How to Dial In "The Letters" by King Crimson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Letters"
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 Islands (1971). Islands is the fourth studio album by English progressive rock band King Crimson, released on 3 December 1971 by Island Records in the United Kingdom, and in January 1972 by 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 a Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100, the rig we use for King Crimson's other songs from Islands, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Letters" Tone
What guitar did King Crimson use on "The Letters"?
The guitar on "The Letters" (released 1971) 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 "The Letters" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, 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 "The Letters" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Letters" 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 "The Letters" by King Crimson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.