How to Dial In "Whipping Boy" by Ben Harper - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Whipping Boy"
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 Welcome to the Cruel World (1994). Welcome to the Cruel World is the debut album by the American musician Ben Harper, released in 1994 through Virgin Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Ben Harper's other songs, stands in. Set the amp clean, with the gain barely up and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Whipping Boy" Tone
What guitar did Ben Harper use on "Whipping Boy"?
The guitar on "Whipping Boy" (released 1994) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Whipping Boy" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 4.5, Volume 5.5. 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 "Whipping Boy" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Whipping Boy" 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 "Whipping Boy" by Ben Harper are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.