How to Dial In "Prince" by Deftones - Guitar Tone Settings
What Deftones Actually Used on "Prince"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Marshall JMP-1 Valve MIDI Preamp. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Diamond Eyes (2010). A heavy, stop-start Diamond Eyes track driven by a downtuned riff. Diamond Eyes was written on an eight-string guitar, and Premier Guitar's 2013 rig rundown says Carpenter's old analog rig, used for many years before he moved to an Axe-Fx, was a Marshall JMP-1 MIDI preamp into a Marshall EL34 100/100 power amp. His ESP SC-608B 8-string and a JMP-1 stand in; the separate power amp is left out. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Carpenter's eight-string is tuned F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E according to Premier Guitar; the app has no preset for it, so tuning is left unset.
Common Questions About the "Prince" Tone
What guitar did Deftones use on "Prince"?
Deftones tracked "Prince" on an ESP LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-608B Baritone 8-String (released 2010). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Prince" need?
On Marshall JMP-1 Valve MIDI Preamp: Gain 6, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 6, 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 "Prince" without a Marshall JMP-1 Valve MIDI Preamp?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Prince" 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 "Prince" by Deftones are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.