How to Dial In "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Bette Davis Eyes"
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 Mistaken Identity (1981). Mistaken Identity is the sixth studio album by American singer Kim Carnes, released in April 1981 by EMI America Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, a bright, clean pop-rock pairing, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Bette Davis Eyes" Tone
What guitar did Kim Carnes use on "Bette Davis Eyes"?
The guitar on "Bette Davis Eyes" (released 1981) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Bette Davis Eyes" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5, Volume 5.5. 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 "Bette Davis Eyes" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Bette Davis Eyes" 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 "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.