How to Dial In "Point of Know Return" by Kansas - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Point of Know Return"
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 Super Lead. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Standard tuning. The title track is short and tightly arranged rather than sprawling, and the guitar spends most of it in unison or harmony with Robby Steinhardt's violin — which is the tonal problem to solve. Against a bowed instrument a scooped or heavily saturated guitar disappears, so keep the mids up and the gain moderate so the two voices interlock instead of masking each other. Kerry Livgren and Rich Williams split rhythm and lead; the parts are doubled and panned, so single-tracking will sound thin. Recorded 1977 at Woodland Sound in Nashville. Play the riff with a firm, even pick attack — it is written in a driving straight feel with no swing, and any looseness pulls it away from the violin line.
Common Questions About the "Point of Know Return" Tone
What guitar did Kansas use on "Point of Know Return"?
Kansas tracked "Point of Know Return" on a Les Paul (released 1977). The Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Point of Know Return" need?
On a Super Lead: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Point of Know Return" without a Super Lead?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Point of Know Return" 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 "Point of Know Return" by Kansas are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.