How to Dial In "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One" by King Crimson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One"
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 Larks' Tongues in Aspic (1973). Larks' Tongues in Aspic is the fifth studio album by the English progressive rock band King Crimson, released on 23 March 1973 through Island Records in the UK and Atlantic Records in the United States and Canada. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100, the nearest rig to the one documented for King Crimson, stands in. Set the amp to a driven crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One" Tone
What guitar did King Crimson use on "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One"?
The guitar on "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One" (released 1973) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 4.5, Mid 7, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One" 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.
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Tone references for "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One" by King Crimson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.