Gravity

The recording

Mayer tracks his part on a 2004 Fender Custom Shop Black1 Stratocaster using the neck pickup in position four, allowing the single‑coil to capture a warm, rounded tone. The signal passes through a low‑gain Klon Centaur for subtle compression, then splits into three amps—a Two‑Rock Custom Reverb Signature, a Dumble Steel String Singer, and a Fender Vibro‑King—whose outputs are blended in the console, giving the clean‑yet‑fat sound that swells with his dynamic picking. The Dumble’s 4×12 cabinet adds depth while the Two‑Rock provides clarity, and the Vibro‑King contributes classic Fender reverb.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)

Reported gear

2004 Fender Custom Shop Black1 Stratocaster

Guitar

Mayer used his 2004 Fender Custom Shop Black1 Stratocaster, built for the Continuum sessions, featuring his signature 'Big Dipper' single‑coil pickups, to deliver the clean, articulate tone on 'Gravity'.

Klon Centaur Overdrive Pedal

Overdrive

A Klon Centaur sits in the chain, set low to add subtle harmonic richness and compression without overt distortion, helping the clean tone retain sustain and dynamics.

Two-Rock Custom Reverb Signature (Signature)

Amp

The primary amp for the track is a Two‑Rock Custom Reverb Signature, providing a warm, dynamic clean platform that captures the nuance of Mayer’s touch.

Dumble Steel String Singer (SSS)

Amp

A Dumble Steel String Singer (SSS) is blended in the studio mix, adding smooth, compressed overdrive that enriches the low‑end and gives a vocal‑like sustain to the clean core tone.

Fender Vibro-King

Amp

Mayer also mixes in a Fender Vibro‑King, contributing classic Fender reverb and a bright clean edge that complements the Two‑Rock’s warmth.

Cabinet

Dumble 4×12 Cabinet

Cabinet

The Dumble amp is paired with its original 4×12 cabinet, delivering tight low frequencies and a rich midrange that define the song’s body.

Alternatives

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster

Budget alternative · for the 2004 Fender Custom Shop Black1 Stratocaster

$150 to $180

Matchless DC-30

Modern equivalent · for the Dumble Steel String Singer (SSS)

$2,000 to $2,500

Fulltone OCD Overdrive Pedal

Modern equivalent · for the Klon Centaur Overdrive Pedal

$120 to $150

Fender ’63 Tweed Deluxe Reissue

Reissue · for the Fender Vibro-King

$1,200 to $1,500

Friedman BE-100

Modern equivalent · for the Two-Rock Custom Reverb Signature (Signature)

$1,500 to $2,000

2×12 Celestion Vintage 30 Cabinet

Budget alternative · for the Dumble 4×12 Cabinet

$500 to $700

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Use the guitar’s volume knob to control dynamics—roll back for clean verses, open up for solos.
2. 2.Select the neck pickup and set the tone knob around six for a warm core tone.
3. 3.Let the notes ring and rely on the amp’s natural compression—avoid excessive picking.
4. 4.Apply subtle finger vibrato and bends to emulate vocal‑like expression.