The Moog Moogerfooger MF-101 Low Pass Filter is prominently heard on Dani California during the second part of each verse, creating the “wobbly” sound that starts around 0:45.
For the studio recording, John used a more complex setup than his live rig. According to his explanation, the audio was routed to trigger an envelope generator or ADSR in his modular synthesizer. The envelope generator responded to his dynamics and controlled a low-pass filter, allowing for more intricate filter effects compared to a standard auto-wah.
Frusciante uses the audio from the tape to trigger an envelope generator or ADSR in his modular synthesizer. The envelope generator responds to the playing dynamics and uses that information to dynamically control a low-pass filter. Unlike typical auto-Wah, this arrangement allows them to produce considerably more complex filter effects than simple Wah sounds.
John Frusciante – Dani California (Part 1)
On stage, John likely paired the MF-101 with a Moog CP-251 Control Processor, using its LFO control to replicate the filtering effect. A tutorial (How to get the Dani California Filter Effect – 3 Ways – The Frusciante Way Ep. 5) demonstrates how this pairing results in a tone that closely matches the studio version.
For those seeking a more affordable alternative to the MF-101, the Line 6 FM4 Filter Modeler is a great option. John himself used the FM4 for other purposes, and Josh Klinghoffer notably used it to play Dani California live, achieving a similar effect.
Leave a Reply