How to Dial In "Letter to Alan" by Cold Chisel - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Letter to Alan"
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 Circus Animals (1982). Circus Animals is the fourth studio album by Australian band Cold Chisel, released on 8 March 1982. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV, the rig we use for Cold Chisel's other songs from Circus Animals, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Letter to Alan" Tone
What guitar did Cold Chisel use on "Letter to Alan"?
The guitar on "Letter to Alan" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Letter to Alan" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 6, 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 "Letter to Alan" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Letter to Alan" 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 "Letter to Alan" by Cold Chisel are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.