How to Dial In "Heat Wave" by Linda Ronstadt - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Heat Wave"
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 Prisoner in Disguise (1975). Prisoner in Disguise is the sixth solo album by Linda Ronstadt, released in 1975 on Asylum Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Fender '57 Custom Deluxe (Tweed Deluxe), the nearest rig we use for Linda Ronstadt's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Heat Wave" Tone
What guitar did Linda Ronstadt use on "Heat Wave"?
The guitar on "Heat Wave" (released 1975) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Heat Wave" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Heat Wave" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Heat Wave" 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 "Heat Wave" by Linda Ronstadt are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.