How to Dial In "Stella by Starlight" by Joe Pass - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Stella by Starlight"
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 Virtuoso (1973). Virtuoso is an album by jazz guitarist Joe Pass that was released in 1973. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-175 through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Joe Pass' other songs from Virtuoso, stands in. Set the amp clean, with the gain barely up and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Stella by Starlight" Tone
What guitar did Joe Pass use on "Stella by Starlight"?
The guitar on "Stella by Starlight" (released 1973) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-175 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Stella by Starlight" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 1, Bass 6, Mid 6.5, Treble 5.5, Presence 5, Volume 4. 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 "Stella by Starlight" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Stella by Starlight" 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 "Stella by Starlight" by Joe Pass are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.