How to Dial In "Twenty Small Cigars" by Frank Zappa - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Twenty Small Cigars"
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 Chunga's Revenge (1970). Chunga's Revenge is a 1970 album by Frank Zappa, released on October 23 by Zappa's own label Bizarre, and distributed by Reprise Records. 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 rig we use for Frank Zappa's other songs from Chunga's Revenge, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Twenty Small Cigars" Tone
What guitar did Frank Zappa use on "Twenty Small Cigars"?
The guitar on "Twenty Small Cigars" (released 1970) 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 "Twenty Small Cigars" 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 "Twenty Small Cigars" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Twenty Small Cigars" 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 "Twenty Small Cigars" by Frank Zappa are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.