How to Dial In "Miss Black America" by Curtis Mayfield - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Miss Black America"
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 Curtis (1970). Curtis is the debut studio album by American soul musician Curtis Mayfield, released in September 1970 by Curtom Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Curtis Mayfield's other songs from Curtis, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the middle pickup.
Common Questions About the "Miss Black America" Tone
What guitar did Curtis Mayfield use on "Miss Black America"?
The guitar on "Miss Black America" (released 1970) isn't documented; the Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Miss Black America" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "Miss Black America" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Miss Black America" 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 "Miss Black America" by Curtis Mayfield are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.