Song Rig
Comfortably Numb (Solo)
David Gilmour · The Wall · 1979
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
The definitive sustain tone — a Hiwatt DR103 cranked into a Big Muff Pi with extreme note sustain and singing vibrato. The two solos use different settings: the first is warmer and slightly cleaner; the second is fuller and more saturated.
Signal Chain
- 1Fender Stratocaster (neck pickup)
- 2Electro-Harmonix Ram's Head Big Muff Pi
- 3Hiwatt DR103 (cranked)
- 4Yamaha RA-200 rotating cabinet
Amp Settings
Hiwatt's scooped mid character creates the wide-open, orchestral quality. The Big Muff adds gain and sustain on top. Rotating cabinet gives the second solo its animated, dimensional quality.
Technique
How to Play It
Long, sustained notes with slow vibrato applied after the note has bloomed — Gilmour always lets the note settle before adding vibrato, unlike most players who start vibrato immediately.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi + Boss CE-5 (subtle) into any amp with scooped mids. A Tube Screamer gives less sustain but more articulation.
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