How to Dial In "Birmingham Blues" by Electric Light Orchestra - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Birmingham Blues"
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 Out of the Blue (1977). Out of the Blue is the seventh studio album by the British rock group Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released on 24 October 1977 in the United States and four days later in the UK on 28 October. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for Electric Light Orchestra's other songs from Out of the Blue, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the middle pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Birmingham Blues" Tone
What guitar did Electric Light Orchestra use on "Birmingham Blues"?
The guitar on "Birmingham Blues" (released 1977) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Birmingham Blues" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6. 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 "Birmingham Blues" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Birmingham Blues" 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 "Birmingham Blues" by Electric Light Orchestra are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.