How to Dial In "California Crossing" by Fu Manchu - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "California Crossing"
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 California Crossing (2002). California Crossing is the seventh studio album by the American stoner rock band Fu Manchu, released on October 23, 2001, by Mammoth Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Fu Manchu's other songs from California Crossing, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "California Crossing" Tone
What guitar did Fu Manchu use on "California Crossing"?
The guitar on "California Crossing" (released 2002) 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 "California Crossing" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 5, Presence 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 "California Crossing" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "California Crossing" 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 "California Crossing" by Fu Manchu are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.