How to Dial In "Pumping on Steel" by Billy Idol - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Pumping on Steel"
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 Charmed Life (1990). Charmed Life is the fourth studio album by the English rock musician Billy Idol, released on 30 April 1990 by Chrysalis Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Billy Idol's other songs from Charmed Life, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Pumping on Steel" Tone
What guitar did Billy Idol use on "Pumping on Steel"?
The guitar on "Pumping on Steel" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Pumping on Steel" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 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 "Pumping on Steel" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Pumping on Steel" 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 "Pumping on Steel" by Billy Idol are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.