How to Dial In "Wash Out" by Freddie King - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Wash Out"
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 blues guitarist and singer Freddie King (at the time spelled "Freddy"). No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson 1954 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue 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 "Wash Out" Tone
What guitar did Freddie King use on "Wash Out"?
The guitar on "Wash Out" (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 "Wash Out" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5.5, 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 "Wash Out" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Wash Out" 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 "Wash Out" by Freddie King are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.