How to Dial In "Great Expectations" by Kiss - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Great Expectations"
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.
From Destroyer (1976), Bob Ezrin's orchestral production of Gene Simmons' song. Ace Frehley's studio rule was a Les Paul Standard through a Marshall stack, doubled, and Ezrin had him knock the guitar slightly out of tune for the double so the two tracks would rub together (Guitar World). Use the bridge pickup with a heavy Marshall crunch, and if you double the part, detune the second pass a few cents.
Common Questions About the "Great Expectations" Tone
What guitar did Kiss use on "Great Expectations"?
Kiss tracked "Great Expectations" on a Les Paul (released 1976). 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 "Great Expectations" need?
On a Super Lead: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 7, 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 "Great Expectations" 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 "Great Expectations" 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 "Great Expectations" by Kiss are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.