How to Dial In "Wiped-Out" by Ace Frehley - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Wiped-Out"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Super Lead. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Ace Frehley (1978). Ace Frehley is the first solo album by American guitarist and former Kiss member Ace Frehley, released on September 18, 1978, by Casablanca Records. Frehley has said he recorded nearly the whole album with his 1959 sunburst Les Paul, played through Marshall amps, so a Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue is the closest modern match to that rig. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Wiped-Out" Tone
What guitar did Ace Frehley use on "Wiped-Out"?
Ace Frehley tracked "Wiped-Out" on a Les Paul (released 1978). The Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue (Custom Shop) named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Wiped-Out" need?
On a Super Lead: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 8. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Wiped-Out" without a Super Lead?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Wiped-Out" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Wiped-Out" by Ace Frehley are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.