermore, by occupying a position between cutting and lead, you can contribute to the overall tightness characteristic of The Strokes’ ensemble.

In summary, Nick Valensi’s sound design exemplifies a style that “stands out by stripping away.” Avoiding excessive embellishments, he maximizes the impact of simple gear and settings, offering valuable lessons for many guitarists. His playing may not be flashy, but his sound is a crucial piece that has propelled The Strokes to global success, embodying the essence of rock and roll that remains timeless.