How to Dial In "Heavy Load" by Free - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Heavy Load"
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 Fire and Water (1970). Fire and Water is the third studio album by the English rock band Free, released on 26 June 1970. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue (Custom Shop) through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Free's other songs from Fire and Water, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Heavy Load" Tone
What guitar did Free use on "Heavy Load"?
The guitar on "Heavy Load" (released 1970) isn't documented; the Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue (Custom Shop) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Heavy Load" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 7, 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 "Heavy Load" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Heavy Load" 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 "Heavy Load" by Free are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.