How to Dial In "Cop Killer" by Body Count - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Cop Killer"
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 Body Count (1992). Body Count is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Body Count. The album's Wikipedia article says the song drew criticism from political figures and that Ice-T later chose to remove it from the album. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP LTD EC-1000 through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Body Count's other songs from Body Count, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Cop Killer" Tone
What guitar did Body Count use on "Cop Killer"?
The guitar on "Cop Killer" (released 1992) isn't documented; the ESP LTD EC-1000 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Cop Killer" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, 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 "Cop Killer" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Cop Killer" 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 "Cop Killer" by Body Count are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.