How to Dial In "One Step Up" by Bruce Springsteen - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "One Step Up"
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 Tunnel of Love (1987). Tunnel of Love is the eighth studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on October 9, 1987. 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 Tunnel of Love, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "One Step Up" Tone
What guitar did Bruce Springsteen use on "One Step Up"?
The guitar on "One Step Up" (released 1987) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1963 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 "One Step Up" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "One Step Up" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "One Step Up" 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 "One Step Up" by Bruce Springsteen are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.