How to Dial In "West L.A. Fadeaway" by Grateful Dead - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "West L.A. Fadeaway"
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 In the Dark (1987). A slow, smoky shuffle on which Garcia's lead is full of bent notes and a warm, vocal sustain. Garcia's main guitar in 1987 was Doug Irwin's Tiger (Reverb), which isn't available here, and no source confirms his amp, so a Stratocaster through a Fender Twin Reverb reissue stands in. Set the amp clean with a little edge and use the neck and middle pickups. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "West L.A. Fadeaway" Tone
What guitar did Grateful Dead use on "West L.A. Fadeaway"?
The guitar on "West L.A. Fadeaway" (released 1987) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + middle (position 2) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "West L.A. Fadeaway" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. 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 "West L.A. Fadeaway" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "West L.A. Fadeaway" 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.
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Tone references for "West L.A. Fadeaway" by Grateful Dead are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.