How to Dial In "Island in the Sun" by Alcatrazz - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Island in the Sun"
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 No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll (1983). Their debut album, produced by Dennis Mackay and recorded at Rocshire Studios in Anaheim and Skyline Studios in Topanga, California, it was released in October 1983 and launched Yngwie Malmsteen's solo career. The album is best known for the single "Island in the Sun". Yngwie Malmsteen, who played guitar on this album, is tied to scalloped-fingerboard Fender Stratocasters and Marshall amplifiers, but no source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue stands in. Set the amp to a driven crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Island in the Sun" Tone
What guitar did Alcatrazz use on "Island in the Sun"?
The guitar on "Island in the Sun" (released 1983) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Island in the Sun" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "Island in the Sun" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Island in the Sun" 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 "Island in the Sun" by Alcatrazz are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.