How to Dial In "Ticket to the Moon" by Electric Light Orchestra - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Ticket to the Moon"
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 Time (1981). A hazy, melancholy ballad with soft, clean guitar and strings. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Vox AC30 C2 stands in. Use the middle and bridge pickups together and set the amp clean, just short of breakup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Ticket to the Moon" Tone
What guitar did Electric Light Orchestra use on "Ticket to the Moon"?
The guitar on "Ticket to the Moon" (released 1981) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle + bridge (position 4) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Ticket to the Moon" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Ticket to the Moon" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ticket to the Moon" 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 "Ticket to the Moon" by Electric Light Orchestra are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.