How to Dial In "Rhythm Machine" by Bad Company - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Rhythm Machine"
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 Desolation Angels (1979). Desolation Angels is the fifth studio album by English rock supergroup Bad Company, released on 7 March 1979. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Bad Company's other songs from Desolation Angels, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Rhythm Machine" Tone
What guitar did Bad Company use on "Rhythm Machine"?
The guitar on "Rhythm Machine" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Rhythm Machine" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 6, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Rhythm Machine" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rhythm Machine" 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 "Rhythm Machine" by Bad Company are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.