How to Dial In "Sonic Reducer" by Dead Boys - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Sonic Reducer"
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 Young, Loud and Snotty (1977). Their debut album, produced by Genya Ravan and recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York, it was released on Sire in October 1977. Cheetah Chrome has said he recorded the album on a Les Paul copy through his Sound City amp, as Equipboard quotes his book, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s through a Sound City L100 (Vintage) stands in. Set the amp to a driven crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Sonic Reducer" Tone
What guitar did Dead Boys use on "Sonic Reducer"?
The guitar on "Sonic Reducer" (released 1977) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Sonic Reducer" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, 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 "Sonic Reducer" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Sonic Reducer" 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 "Sonic Reducer" by Dead Boys are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.