How to Dial In "Talk to Me" by Kiss - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Talk to Me"
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 Unmasked (1980). Unmasked is the eighth studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on May 20, 1980, 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 Unmasked, 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 "Talk to Me" Tone
What guitar did Kiss use on "Talk to Me"?
The guitar on "Talk to Me" (released 1980) 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 "Talk to Me" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 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 "Talk to Me" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Talk to Me" 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 "Talk to Me" by Kiss are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.