How to Dial In "Local Hero" by Bruce Springsteen - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Local Hero"
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 Lucky Town (1992). Lucky Town is the tenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Bruce Springsteen's other songs from Lucky Town, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Local Hero" Tone
What guitar did Bruce Springsteen use on "Local Hero"?
The guitar on "Local Hero" (released 1992) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Local Hero" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, 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 "Local Hero" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Local Hero" 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 "Local Hero" by Bruce Springsteen are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.