How to Dial In "Stiletto" by Billy Joel - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Stiletto"
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 52nd Street (1978). 52nd Street is the sixth studio album by the American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released on October 11, 1978, by Columbia Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Standard Telecaster through a Fender Deluxe Reverb, the rig we use for Billy Joel's other songs from 52nd Street, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Stiletto" Tone
What guitar did Billy Joel use on "Stiletto"?
The guitar on "Stiletto" (released 1978) isn't documented; the Fender Standard Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Stiletto" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "Stiletto" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Stiletto" 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 "Stiletto" by Billy Joel are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.