How to Dial In "Criminal World" by David Bowie - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Criminal World"
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 Let's Dance (1983). Let's Dance is the fifteenth studio album by the English singer-songwriter David Bowie, released on 14 April 1983 through EMI America Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster through a Fender '64 Vibroverb Custom, the rig we use for David Bowie's other songs from Let's Dance, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Criminal World" Tone
What guitar did David Bowie use on "Criminal World"?
The guitar on "Criminal World" (released 1983) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Criminal World" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, 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 "Criminal World" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Criminal World" 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 "Criminal World" by David Bowie are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.