How to Dial In "Shift Kicker" by Fu Manchu - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Shift Kicker"
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 Eatin' Dust (1999). Eatin' Dust (also released as Godzilla's/Eatin' Dust) is the fifth studio album by American stoner rock band Fu Manchu, released on February 19, 1999, on Man's Ruin. 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 Eatin' Dust, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Shift Kicker" Tone
What guitar did Fu Manchu use on "Shift Kicker"?
The guitar on "Shift Kicker" (released 1999) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Shift Kicker" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6.5, Mid 5, Treble 5, Presence 5.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "Shift Kicker" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Shift Kicker" 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 "Shift Kicker" by Fu Manchu are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.