How to Dial In "Drowning Witch" by Frank Zappa - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Drowning Witch"
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 Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch (1982). Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch is the 35th album by American musician Frank Zappa, released on May 3, 1982 and digitally remastered in 1991. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Frank Zappa's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Drowning Witch" Tone
What guitar did Frank Zappa use on "Drowning Witch"?
The guitar on "Drowning Witch" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Drowning Witch" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, 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 "Drowning Witch" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Drowning Witch" 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 "Drowning Witch" by Frank Zappa are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.