How to Dial In "Low Levels, High Stakes" by Allan Holdsworth - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Low Levels, High Stakes"
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 Hard Hat Area (1993). Hard Hat Area is the eighth studio album by the English guitarist Allan Holdsworth, released in 1993 by Polydor Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Carvin Allan Holdsworth HF2 through a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus, the nearest rig we use for Allan Holdsworth's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the single pickup.
Common Questions About the "Low Levels, High Stakes" Tone
What guitar did Allan Holdsworth use on "Low Levels, High Stakes"?
The guitar on "Low Levels, High Stakes" (released 1993) isn't documented; the Carvin Allan Holdsworth HF2 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Low Levels, High Stakes" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 5, Presence 4.5, Volume 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 "Low Levels, High Stakes" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Low Levels, High Stakes" 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 "Low Levels, High Stakes" by Allan Holdsworth are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.