How to Dial In "Written in Stone" by Fu Manchu - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Written in Stone"
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 Start the Machine (2004). Start the Machine is the eighth album by California stoner rock band Fu Manchu. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the nearest rig we use for Fu Manchu's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop D.
Common Questions About the "Written in Stone" Tone
What guitar did Fu Manchu use on "Written in Stone"?
The guitar on "Written in Stone" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop D (D A D G B E), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Written in Stone" 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 "Written in Stone" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Written in Stone" 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 "Written in Stone" by Fu Manchu are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.