How to Dial In "South California Purples" by Chicago - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "South California Purples"
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 Chicago Transit Authority (1969). The Chicago Transit Authority is the debut studio album by the American rock band Chicago, and the only album released under their original name Chicago Transit Authority. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Chicago's other songs from Chicago Transit Authority, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "South California Purples" Tone
What guitar did Chicago use on "South California Purples"?
The guitar on "South California Purples" (released 1969) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "South California Purples" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, 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 "South California Purples" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "South California Purples" 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 "South California Purples" by Chicago are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.