What tuning is Reptilia in?

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

How can I recreate the Reptilia 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.

Reptilia

Q: What gear was used for the Reptilia guitar tone?

The available research points to Fender 1985 '70s Reissue Stratocaster into Fender Hot Rod DeVille 2x12. See the full signal chain and individual evidence notes on this page.

The Strokes

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The recording

Recorded at TMF Studios in New York City with producer Gordon Raphael, the guitar parts for "Reptilia" were captured by running a 1985 Japanese Fender Stratocaster through a cranked Fender Hot Rod DeVille, using the bridge pickup and full guitar volume to push the amp into natural tube breakup. No pedals were used; the raw overdriven tone sits prominently in the mix.

Signal chain

Reported gear

1985 Japanese Fender Stratocaster

Guitar

Albert Hammond Jr. recorded the rhythm and lead parts on Reptilia using a 1985 Japanese Fender Stratocaster, delivering the bright, biting tone heard in the track.

Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 Combo

Amp

The Strokes used a Fender Hot Rod DeVille cranked to natural tube breakup, shaping the aggressive, mid‑forward tone of Reptilia.

Alternatives

Fender Player Stratocaster

Modern equivalent · for the 1985 Japanese Fender Stratocaster

$500 to $700

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe

Modern equivalent · for the Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 Combo

$400 to $600

Practical playing approach

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

1.Select the bridge pickup for maximum bite.
2.Turn the guitar volume knob up to full to drive the amp.
3.Set the Hot Rod DeVille's Drive knob around 7 and crank the master volume to push the tubes.
4.Attack the strings with aggressive alternate picking to emphasize the song's rhythm.
5.Keep effects to a minimum and let the amp’s natural breakup shape the tone.

Sources

The Strokes Amp Settings & Gear to Emulate Their Guitar Tone!Tone Settings for Reptilia by The Strokes (guitar and amp) - Guitar Chalk The Strokes - Reptilia: Guitar Sound bass guitar from "reptilia" by the strokes | built with ToneDB Reptilia by The Strokes - Songfacts

Frequently asked questions

What gear was used for the Reptilia guitar tone?

The available research points to 1985 Japanese Fender Stratocaster into Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 Combo. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.

Are the original Reptilia 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.

How do I recreate the Reptilia 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.