How to Dial In "Why Not?" by Gentle Giant - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Why Not?"
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 Gentle Giant (1970). Gentle Giant is the debut album by the British progressive rock band Gentle Giant, released in 1970. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100, the nearest rig we use for Gentle Giant's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Why Not?" Tone
What guitar did Gentle Giant use on "Why Not?"?
The guitar on "Why Not?" (released 1970) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Why Not?" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Why Not?" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Why Not?" 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 "Why Not?" by Gentle Giant are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.