How to Dial In "This Masquerade" by George Benson - Guitar Tone Settings
What George Benson Actually Used on "This Masquerade"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These are the numbers on the record. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Leon Russell's song as George Benson sings it on Breezin', the 1976 Tommy LiPuma-produced album that made him a crossover star. The guitar sits under and around the vocal with a warm, rounded archtop sound. Music Connection lists his Gibson Johnny Smith as the guitar played on Breezin' and used to record this song. No source available here names the amp, so none is listed. Use the neck pickup with a clean, warm amp setting with the highs softened. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "This Masquerade" Tone
What guitar did George Benson use on "This Masquerade"?
George Benson tracked "This Masquerade" on a Gibson Johnny Smith (released 1976). Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "This Masquerade" need?
On the original amp: Gain 2, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 5, Presence 4.5, Volume 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 "This Masquerade" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "This Masquerade" 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 "This Masquerade" by George Benson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.