How to Dial In "Man in Black" by Johnny Cash - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Man 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 Man in Black (1971). Man in Black is a 1971 album by country singer Johnny Cash, released on Columbia Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Esquire (Original) through a Fender '57 Custom Deluxe (Tweed Deluxe), the nearest rig we use for Johnny Cash's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the single pickup.
Common Questions About the "Man in Black" Tone
What guitar did Johnny Cash use on "Man in Black"?
The guitar on "Man in Black" (released 1971) isn't documented; the Fender Esquire (Original) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Man in Black" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. 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 "Man 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 "Man 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 "Man in Black" by Johnny Cash are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.