How to Dial In "Big Bikes" by Kyuss - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Big Bikes"
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 Wretch (1991). Wretch is the first full-length album by American rock band Kyuss, released in September 1991. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall JCM900 4100 Dual Reverb, the rig we use for Kyuss' other songs from Wretch, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in C♯ standard (C♯ F♯ B E G♯ C♯), three half steps below standard.
Common Questions About the "Big Bikes" Tone
What guitar did Kyuss use on "Big Bikes"?
The guitar on "Big Bikes" (released 1991) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in C♯ Standard (C♯ F♯ B E G♯ C♯), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Big Bikes" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 7, Mid 5, Treble 5.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "Big Bikes" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Big Bikes" 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 "Big Bikes" by Kyuss are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.