How to Dial In "Midnight Tango" by Al Di Meola - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Midnight Tango"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Elegant Gypsy (1977). Elegant Gypsy is the second album by the American jazz fusion guitarist Al Di Meola, released in April 1977 by Columbia Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Al Di Meola's other songs from Elegant Gypsy, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Midnight Tango" Tone
What guitar did Al Di Meola use on "Midnight Tango"?
The guitar on "Midnight Tango" (released 1977) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Midnight Tango" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Midnight Tango" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Midnight Tango" 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 "Midnight Tango" by Al Di Meola are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.