How to Dial In "Rhapsody in Black" by Helstar - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Rhapsody in Black"
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 Nosferatu (1989). Nosferatu is the fourth album by American heavy metal band Helstar, released by Metal Blade Records in November 1989. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Flying V through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Helstar's other songs from Nosferatu, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Rhapsody in Black" Tone
What guitar did Helstar use on "Rhapsody in Black"?
The guitar on "Rhapsody in Black" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Gibson Flying V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Rhapsody in Black" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 7, Volume 7. 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 "Rhapsody in Black" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rhapsody in Black" 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 "Rhapsody in Black" by Helstar are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.