How to Dial In "Fire Escape" by Fastball - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Fire Escape"
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 All the Pain Money Can Buy (1998). A bright power-pop song with crunchy guitars. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Fender Bassman 100 (Silverface, Vintage) stands in. Set the amp at a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Fire Escape" Tone
What guitar did Fastball use on "Fire Escape"?
The guitar on "Fire Escape" (released 1998) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Fire Escape" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 5, 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 "Fire Escape" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Fire Escape" 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 "Fire Escape" by Fastball are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.