How to Dial In "New York City" by John Lennon - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "New York City"
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 Some Time in New York City (1972). A Chuck Berry-style riff rocker with a raw, bright guitar sound. A retailer history says Lennon used his Epiphone Casino through the early 1970s, but it doesn't say which guitars are on this track, and his amp isn't documented, so a Casino stands in and no amp is set. Set the amp at a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "New York City" Tone
What guitar did John Lennon use on "New York City"?
The guitar on "New York City" (released 1972) isn't documented; the Epiphone Casino above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "New York City" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, 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 "New York City" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "New York City" 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 "New York City" by John Lennon are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.