How to Dial In "A World Without Heroes" by Kiss - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "A World Without Heroes"
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 Music from "The Elder" (1981). Music from "The Elder" is the ninth studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on November 10, 1981 by Casablanca Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Kiss' other songs from Music from The Elder, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "A World Without Heroes" Tone
What guitar did Kiss use on "A World Without Heroes"?
The guitar on "A World Without Heroes" (released 1981) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "A World Without Heroes" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, 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 "A World Without Heroes" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "A World Without Heroes" 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 "A World Without Heroes" by Kiss are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.