How to Dial In "San Francisco Days" by Chris Isaak - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "San Francisco Days"
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 San Francisco Days (1993). San Francisco Days is the fourth album by Chris Isaak, released in 1993. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Chris Isaak's other songs from San Francisco Days, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "San Francisco Days" Tone
What guitar did Chris Isaak use on "San Francisco Days"?
The guitar on "San Francisco Days" (released 1993) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "San Francisco Days" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 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 "San Francisco Days" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "San Francisco Days" 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 "San Francisco Days" by Chris Isaak are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.