How to Dial In "Love Calling" by Billy Idol - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Love Calling"
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 Billy Idol (1982). Billy Idol is the debut studio album by English rock singer Billy Idol, released on 2 July 1982 by Chrysalis Records. The album's personnel list credits Billy Idol and Steve Stevens with guitars. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall JCM800 2204 (Vintage), the rig we use for Billy Idol's other songs from Billy Idol, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Love Calling" Tone
What guitar did Billy Idol use on "Love Calling"?
The guitar on "Love Calling" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Love Calling" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, 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 "Love Calling" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Love Calling" 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 "Love Calling" by Billy Idol are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.