How to Dial In "Heads Up" by Freddie King - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Heads Up"
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 Let's Hide Away and Dance Away with Freddy King (1961). Let's Hide Away and Dance Away with Freddy King is a 1961 instrumental album by the American blues guitarist Freddie King, released in 1961 by King Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson 1954 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue (R4) through a Fender '59 Bassman LTD Reissue, the rig we use for Freddie King's other songs from Let's Hide Away and Dance Away with Freddy King, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Heads Up" Tone
What guitar did Freddie King use on "Heads Up"?
The guitar on "Heads Up" (released 1961) isn't documented; the Gibson 1954 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue (R4) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Heads Up" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Heads Up" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Heads Up" 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 "Heads Up" by Freddie King are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.