How to Dial In "Space Oddity" by David Bowie - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Space Oddity"
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 David Bowie (1969). David Bowie (commonly known as Space Oddity) is the second studio album by the English musician David Bowie, released in the United Kingdom on 14 November 1969 through Mercury affiliate Philips Records. The album's article lists Junior's Eyes guitarist Mick Wayne in the line-up that recorded the single, alongside Herbie Flowers on bass, Rick Wakeman on Mellotron and Terry Cox on drums. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-335 through a Fender Deluxe Reverb, a warm, lightly driven pop-rock pairing, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Space Oddity" Tone
What guitar did David Bowie use on "Space Oddity"?
The guitar on "Space Oddity" (released 1969) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Space Oddity" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 4.5, Volume 5.5. 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 "Space Oddity" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Space Oddity" 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 "Space Oddity" by David Bowie are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.