How to Dial In "Firm Hand" by Carcass - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Firm Hand"
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 Swansong (1996). Swansong is the fifth studio album by English extreme metal band Carcass, released on 10 June 1996 by Earache Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Junior through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Carcass' other songs from Swansong, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the single pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Firm Hand" Tone
What guitar did Carcass use on "Firm Hand"?
The guitar on "Firm Hand" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Junior above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Firm Hand" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 6.5, 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 "Firm Hand" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Firm Hand" 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 "Firm Hand" by Carcass are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.