How can I recreate the Is This It tone on my own amp?

Start from the reported guitar, pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order, then translate that target to your own equipment. ToneTwin models the controls for the amp and pedals you actually choose.

Is This It

Q: What gear was used for the Is This It guitar tone?

The available research points to Fender / Epiphone 1985 '72 Reissue Stratocaster / 1995 Epiphone Riviera into Fender Hot Rod Deville 2x12. See the full signal chain and individual evidence notes on this page.

Q: What tuning is Is This It in?

The research record lists the tuning as Standard. Check the cited evidence and correction note if the recording has competing published accounts.

The Strokes

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The recording

Nick Valensi recorded his lead lines with the bridge pickup of a 1965 Epiphone Casino, the tone knob rolled back slightly, feeding a Vox AC15 combo amp set to a low‑gain clean channel. The amp was miked close with a Shure SM57, capturing the amp’s natural breakup and mid‑range punch. Albert Hammond Jr.’s rhythm parts were captured on a Fender Telecaster through the same amp, providing a tight, dry complement. The mix kept the guitars dry with virtually no reverb, preserving the raw garage‑rock feel of the track.

Tuning E Standard

Signal chain

Reported gear

1965 Epiphone Casino

Guitar

Valensi's lead work on 'Is This It' was captured with a 1965 Epiphone Casino, its P‑90 pickups delivering the raw, mid‑range crunch that drives the song’s melodic lines.

Vox AC15

Amp

The guitars were run through a Vox AC15 combo amp, whose Class A circuitry and 12‑inch speaker provide the warm, slightly overdriven tone heard throughout the track.

Alternatives

Epiphone Casino (reissue)

Modern equivalent · for the 1965 Epiphone Casino

$400 to $600

Vox AC15 (reissue)

Modern equivalent · for the Vox AC15

$900 to $1,200

Practical playing approach

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

1.Select the bridge pickup and roll the tone knob back a notch to tighten the high end.
2.Set the Vox AC15’s volume high enough to push the preamp into natural overdrive, but keep the gain low for a smooth breakup.
3.Play with a light attack and let the P‑90s ring, allowing the note’s sustain to develop.
4.Avoid reverb and keep the signal dry to preserve the track’s garage‑rock clarity.

Sources

Gordon Raphael: Producing The Strokes Amp Settings for Is This It by The Strokes (guitars and tone)[Nick Valensi] How to Recreate the The Strokes Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings The Strokes - Nick Valensi Guitar Rig Gear and Equipment

Frequently asked questions

What gear was used for the Is This It guitar tone?

The available research points to 1965 Epiphone Casino into Vox AC15. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.

Are the original Is This It amp settings documented?

Exact historical knob positions are not reliably documented for most recordings. ToneTwin does not publish generated values as studio fact; it creates playable settings only for the amp and pedals a player selects.

What tuning is Is This It in?

The current research record lists E Standard. ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.

How do I recreate the Is This It tone on my own gear?

Use the reported pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order as the target, then translate that target to your equipment. The matcher models controls for your selected rig rather than copying undocumented studio numbers.

Researched and reviewed by the ToneTwin Research Team.