How to Dial In "Maximum Overdrive" by Hi-STANDARD - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Maximum Overdrive"
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 Growing Up (1995). A fast melodic punk song with a tight, bright, lightly scooped distortion. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Les Paul through a JCM800 stands in. Use the bridge pickup with a tight, high-gain punk crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Maximum Overdrive" Tone
What guitar did Hi-STANDARD use on "Maximum Overdrive"?
The guitar on "Maximum Overdrive" (released 1995) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Maximum Overdrive" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Maximum Overdrive" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Maximum Overdrive" 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 "Maximum Overdrive" by Hi-STANDARD are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.