How to Dial In "Stage III" by Kyuss - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Stage III"
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). Their first full-length album, it was 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 nearest rig to the one documented for Kyuss, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it two whole steps down (C standard).
Common Questions About the "Stage III" Tone
What guitar did Kyuss use on "Stage III"?
The guitar on "Stage III" (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 "Stage III" 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 "Stage III" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Stage III" 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 "Stage III" by Kyuss are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.