How to Dial In "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Jimi Hendrix - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "The Star-Spangled Banner"
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 numbers are for a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From the Woodstock set of 18 August 1969, released in full on Live at Woodstock (1999). Hendrix played his 1968 Olympic White Fender Stratocaster, restrung for left-handed playing with .010-.038 strings, through a pair of Marshall JTM 100 Super Lead heads into Marshall 4x12 cabinets; the Marshall Plexi Super Lead reissue and a Hendrix-signature Stratocaster stand in. The sources describe the performance as feedback, distortion and whammy-bar work rather than a pedal sound. The sources describe a Fuzz Face, Uni-Vibe and Vox wah as part of his Woodstock rig, but none ties them to this performance, so no pedals are listed. Tuning isn't confirmed by the sources used here.
Common Questions About the "The Star-Spangled Banner" Tone
What guitar did Jimi Hendrix use on "The Star-Spangled Banner"?
Jimi Hendrix tracked "The Star-Spangled Banner" on a Stratocaster (released 1999). The Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster named above is a later replica, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "The Star-Spangled Banner" need?
On Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue: Gain 7.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 5.5, Volume 8. 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 "The Star-Spangled Banner" without a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Star-Spangled Banner" 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 "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Jimi Hendrix are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.