21st Century Schizoid Man (Riff · Distorted) — Guitar Tone

The 21st Century Schizoid Man by King Crimson guitar tone is built on a Hiwatt / Vox, dialed in at gain 7/10, bass 6, mid 6, treble 6, presence 5 (community-researched baseline). Full breakdown below — then adapt every knob to your exact guitar and amp, free.

Amp settings (0–10)

Community-researched baseline. Your rig is different — GuitarToneAdapt re-dials every knob for your specific guitar, amp and pickups.

Original gear

Guitar: Les Paul (Robert Fripp) · Amp: Hiwatt / Vox

Pickups

bridge pickup

Tone character

Aggressive, fuzzy, dissonant riffing in tight unison — raw and menacing for its era.

Note: Amp settings are an informed estimate from the artist's documented rig and era; adapt by ear.

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