How to Dial In "The Man's Too Strong" by Dire Straits - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Man's Too Strong"
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 Brothers in Arms (1985). Brothers in Arms is the fifth studio album by the British rock band Dire Straits, released on 17 May 1985, by Vertigo Records internationally and Warner Bros. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Pensa MK-1 through a Soldano SLO-100, the nearest rig to the one documented for Dire Straits, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Man's Too Strong" Tone
What guitar did Dire Straits use on "The Man's Too Strong"?
The guitar on "The Man's Too Strong" (released 1985) isn't documented; the Pensa MK-1 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Man's Too Strong" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "The Man's Too Strong" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Man's Too Strong" 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 "The Man's Too Strong" by Dire Straits are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.